Over the weekend, I hosted a family gathering to celebrate the September Birthdays.
My two son's and my son-in-law's.
The logistics of getting everyone together for each birthday was difficult with so many busy lives, so one special day was chosen.
Of course they wanted pies.
Not birthday cake.
Pies.
Apple pies.
So as I peeled the apples, I thought of these special guys in my life and how fortunate I am.
There is something very wonderful about having sons.
There is a special pride watching them grow into strong, independent, responsible young men.
They definitely deserve pies.
Baking pies is something that does take some time, though.
It is a true labor of love.
Much like raising boys.
When you think of everything that goes into it.
First the apple tree needs to be nurtured, then the apples matured and picked, the wheat grown and harvested, the flour milled, the spices gathered and ground, and everything put together in just the right proportions.
The apples have to have their tough skins peeled and the rotten parts cut away.
The sweet spice and the sour apples must be balanced.
A little butter is added to soften things up.
The pie crust needs to be carefully blended to hold together through life's rolling.
And then after molding this creation, you hope it all comes out alright.
Maybe not perfect, but with charming flaws.
Tempered by life's fire, you hope it is the perfect blend of tender on the inside, but tough on the outside.
Strong enough to withstand the heat, but tender enough to stay kind, honest and just.
With just enough humor to add some spice.
And in the end you get to savor the results of a true labor of love.
Baking pies and raising sons.
Who knew the recipe was the same?
xx
To make these mini pies just use your favorite pie recipe and cut the cooking time by about half. I used oven to freezer mini casserole dishes.
You can find my apple pie recipe in my baking section.
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteWow, you sure have been one busy gal. Your apple/birthday pies look delicious. I bet the three guys just loved them and your kitchen smelled heavenly.
That looks scrumptious. I'm sure they enjoyed their pies - and I wonder if they guessed at all you were thinking about the work of raising them while they tucked in?
ReplyDeleteAfter raising 3 boys, I know exactly what you mean! Also, our family always asks for pies instead of cake. Apple, strawberry/rhubarb, and cherry are the favorites. Those little pies you made are very cute. I must try that.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Karen.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of the late, great Carl Sagan's comment: If you want to bake an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe.
Thank you for your kind words of condolence. And I'm glad you found me again, too!
xxoo, m
Dearest Karen,
ReplyDeleteYou are such an excellent writer! This recipe of LOVE and Apple Pies is perfect.
A warm hug to you and your family; they're so blessed with a caring and loving wife/Mom like you.
Mariette
A delicious photo essay!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to all three!
The pies look mouth-watering.
A have a son myself and I so agree about the pride at watching them grow. My son had his own son two years ago and watching him as a father couldn't make me more proud.
I was just thinking about apple earlier today as well as apple strudel ... and here you are with your great post on apple pies.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea -- apple pie instead of birthday cakes :)
What a lovely post. Happy Belated Birthday to the three boys / men in your life.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with your boys - I would much prefer a pie (and an apple pie, more specifically) than a cake for my birthday.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post accompanied by beautiful photos, Karen. <3