My reputation as a baker would be on the line if this news ever got out: I have fear of pie crusts. Not eating it, mind you, but making it. And it’s really put a crimp (uh, sorry) in my repertoire because it limits me to cookies, cakes, quick breads and bars. I’ll still clip pie recipes from magazines and newspapers, and peel off labels from cans in the hope that one day my fear can be conquered. I confess to making the occasional pie, but only thanks to those perfectly shaped, pre-rolled discs available in the dairy case. For a long time, I avoided buying even those, thinking, How hard can it be, really, to make pie crust from scratch? It’s a little flour, a little butter, a little water…or is it lard? Vegetable shortening? A combination? Pastry flour or all-purpose? And what about additives, like sugar, orange zest, ground almonds, baking powder, cream cheese, and yes, even vinegar and vodka? Then there’s the hand mixing (and I mean with your hands) vs. food processor vs. pastry blender method.

Best-ever. Easiest. No-fail. Flakiest. Easy as pie. Grandma’s Favorite.

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Decorated Paper Bakeware

With October being kitchen month at Solutions (and the holidays around the corner), we thought we’d share a new product that is fitting for any occasion. This oven-safe paper bakeware makes it easy to create a wonderful home-baked gift for your neighbors, family and friends. Best of all, there’s no need to grease it—and there’s no messy clean up.

Our creative director tested this festive and disposable bakeware firsthand, and she loved it because it was so easy to use! See how beautiful her piece turned out in the picture below.

Once your creation comes out of the oven and has cooled down, it’s ready to present. There’s no need to giftwrap, thanks to the decorative paper. If you want to add a more festive touch, you can wrap it up in a cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon.
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Summer’s around the corner, and it’s a great time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining. Here are some quick ideas to help you create that perfect party.

1) Host a potluck-themed event and prepare foods in advance, as much as possible. It will save time and work!

2) Clean your yard and make sure there’s enough seating for everyone. Place blankets on the grass for kids.

3) Grill skewers: Grilled vegetables make a great side dish, are easy to prepare ahead of time, and take a few minutes to cook.

4) Keep your guests cool! Consider a portable fan to keep outside during hot summer days.

5) Set out a few yard games to play so your guests have some fun activities to choose from.

6) Create an inviting atmosphere with lights for nighttime. Consider natural bug repellant candles to keep the insects away.

7) Add some color to your table with vibrant dishware. Top it off with an eye-catching centerpiece. Fill up a glass bowl with colorful fruits, such as bright lemons and limes, or fill glass jars with fresh-cut flowers.

Don’t forget to relax with your guests and enjoy all your efforts!

Save time with an early start on holiday favorites.

Ingredients:

6 lbs. potatoes, peeled, cooked, drained and mashed
1 c. sour cream
6 oz. cream cheese
5 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. milk
3 tsp. onion salt
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Mix together all the ingredients and transfer to a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days prior to serving. Allow to return to room temperature, then bake it in an oven preheated to 400° F for half an hour. Serves 12.

View all of our recipes here.

Warm up a crowd on a late Fall/early Winter evening with this comforting stew! Makes a great meal when served with tossed salad and fresh French bread.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. beef chuck or round steak, cut into chunks
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. white pepper
1 c. beef broth and water
1 bay leaf, crushed
2-4 whole cloves
Dash of dried thyme leaves
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
6 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 onions, sliced
Broccoli spears (optional)
1 green pepper, sliced

Directions:
In Dutch oven, brown meat, a little at a time; discard excess fat. Add salt and pepper. Stir in beef broth and water; bring to a boil. Add bay leaf and cloves. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until meat is almost tender, for about 1¼ hours. Add thyme. Add vegetables. Cook for another 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables are tender crisp and meat tests done. Serve piping hot.

Save time, money and unplanned trips to the store by planning out the week’s menus ahead of time!

Download the printable Dinner Planner by clicking on the image.

Download the Meal Planner by clicking on the image.

Few things are more frustrating than starting a recipe and finding out you’re missing an ingredient! Keep this list of simple substitutions handy on the fridge to avoid unplanned trips to the store.

Download the printable substitution list by clicking on the image.

Want to make banana bread or banana pudding, but the bananas you have are too green? To speed ripening, put the bananas in a paper bag. Adding an apple also helps. Recipe tip: 1 lb. bananas = 1-1/3 cup mashed.