Last Minute Thanksgiving Pies from Astor Bake Shop

Image by Astor Bake Shop

Happy Thanksgiving Astoria!

I woke up this morning, scanned my Instagram and saw these gorgeous pictures of freshly made pies from Astor Bake Shop.  I just had to share them with you, as they're available today at the bakery, while supplies last.  They look pretty handsome in that case but will look even better at your Thanksgiving table - I'm a bit jealous actually, as I still have yet to perfect the art of a perfect looking pie.  Here's what you can expect at Astor Bake Shop.  Happy eating!

Sweet Potato Pie
Apple Pie with 3 varieties of locally grown apples
Classic Pumpkin
Chunky Pecan
Chocolate Gran Marnier Cheesecake

They're open til 4 p.m. today so go in and treat yourself to something nice and sweet.  Hope everyone has a great day with their friends and family.  All the best to you!

Love, 
Fooditka

Astor Bake Shop - 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

718.606.8439

www.astor-bakeshop.com 

Yummy Winter Dessert - Harvest Pear Crisp with Candied Ginger

I had a dilemma last week right before Thanksgiving...what to make for dessert?  Knowing how predictable Thanksgiving dessert sometimes gets (umm how many pumpkin or pecan pies can one eat?), I decided to go with something different but not totally off the rocker.

Finding a great, easy recipe for a Harvest Pear Crisp with Candied Ginger, I decided to go for it.  I liked that it used pears--a fresh seasonal fruit--and also that it incorporated a surprising enhancement, ginger.  The entire dish took about 40 minutes to prepare (peeling and chopping those pears took time) and when it was in the oven, it infused our entire apartment with the most delicious smell.

The taste was wonderful too and so comforting.  I loved the little zing from the ginger that gave it panache and sophistication.  The crunch from the almonds was a nice touch too and it all worked together, forming a delicious winter dessert.  I'm sure it would be excellent with apples too, so I encourage you to substitute your favorite fruit.
 
Here's the recipe for you to enjoy and indulge.

My Classic Lattice Apple Pie - Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Hope that you all have wonderful plans with the ones you love.

As mentioned earlier this week, I wanted to reveal my winning recipe for a Classic Lattice Apple Pie, which won 1st place in the Pie Oh My Baking Contest.  I got the recipe from my favorite food source, Bon Appetit.  The dough was relatively easy to make, but the key was to let it sit in the fridge overnight to ensure that it was super cold and therefore wouldn't stick to the surface when rolling it out.

For a special touch, I used a crimper on the lattice top to make it more festive and beautiful.  I think it did the trick, as everyone commented on the pretty edges and how awesome this pie looked.  Dan helped me with the construction of the lattice, and we read the instructions carefully and followed them to a tee.

One more note about the dough - it was very forgiving, as I messed up when putting it into the pie dish.  I didn't center it enough and therefore had to use small scraps to fill in the bare edges.  It didn't look nice but when filled with the apples and topped with the lattice, you couldn't tell at all.

I think people really loved this pie because of its classic, country look as well as the light apple flavor, rounded out with a hint of lemon.  The lemon was the best ingredient, in my opinion, as it gave the pie freshness and made it feel light instead of too rich and heavy.

So there you have it, the Classic Lattice Apple Pie for Thanksgiving.  If you have time to make it, great, if not save it for another special occassion.  Enjoy your holiday everyone!