The world definitely needs more pies

This is part II of my last post: the crust!! This crust I am referring to will be the crust used to make such pies as pumpkin and what not. It is also referred to as the traditional crust.

For the crust, the recipe can be found at: http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/28518/Homemade-Pie-Crust-Recipe/detail.aspx.

Pie crust mixing itself is pretty simple. Once it is all mixed in together, then comes the part of mixing the ready crust with the ready bowl. The crust is to be placed on top of the bowl, filling the bowl in. Once the bowl is filled in, you need to make "pinches" along the edges. Now, everyone has seen finished pies and know what I am referring to. To do this, just take some dough between your thumbs and  index fingers. It should come as a natural motion.

And once you  have perfected the crust, your pie is then ready for the good part!! But, if you find that your crust is too dry and is not fitting to the bowl, don't panic. All that is needed to do is to add water!

And now it is time to enjoy your delicious pie:) Make sure not to share with anyone (ha ha, I am just kidding)   .

There needs to be more pies in the world!

Ooookkkaaayyyy so naturally now that Thanksgiving is over with, I will share a phenomenal recipe for some delicious banana creme pie (FOR THE RECORD banana and chocolate creme pies are MUCH better than pumpkin pie. Just saying). 

For banana creme pie, the most convenient thing to do for the crust is to just buy the graham cracker crust that is already made from the grocery store. Once that is purchased, a small box of banana pudding is needed.

Make the pudding according to the directions from the pudding box. It is simple, and should take approximately 10 minutes. Once the pudding is made, cut up 1-3 bananas depending on personal preference. Slice them up and place the sliced pieces into the pudding. 

Once the pudding is ready, simply fill the crust with the pudding and banana mixture. Even out the top, and you are done!!! Pretty easy huh? After this step is done, layer whipped creme on the top. The amount of whipped creme depends on how well you like the substance. After this, make sure to refrigerate the completed pie until it is ready to be eaten. You are now the banana creme pie expert!

Some people also prefer to sprinkle the top of the pie with graham cracker bits. I would recommend it! 
Here is a picture of the finished product:

Doesn't that just look so good?

Olive Garden anyone?

Anyone who has ever eaten at Olive Garden may have heard about the Zuppa Toscana. It is one of their endless soups, and also one of their most popular items. So....here I will give the most amazing recipe! Maybe you can make it for a date night, your date will be very impressed =)
Okay, so this recipe will take a little longer than regular. Approx. prep time is 25 minutes, while cooking time is an hour. But IT IS WORTH THE WAIT!
Okay, so lets get started. So the ingredients list is:
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounces) cans chicken broth
6 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh spinach, tough stems removed
Now onto the fun part! The directions!
1. Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink. 10 to 15 minutes, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and the garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3.Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.
And you ARE DONE!!!
Now you can go and be an Italian Chef!! =)
P.S. Cheese would probably not be the greatest for this creation, but if you try it, let me know how it tastes!

Anyone up for some pasta??

It's pasta time!! This recipe is like spaghetti, but with a little different taste. Its official name is easy spaghetti bolognese. The official recipe can be found at:
 http://family.go.com/food/pkg-family-approved-recipes/recipe-866712-easy-spaghetti-bolognese-t/

Here is the sauce once I had prepared it fully, meat and all:

A few suggestions:
Ground beef is not mandatory, when I made it I used chicken and pork. Any meat will do.
The spinach is not completely mandatory, but adds a nice taste.
I added some herbs to add some flavor. The ones I used were Basil, Garlic, and Oregano.
Here is a picture of  my finished product!

(As you can tell, I am all about the cheese. If you don't like cheese or don't want it, no big deal!)
This recipe took about half an hour tops. It is a very easy one, all that is really required is mixing everything together. Try it and see what you think for yourself. Please leave comments!

P.S. Don't forget the delicious glass of milk and the dessert afterward!