One more headband, until the next...

I am apparently on a headband kick.  I found another one to knit that is not only cute, but super easy, and fast.  The pattern was free, so why not!  I will share the pattern with you, but first I am going to vent, for just a moment.

I have a love/hate relationship with Urban Outfitters.  I think the company is adorable, has great style, funky items, etc...  I also think that they go overboard, for example who would really wear hot pink pants with a silver glittery top!  OK, that actually sounds a little cute to me, but there are times I love what they have, and other times I can't find a single thing I like.  Anyway, my husband was flipping through the last catalog, and guess what!  A headband, this headband (not exactly, but pretty darn close), is for sale...  For $28....  Really!?  Here is what it looks like:

Sorry if the pic is a little small, but you can also go to their website and check it out if you want.  So for those of you that do not knit, and are interested in this headband, I accept donations for time and yarn used, so you can have one handmade, and not mass produced.  I am not boycotting the store or anything, but I can make it!

Anyway, here is the site for the free headband if you want to make it on your own.  Happy knitting!
http://elisamclaughlin.com/design/patterns/  

Green Chili Apple Pie

Yes, I said green chili apple pie!  Interesting but delicious?  Definitely!!!  I am totally giving my husband all the credit on this one.  This was his idea, and he made it, almost completely on his own.  I rolled out the crust for him.  He can cook, very well, but he has never made a pie before, and usually stays away from deserts.  But this one he just could not get off his mind, and I am sharing it with you!

We are addicted to food television.  There is one show in particular, Unique Sweets, on the Cooking Channel, that got my husband hooked on the pie idea.  On a side note, this show will seriously spark some sweet (and savory) cravings!!!  Breads, pies, doughnuts, gelato pops, etc...  I want to make it all and eat it all!  Any who, this pie was featured on one show, and really is an excellent example of combining sweet and savory flavors for a unique, delicious treat.  I do not usually like fruit pies, but this one had me coming back for another bite, and another, and another.

The pie crust is flaky and has a hint of cheddar cheese, and the filling has the same sweet flavor in an ordinary apple pie, but a tang and hint of spice from the green chili's.  It sounds odd, but the flavors work together to create a delightful explosion of yumminess!  Here is the recipe which you can also get from http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/green-chile-apple-pie-recipe/index.html.  This was also featured in the NY Times, and there is a variation of the recipe there too.  This is my husband's variation, a mix of the two.  It is so good!

Ingredients:

Pie Crust:
1/3 cup chilled unsalted butter
1 cup flour
1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
pinch of salt
about 5 tbsp. cold water


Filling:
4 - 5 large tart apples (use Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Honeycrisp) peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup green chilies (Hatch chilies, roasted and chopped.  Watch the heat as you can get them mild or hot.  Canned are acceptable.)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
pinch of salt
juice of 1/2 lemon


Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter


Directions:


For the crust:  Cut the butter into the flour and salt until you have a sand-like consistency with pea size lumps of butter.  I have found using your hands is best for this.  Add the cheese and toss gently.  Slowly add water, 1 tbsp. at a time until the dough just comes together.  Form a disc, wrap and chill for at least an hour.  Once the dough is chilled, roll out dough and place in a 9-inch pie pan.  Crimp the edges.


Preheat the oven to 425°.  


For the filling:  In a large bowl, combine the apples, chilies, granulated sugar, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.  Mix well and pour into the pie crust, including all the juices.


For the walnut streusel:  In a smaller bowl, combine the flour, walnuts, sugar, and butter.  Mix until crumbly.  Sprinkle on top of the pie filling.


Bake for 10 minutes.  Then turn the oven down to 375° and bake for 30 - 40 minutes longer, until the juices are bubbling and the crust has lightly browned.


Cool and enjoy!  Fell free to try with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream!

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Classic Hummus

This household gets on hummus kicks every now and again.  I have tried making different types of hummus to switch it up, and to see if my daughter likes the different flavors we come up with.  Roasted garlic, edamame, and black bean with lime are the last few I have made.  They are all very good, but sometimes I forget about why I love hummus to begin with!  The simple taste of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon are simple, easy, and delicious!

The recipe I am about to share is one I am hoping the whole family will enjoy!  My daughter gobbled it up, and so did I!  She literally kept trying to put her fingers in it to scoop out more!  I suggest serving it with baked pita chips and/or your favorite veggie sticks (celery, carrots, and cucumber are just a few that would be yummy with this), since fingers are just a little messier.  Enjoy!

Classic Hummus

Ingredients:

1 can prepared (cooked) chickpeas (no salt added preferably), drained, but juice reserved
2 garlic cloves crushed
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup juice from the chickpeas
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.  This may take a few minutes.  Serve immediately or store in fridge.  I like to drizzle mine with a little olive oil and paprika when serving.

From here you can add all kinds of ingredients to spice up your hummus.  I mentioned a few above, but more suggestions are roasted red pepper, artichokes, eggplant, spicy (add some hot sauce or cayenne), the possibilities are endless!  Have fun with it!