Welcoming The New Year! 2012

                    

  Ah... The eve of a new year. Ya, I started writing this post but it's been frustrating dealing with computers and I caught the latest bug going around. So I apologize for this delayed post and more posts hopefully to come soon. Seems like its a theme for me in Catching up these days!

New Year's Day,  is a day like no other on the calendar, for me, it holds a buffet of emotions. Of course, there's the how will we ring in the new year? Have a party or quietly celebrate? What foods do we want to make? Easy or special ? Appetizers or dinner?
     Then there's the feelings part of New Year's... We may feel excitement about the next year , sadness due to an unrealized goal or the realization of how fast life is going by. Maybe it's been a great year and you hate for it to end. Or you literally pushing the year out the door with a "Good Riddance"!
     For me, I have always had a different view at New Year's. Forever Thankful! Why you may ask?
I am thankful, for all God has given me , but most of all, for my Dad!
     He's a New Year's baby, he was the first baby born in 1932 in Ohio! Back then they didn't have the media hype or the congratulations gift package freebies, due to The Depression time. I think they need to backpay and with interest too! I do know my Grandparents were thankful and so blessed to have my Dad as their son.
     So on New Year's Day, I am thankfully celebrating my Dad, making his favorite pie. I am not sure when the pie celebrating started but as long as I've known, my Dad gets pie for his birthday! All he wants for his birthday is to spend the day watching ALL the bowl games on New Year's Day, and this year he received two days!
     One year, I came home to find he brought down  my TV from my bedroom , which added to his collection of THREE TV's lined up in a row with a different game on each one of them! He's really a serious Bowl watcher, especially if USC is in one of them. A great birthday gift for him, is when USC is in the Rose Bowl and WINS ! To celebrate with him, we have to bring out the food  to him and The Birthday Pie in between halftimes and games !
     He deserves it, my Dad is the most thoughtful and giving man, and I'm so thankful He's my Dad! Thank You Dad,  from the bottom of my heart for being such a  blessing not only me, but all those who you love you! You are truly my example of how our Heavenly Father loves us so dearly!
      So, keeping up with TRADITION!  I made my Dad his Birthday Pie, which his favorite is Lemon Meringue, also one of my many favs too! I decided since we are Empty Nesters, we didn't need all this pie laying around. Sorry Dad, but I think you'll agree! I made minature pies, and with a twist for my Mom, who also deserves a lil treat!
Be sure to scroll down to see Our New Year's Birthday Boy!

Dad's Favorite Birthday Pie with a Twist
Use your Favorite Pie Crust recipe

Roll out your dough, I divided into fourths to make my mini pies. Using pie weights, afterward trimming up edges.

I've used many different recipes throughout the years, and Jello Cook & Serve Lemon Pie Filling is the best tart tasting lemon filling we've tasted! And its easier & more economical, which is always a plus, don't you think? 

Using the Pie filling instructions on the box, stirring constantly, cook on medium heat until mixture comes to full boil.

Cool for 5 minutes. stirring twice.

Pour into 4 lil tart baked pastry.

My Instagram pic with my #shotofcoffee

This meringue works well for piping shapes Using the whisk attachment to heat egg whites in the final stage works best; warming the egg whites helps dissolve the sugar, giving the meringue greater volume.

I love to try different recipes, and for meringue...it's been many years worth. Martha Stewart's Swiss Meringue from  my cookbook The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook is THE BEST! However through the years and my Grandmother's recipes, it's always hard to know what exactly is a Pinch, a Dash, or a Smidgen is! I found these years ago, which at least makes me feel like I know what was that Pinch of cream of tartar my Grandma used.

Fill a medium saucepan 1/4 full with water. Set the saucepan over medium heat, and bring the water to a simmer. Combine egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in the heat-proof bowl of an electric mixer; place over saucepan.

Whisk constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the whites are warm to the touch. 3 to 3 1/2 minutes. Test by rubbing mixture between your fingers to ensure that no sugar remains.

Attach the bowl to the electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high until soft, glossy peaks form, about 10 minutes. Add vanilla, and mix until combined.

 

My Mom's special treat

     So whether your ready to start a new year or hide under the covers , you can't move forward looking back . Its easy to fall into what the world's view, fearing what is in store for you. No doubt, like each day has it challenges. Remember each year holds great opportunity for personal and spiritual growth
.

     As I anticipate the next year, I try this approach: "Don't just go through it, grow through it". Squeeze it for every lesson and blessing it has to offer, always knowing that My Savior has me in  His sight and in His care.

Dad's Birthday Lemon Meringue Mini  Pie 

     Here's to another Blessed Year for You, and Thank You for being one of my dear readers. I am so blessed by all of you !Thank you so much for sharing your time here with me. I have enjoyed the journey into Stepping Back in Time My Cherished Cookbooks, I hope you have as well and continue the journey with me as we embark a New Year!

My Dad on his birthday,Proud daughter I am!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, do that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)