October Madness

October brings some of our favorite things...baking...fall leaves...more baking...Fresh apples on the neighbors tree (which translates into fresh apple pie for us on the back fence). Many people may not realize this, but Glen is a pie making machine...He can whip up the best pie crust...His apple filling is delish. It is his duty each thanksgiving to make the pies. I can hardly wait. Hopefully I can find some Libby solid pack pumpkin.. I hear there is a pumpkin shortage and being that that is my favorite pie, it could be a crisis.

He has had a love for pie making ever since he was little and his mom would make pie for Sunday dinners..and we are talking almost every Sunday. He tried making his first pie right after we were married and we are happy to report, that he has perfected it in every way. I get to make the filling on all but the apple, but he gets all the credit, which is ok with me, because the crust really does make the pie. Jeffrey also makes a wicked apple pie, so apparently it has passed down to him.

Last weekend I was in Philadelphia for some PC training and a little sight seeing. Got to see the liberty bell, Independence Hall, Amish Land, Hershey (the parking lot because I was too sick to go on the tour) and I went to the top of the Rocky Balboa steps... Lots of fun and good training. Ready to get back to life and finish earning my trip for the year in PC. Plus, Ryan has his papers in for his mission, so we are in waiting...It will be a little crazy getting him ready to go, but we are so excited for him.

For dinner today there wasn't much excitement or experimenting, but it was comfort food at it's finest. We had a very simple chicken & rice casserole. It's quick and has the yummy corn flake topping which makes "funeral potatoes" the best.. I got this recipe from the cookbook that was put together from our friends and neighbors in our church. This particular recipe is a favorite from the Knierim family.

Chicken & Rice - Makes a lot.

4 chicken breasts - boiled and chopped
4 cups cooked rice
1 can evaporated milk
2/3 cups diced fresh celery
2 tbs dried onion flakes
1 1/2 cups mayo
3 cans cream of chicken soup
2 teas. lemon juice

1/2 stick of butter melted...mix in 1 1/2 cups crushed corn flakes.

Spray 9 x 13 baker with cooking spray..spread mixture evenly in pan. Top with crushed corn flakes. Cover and bake for about an hour at 350.





Last Sunday