Hiking and Baking!

Where did the weekend go? We knew the illustrator was going to have to work, but we made a plan to go hiking again this weekend. The plan was to stay close to home and go hiking around the lake. Then we got a call from our friends asking if we would like to go hiking on Saturday. So, it was a plan and there was no backing out since we included other people. They actually suggested where we talked about going, so it really was the perfect plan.

It was beautiful that day and a great outing. As big of a baby as I am about the cold, I love the cool fresh air. It feels rejuvenating.

The hike was close to 5 miles since we ventured over to the dam.

I tried to get a shot of the boys together...Max felt like standing next to each other would be too much.

I don't think Mr. Miyagi would be too impressed with either of these moves from the boys.

This was not an easy hike. I now realize that the boys have about a 3 mile limit to heavy hiking. There were quite a few steep inclines on this one. I loved it, but by the end I was pushing Jay up the hills!

Before we left, we put on a crockpot of beef stew (a recipe I am developing for a client).  I am so glad we did that since we were all starving when we got back.

I had some of the illustrators vegetable stew in the freezer that I had pulled out earlier in the day for me. It was perfect over steamed cabbage with some extra chili sauce on top!

I spent yesterday baking. Literally, I had baking on the brain until I had no choice but to just do it. 

I baked more gluten free bread changing a few things for the better!

Another loaf of gluten full bread changing more for the better!

Quality control...I had to taste both.

This may surprise most of you, but I am afraid to bake pies. Yes, I have baked pies before, but I am more of a cake person. Not to mention now I have to deal with the gluten free thing. Well, yesterday...I overcame the fear by making a gluten free dairy free lemon meringue pie.

I even toasted up the top of it! I was so stinkin' proud of myself. This one would make my mother-in-law so proud! I will share more on this adventure tomorrow...

Are you a cake or pie person? What is your favorite flavor of either? Now I am ready to bake more pies!