Sugar-Free (Not Flavor Free) Apple Pie

Sugar-Free Apple Pie

Another way I'm going to renew my passion for pastry is directing my attention to the people who cannot or prefer not to eat sweets.

I have diabetics in my family and among my friends. I want to dazzle them with my skills as a pastry chef, but unfortunately they have to sit on the sidelines and appreciate the appearance and scent without indulging.

By the way, in my experience as a pastry chef I have noticed that the staff always turned their nose up and stated that they don't like desserts, but when there were extra scrapes you better watch your fingers!

What I'm trying to say ... most people do like desserts whether they want to admit it or not.

My dad is an apple pie aficionado. [Insert Preferred Higher Power] help you of you give him a slice with a nasty crust and hard apples. He takes his pie very seriously.

So I tried my hand at it. Voilà! I survived another day.

This apple pie recipe isn't completely sugar free. The organic apple juice and fresh apples both contain fructose.  Also, the carbs from the crust is known to raise sugar levels. My dad checked his sugar levels and said his reading was no higher than usual after he eats a meal.

This pie isn't as sweet as a "regular" pie, but it does satisfy your sweet tooth. Also if you do have an insatiable sweet tooth pair it with some vanilla ice cream. You will be happy without going into sugar shock.

This recipe was taken from Taste of Home Sugar-Free Apple Pie. The only things I changed were the apples. I used red delicious instead because it's my favorite when using apple pie. The sweetener used is xylitol.

The xylitol did not leave an after taste that I've found in aspartame or saccharine. I don't know why saccharine is still on the market ... it tastes like hate!

Goals and Promises - Part II

After taking a long hard look at myself (and reading through this blog and journal) I realized several things: While I do like writing and cooking I have not lived up to my full potential. I also have a difficult time staying focus.

A mentor of mine asked me: "If not now then when?"

Very good question. So it's time for me to FOCUS - death stare kind of focus.

Two years ago I worked 3rd shift a premier restaurant in Center City. I missed sick days and health care. I'll admit I was spoiled from my earlier career as a proofreader. As a side note, the sad truth about that line of work is proofreaders are quickly dying species. More about that later.

So I found a job as a copyeditor. Let's just say it somewhat pays my bills and leave like that.

Pastry cook, proofreader, and writer has its pros and cons just like everything in life. From my hiatus from my last post I became a restaurant reviewer for the Chestnut Hill, PA section of Patch.com. I think of all my adventures, I enjoy this one the best. Not necessarily reviewing restaurant, but writing about food.

I'm determined to try a new route of thinking and working.

1. Stop over thinking. I over-think everything. Conversations, emails, dates, you name it. Stop it Dana.
2. Don't worry about something that hasn't happen yet. That's the hardest.
3. Attack my goals like it's a matter of life or death. I should be good of that since I'm apt to worrying.

Why not take my culinary and writing skills to become a Renaissance woman of a different sort: 

Freelance Writer - Pastry Chef - Over-Opinionated Mouthy Broad

At Your Service!

Restaurant Review: The Stone Rose

Patch.com: The Stone Rose

High Tea at the Rittenhouse Hotel

Granted I'm more of bawdy broad than a lady, but since it's the same gender I think it's close enough.

I always wanted to try a real high tea and fortunately I have several friends to join me for this new experience. High tea is a traditionally from Britain that takes a person from the lunch to dinner. Think of it as light brunch in the late afternoon.

I chose The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia for our event. The hotel hosts the tea seven days a week from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Dress is casual, but Dexter and I chose to glam it up since we don't do these sort of things very often. Trust me I was thinking of buying a parasol and lace gloves for the event.

We were sat in the Mary Casset dining room where a table set with cheerful china were waiting for us. The room was bright and sunny on this chilly March day. We can see the soon-to-be blooming gardens from where we sat. I mentally made note that we must try this again in May when everything will be warm and colorful outdoors.

Our menu allowed us several options: A commemorative menu for the marriage of Prince William of Wales, which consisted of a pot of tea, finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, and petit fours. The Kate Middleton's selection was comprised of tea, pastries, and petit fours. Lastly the a la carte included either pastries, finger sandwiches, petite fours, or special selections.

Three of us chose the Prince William and my other friend chose the a la carte. You clearly cannot go wrong in whatever you choose.

The Rittenhouse made provisions for the vegatarians in the group. I, on the other hand, have no problems eating most things. The sandwiches delivered were smoked salmon, cucumber, cantaloupe, with minted mascarpone cheese on pumpernickel, traditional egg salad on a firm white bread, chicken salad-caesar style on a mini croissant.

The sweets included were chocolate dipped strawberries (what's not to like about that unless you don't like chocolate or strawberries, and if so, more for me!); lemon pyramids - a lemon custard on a butter cookie base; chocolate madeleines with a creamy raspberry filling; and profiteroles (cream puffs to the commoner).

Lastly we were given currant scones with lemon curd, devonshire cream, and fruit preserves all served on a three tiered tray.

The best part is the selection of teas. The menu included a tea for every taste. I chose the tropical green tea. Not too light or too heavy and with the hint of berries and mango intermingling with green tea. Served our own pot which was good because we all chose a different selection. I think none of us were interested in sharing.

It was a lovely but brisk Sunday to have an out-of-normal experience for a middle-class American. The food was fulfilling, but you did not leave filling stuffed. The Rittenhouse Hotel will make gluten free and vegetarian selections if given enough notice. They welcome parties from 1 to 20.

It's a lovely traditions that isn't stifled in pomp and circumstanced. I'm looking forward to attending my next high tea.

The Rittenhouse Hotel
210 W. Rittenhouse Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19103
T. 800-635-1042 or 215-546-9000
F. 215-732-3364

I'm Just Mad I Did Not Think Of It First

First it was the giant cupcake pan ... now it this: The Giant Cookie Pan.

I could have used this pan when my former chef pulled various last minute ideas out of his hat.

Not Your Sorority Sister's Cup of Soup.

I think I can speak for most Americans (especially former and current poor college students) that when we hear the words ramen noodles we think of Maruchan or Cup of Soup.  A simple noodle brick with a separate package of flavorings that when added to boiling water it becomes a cheap, but high sodium, meal.

During my visit to New York my friend Meredith took me to Ippudo NY.  It's a relatively new ramen house in the East Village.  I really didn't know what to except, but I like trying new things and concepts so I was more than willing to give it a go.

Although we arrived early in the evening we still had an hour wait to be seated.  We could have waited at the bar, but it's the East Village for goodness sake there was things to do and window shop for a least an hour.

When it was our turn the hostess escorted us into the dining room and you can instantly see that everything is open. The dining tables are aligned with an open kitchen so you can see the chefs prepare your meals.  It's not a show like a Benihani - it and open and positive space where everything is interconnected.

The best part about Ippudo besides the food is the atmosphere. As the guests enter and leave the chefs and servers announce "greetings" and also "farewells." I asked our server to translate because I'm nosey like that.

The meal ... oh my.  Meredith and I both ordered a specialty drink called Maiko which is a cassis and sake concoction that I would drink everyday if possible.  We also shared the Hirata Buns appetizer.  The buns were traditional steamed buns filled with pork, sauce and vegetables.  Simple ingredients that formed a lovely symphony of taste.  I could have eaten several of those, but luckily I did not because I would not have room for what was to come.

Akamaru Ramen With Kakuni

I order the Akamaru Ramen with braised pork belly (hey, I like pork - don't judge) add on.  The English language does not have the words how magical this was.  This soup was light, filling, exquisite and flavorful.  The seasonings was just perfect and and the soup left me full without being stuffed. Surrounding the ramen there was a delectable broth, enough pork belly to satisfy and not overload, cabbage, scallions, and wakame.

They also had a good selection of desserts.  I appreciate the listings they offered rather than the standard blood orange sorbet or green tea ice cream that I see on so many Philadelphia Asian restaurants.  Watching a chef prepare the desserts I admired the care he put into the plating.  It made me miss my former profession.

Ippudo NY was worth the wait and when I return to the city I plan to visit again. Although I adored the Akamaru Ramen I will force myself to try another entree ... but I will to still get the Maiko.  Sake AND cassis?  Forget about it.

Ippudo NY
65 Fourth Ave.
New York, NY 10003
212-388-0088

Just Follow The Yellow Brick Road

It's just about another end to another year and I'm compiling my New Year Resolutions.  My friend Lilla is totally against them, but I like them so I can keep a track of goals for the upcoming year.  Some I accomplish and others I don't.  The ones I don't accomplish I have noticed a repeating factor: It involved either leaving my comfort zone.

My problem is I like comfort.

Comfort is good if you are happy in it.  If your comfort makes you feel safe, but you are unhappy in the situation, then it's not a good thing.  I need a positive change in my life.  I have needed this for a long time.  The problem is that I really don't know what change I need.

I don't like to take risks.  If I did I wouldn't be typing this right now in my hometown.  A pastry classmate once told me that was too chicken shit scared.  I wholeheartedly disagree.  I like to have a plan.  I refuse to go into battle without a plan.

So my plan for 2011 is to finally write down my business plan.  I have the basis, but I need the actually business plan to attain a loan or perhaps investors.  Next I have to launch my business plan.  It's not over the top so logically it's a safe bet.  Safe as possible in this economy.

Oddly I'm not frightened about what I plan to do.  It's an adventure and I'm excited to see what will eventually unfold.

Usually my Resolution includes a new boyfriend.  After trying out online dating AGAIN I have given that up.  I'm looking for a friend with benefits.  I have to work hard multitasking as is.  I have to work my day job and plan for The Pastry Prophet.  I can't put time for a relationship.  Bah!!!!