Friday, March 14, 2014

Pi, Anyone?

Happy Pi Day! March 14... 3/14... 3.14!

Pi Trivia:

In the year 2015, Pi Day will have special significance on 3/14/15 at 9:26:53 a.m. and p.m., with the date and time representing the first 10 digits of π.

Pi Approximation Day is observed on July 22 (or 22/7 in the day/month date format), since the fraction 22⁄7 is a common approximation of π.[3]

Thank you, Larry Shaw, San Francisco Exploratorium, Wikipedia, and pie bakers, everywhere!


I wonder who's going to bake a pie today? Max has been regaling us with the details about good stuff he's been cooking... risotto with peas and asparagus, that he mixed with an egg and formed into small balls. He inserted a cube of mozzarella into each risotto ball, rolled those in bread crumbs and pan fried them. Meanwhile, he had a marinara sauce, he prepared, reducing on the stove! Can you believe they haven't brought home samples of their work?? And we're still craving Bambi and Alex's vegetable lasagna. They definitely will have to make twice as much, next time! I've been watering our beet seeds, tending our Swiss chard, for more salads with delicious balsamic dressings. Cannot have too many inspired cooks!

Yesterday, William got his own cooking bug. His research into All Hallow's Eve led him to a traditional Irish treat. When he read the recipe to me, I thought those cookies are going to be hard as hard tack! Then I had a vague recollection about vinegar being a kind of leavening agent. Have you ever baked with apple cider vinegar? That was a new one on me. The dough was very soft, almost spongy, and the cakes baked for twenty minutes! I was surprised they didn't burn, and I suggested to William that he check them frequently, just in case. They came out light, a bit crisp around the edges, and softer in the center... something between a cookie and a dense biscuit, and not too sweet. They're spiced, too. He is as interested, perhaps more interested, in the history and traditions, than the sweets themselves. Soul cakes were the original trick-or-treat goody. Irish peasants would go door-to door on All Hallows Eve begging homeowners for food to celebrate the occasion. Soul cakes were given to them. This ensured the homeowner would be free from a curse or prank; instead, the receivers would offer prayers for them that would help them get into heaven. Well, that's a nice treat!

And speaking of nice treats... Robin H. came by. She's got a gorgeous smile. It just came into my head. Her smile is so glowy and full of life. What a great soul! Seems she found some little birds. Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.

Robin thought they should come home, to our Bird House.

This perfect mug? It's mine. All mine. I am in love.
Sweet friends, hot tea, little birds, and soul cakes.
Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.
I feel blessed.

7 comments:

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hi Natalie, Happy Pi Day to you, too. I won't be baking any but hope to eat some later today. These cookies look quite interesting and I did not know about vinegar and baking. Love your little birds!

Anonymous said...

Every day is like a holiday at your house. So much creativity and enthusiasm with the full support of family, friends, and neighbors. The talent your children have just amazes me. I can't wait to see what you do next Wednesday for Poultry Day!

http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/poultry-day/

Zan

warren said...

I love that mug!

Jacob said...

Where did you get that mug? My wife had one and accidentally broke it, and she was devastated.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

I need to ask my friend, Robin. The plates and cups were a gift from her, and know how your wife feels... someday, mine may break... and the very thought is kind of devastating. I'll get back to you, ASAP!

Loyal said...

Awww - I never saw this post - such lovely compliments - thank you! I got those at one of my favorite shopping places - the grand triumvirate: Home Goods, Marshall's or TJ Maxx..... but as you know it was a little while ago.... I'll keep my eyes peeled for more!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Oh this makes even more anxious for their safety!
They're rare and precious! I hate to get attached to material things...
On the other hand it's fun to have a deep appreciation for special things.
Thank you, Robin. And Jacob, good luck! Do an all points bulletin, so friends and family can be on the look out. I hope this helps~