Lemon Meringue Pi Day

lemon meringue pie painting by Lori Lynn

Lemon Meringue Pi Day

March 14th. If you are both a math nerd and a foodie, like me, this is an especially fun day where math meets pie!

π = 3.14

Pi, the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, is an infinite irrational number that never repeats… ever… so eventually you can find your own phone number, birthday, anniversary, and any numerical significance in pi, that’s cool.

To celebrate this Pi Day, I am not baking an apple pie, nor a pizza pie, nor egg pie or quiche!

I am painting pie! Lemon Meringue. Acrylic on canvas.

My virtual lemon meringue pie pan has a diameter of  9 1/2 inches. What is the circumference you ask?

That is where my handy little mysterious irrational number comes in. The circumference is the diameter multiplied by pi.

C = dπ

9.5 X 3.141592653 = 29.845130209

So approximately 30″ around. Awesome. Thanks π!

Happy Pi Day, Everyone!

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Appetizer, Hawaiian BBQ Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Appetizer, Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Appetizer
Hawaiian BBQ Sauce

Aloha! Here is a nifty little appetizer to serve at a Hawaiian wedding shower, or any party with a tropical theme. It is simple to prep with just three ingredients – fresh pineapple, bacon, and brown sugar.

When asked to bring an appetizer to a party, anything wrapped bacon is sure to be a hit. Smoky bacon paired with tropical sweet-tart pineapple is a winning combination, guaranteeing this appetizer will be the first one to disappear.

Store-bought Hawaiian BBQ Sauce served on the side as a dip adds another smoky-sweet layer, enhancing the ripe pineapple and the umami bacon flavors. Arrive at the party, and just reheat your appetizer in a toaster oven then add it to the buffet. You will hear mahalo until the last tasty morsel is gone.

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Appetizer Recipe

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How to Make Bleu Cheese

How to Make Bleu Cheese (acrylic on canvas)

Bleu Cheese and Olives
acrylic on canvas

I couldn’t resist signing up for a painting class that was all about…food.

“Indulge your creativity and appetite with artist Shari Tipich, and paint from a menu of sumptuous fruits, voluptuous vegetables, and sinful sweets! Tempt your tastebuds with elegant hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, wine and libations. Discover additional treats and trinkets among the Crafted aisles! All artistic levels always welcome!”

Shari Tipich has been a full-service decorative artist for 25 years, specializing in custom residential and commercial interiors: murals, specialty finishes, historic ornaments, etc. Her Shari Tipich Decorative Artist business at Crafted features hand-painted furniture, home décor, accessories, and gift items. The artist has been nationally published and has appeared on television; and she is also a very talented cook, preparing an exquisite buffet of appetizers and desserts each month for the class attendees.

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Smoked Salmon Pizza, Chive Blossoms, Fried Capers, Horseradish Cream Cheese

Smoked Salmon Pizza, Chive Blossoms, Fried Capers, Horseradish Cream Cheese

Smoked Salmon Flatbread Pizza
Chive Blossoms, Chives, Fried Capers
Dill, Lemon, Maui Onion, Horseradish Cream Cheese

Smoked salmon pizza was one of a trio of flatbreads we served for lunch aboard Oasis on a recent cruise over to Two Harbors at Catalina Island. Lunch on the aft deck could not have been more delightful – with perfect weather, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company.

Our three light and crispy flatbread pizzas (smoked salmon, roasted brussels sprouts, and a version of vegetable with arugula) were accompanied by a lively chopped Israeli salad and refreshingly cool sangria.  Flatbread pizzas make for a super-satisfying lunch on board. They are fast and easy to cook in the galley, and they’re not as filling as traditional pizza – so after lunch we were buoyant and ready for a fabulous 6 mile hike around the island.

Cruise to Catalina Island

Smoked Salmon Pizza Recipe

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Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Flatbread Pizza

Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Flatbread with Bleu Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Balsamic Syrup

Crispy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Flatbread Pizza
Bleu Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Balsamic Syrup

Keep flatbread on hand and you will never be without a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Flatbread pizza is fast and easy to prepare, and it can be topped with any type of cheese and an unlimited creative combination of items from the pantry or the fridge. Today’s fusion of flavors and textures was especially harmonious.

Brussels sprouts are roasted until the edges get crispy and caramelized. Flatbread with covered with a layer of mozzarella, topped with Brussels sprouts and bleu cheese then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Dried cranberries add a layer of sweetness with a pop of color. An artful drizzle of balsamic syrup also brings sweet and subtly sour notes.  Crispy shaved Brussels sprouts flatbread pizza joins my “flatbread pizza collection” along with the Croatian Sausage Flatbread Pizza and Potato Arugula Flatbread Pizza. There will definitely be more to come.

Brussels Sprouts Flatbread Pizza Recipe

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