crust twisting!

I would like someone to invent and send me a recipe for what I'm calling crust twists. Crust twists are the best part of a pie, the crust, twisted into sticks that can then be dipped into a fruit or cream sauce. Actually the dipping sauce is completely optional and only included so that people like jparks won't whine that the crust twists are too boring on their own. Crust twists should not be coated in cinnamon sugar because then we're talking churros, which are a totally different beast. Crust twists should remain as true to a regular pie crust recipe as possible, but should maybe be sturdier so they don't crumble when you pick them up. Also, maybe less flaky? Although I'm not sure about that though since flaky equals tasty.

Can you tell I've spend a ridiculous amount of time thinking about crust twists lately? I wish I were kidding about my love for these things that do not exist (that I know of) but honestly, I love them. When I've had a rough day I spend a minute thinking about enjoying a crust twist with a nice cup of tea. Ohh, could we somehow infuse crust twists? Maybe an earl grey one? People I am just overflowing with good ideas tonight!

While we're talking about food and recipes, let me share the joy that are wasabi and soy sauce almonds. The lovely Metalia twittered about them a few weeks ago and as soon as I saw them in a store, I grabbed a tin. Holy crap, I'm addicted. The issue is that the small cans, that I can easily empty in an afternoon, are expensive. Which leads me back to my issue with crust twists: can someone create a recipe for wasabi and soy sauce coated almonds and send it to me? I've been scouring stores trying to locate either the lime and chili or the salt and vinegar flavors, but have had no luck, so I'll also happily accept recipe for them as well.

And one more plea. Do you guys know those soft sugar cookie that grocery stores sell? They look like this:

Those are the best cookies in the history of cookies. They are always labeled "sugar cookies" but they are not simply sugar cookies. I thought maybe using a cake batter would be the key to their secret, but I was wrong. So very, very wrong. Anyone have suggestions for at home production of them? Also, I need help with their icing. It's more firm than a regular icing and oh so delicious.

Also, I think this post might win me blogger of the year. I disappear for two, almost three weeks and when I return I demand recipes. Did you want actual content? My bad! I figured my call for recipes was more interesting than hearing about Tru's high chair that is currently residing in my shower or the fact that Philadelphia Chickens is playing in a constant loop through my head. Holy crap, I've become a cliche. Quick, someone bring me a crust twist!

I want to be in that number

You know, I'm not even going to lie, I cried when the play timer ended and read final. When there were 45 seconds left and the team chose to run the clock out I didn't cry because who knows, New Orleans has awful luck and I've learned you don't count your chickens before they hatch. But when it flashed final? Tears. Big tears.

I know even before the game had started a lot of people were tired of hearing about the Saints and how important of a game this was for New Orleans. The problem was that unless you're from New Orleans, or have some very strong ties to the city, you really can't understand why it mattered this much. I know it's just a game but to New Orleans it was a way of reminding everyone that we are more than just a destroyed city. We cannot be written off as losers anymore. We are Super Bowl Champions.

Today police estimated somewhere between 8,000 to 10,000 people were at the airport to greet the Saints as they landed. Tomorrow schools are closing so families can attend the Saints' parade. 11 people met the Colts at their airport and I've heard nothing about a parade in their honor. Our parade was rolling win or lose because just playing in the Super Bowl was more than enough for us. You might think your town loves its team, but people in New Orleans love their Saints more. They are more than just football to us, they are so ingrained in the city that we wouldn't be us without them.

Bless you boys!

Saints Superbowl Victory Celebration from Cottage Films on Vimeo.