Moving to Los Angeles was such a culture shock. There was so much to do, so much to see, so much to learn. But the people, whoa. That was a doozy of a difference. People were laid back, but they just weren't as friendly as I was used to.
In Iowa, you could strike up a conversation with a total stranger just about anywhere. In LA, strangers would look at you like you were nuts if you tried to talk to them. People in the Midwest are just friendlier, but maybe I'm biased.
When a neighbor would move in, I would proudly bake cookies or a pie to deliver as housewarming gift. People didn't do that kind of thing in L.A. When we moved back to Iowa, it brought tears to my eyes when the first neighbor showed up with cookies... then the second... then...
But other than making pies for neighbors, I really didn't venture into that form of baked goods. I have an awesome recipe for chocolate chip pecan pie that I received from a coworker years ago... that's pretty much the only type of pie I make. Fruit pies. Cream pies. Meringue. Good Lord they scare me. Cookies aren't supposed to be the perfect shape or size. Brownies and fudge are just squares. Pies - oh, so many things seem like they could go wrong... a homemade crust, the filling, any topping. My chocolate chip pecan pie recipe was just a frozen pie crust that was covered with a simple one-shot filling. The only thing that could go wrong was if I overfilled it.
In Iowa, you could strike up a conversation with a total stranger just about anywhere. In LA, strangers would look at you like you were nuts if you tried to talk to them. People in the Midwest are just friendlier, but maybe I'm biased. When a neighbor would move in, I would proudly bake cookies or a pie to deliver as housewarming gift. People didn't do that kind of thing in L.A. When we moved back to Iowa, it brought tears to my eyes when the first neighbor showed up with cookies... then the second... then...
But other than making pies for neighbors, I really didn't venture into that form of baked goods. I have an awesome recipe for chocolate chip pecan pie that I received from a coworker years ago... that's pretty much the only type of pie I make. Fruit pies. Cream pies. Meringue. Good Lord they scare me. Cookies aren't supposed to be the perfect shape or size. Brownies and fudge are just squares. Pies - oh, so many things seem like they could go wrong... a homemade crust, the filling, any topping. My chocolate chip pecan pie recipe was just a frozen pie crust that was covered with a simple one-shot filling. The only thing that could go wrong was if I overfilled it.
Then last month, Pillsbury representatives threw out a challenge for me. Would I be interested in baking a pie for the holidays? Hmmm. I was planning on being at my MIL's house so I said "If you can ship it there, I'll give it a shot." I figured we could make it a grandma/grandkid/me project and if it flopped I could blame it on the kids. I'm serious, I would have blamed them but nobody would have believed it since I have a reputation for my cooking 'issues'.
Anyway, the package I received from Pillsbury included two 9" glass pie dishes, adorable Christmas cutouts, a pie server and a CD of recipes. We browsed the recipes and found a candy bar one that sounded good. We purchased the ingredients then went at it.
My MIL explained some of the basics - like letting the crusts get to room temperature first. She also showed me how to make the scalloped edges around the pie before adding the filling and how to trim it back. On a funny note, she confided that her neighbor (whom I referred to as "Pie Making Neighbor" in a post last summer) uses Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts just like these for all her pies. Geez, I thought her pies were totally homemade.
It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be and we had a lot of fun. The pie ended up tasting great and was rich but delicious. I honestly couldn't believe how easy it was and realized that this isn't going to be my last pie. The next time a neighbor moves in, they'll be getting one and it won't be my usual! And so you know... that picture of the piece of pie at the top of my post... that's the final product of our Pillsbury challenge!
Now I have to ask... what have you done for your neighbor lately? Baking for a new neighbor (or even an existing one) is the ultimate guilt-free baking project. It will brighten your day and theirs! To encourage you to be a Midwestern neighbor no matter where you live, I'm giving you the chance to win your own pie gift package!
The PrizeOne You-Can-Do-It-Too Pie Basket compliments of Pillsbury. (They actually termed it a Holiday Gift Package but I like my name better.)
Participants -
...must provide a US mailing address.
...must provide an email in the first comment, email me directly with an email address or have email accessible from their profile. Winner has 72 hours from posting/notification to respond. If winner cannot be contacted, I will move on to the second random selection.
Sometime on January 20, 2009, a winner will be chosen at random (using random.org) from all comments left. Winner will be posted on PRIZEYWinners.
How to enter:
For the first entry -
(1) Check out Pillsbury and check out their various products.
(2) Come back here and comment on one of their products that you have never used but would like to try... and why!
For additional entries -
(a) Earn an additional entry by adding my button to your sidebar. Not in a scrolling bar that requires a wait of more than a minute for it to show up. Come back here and leave a comment stating that you did so.
(b) Link to Pillsbury. Come back here and leave an additional comment stating that you did so.
(c) Earn THREE additional entries if you publish a post regarding this contest and link back to it. Come back here and leave THREE comments providing the link to your post.
(d) Leave an extra comment if you subscribe to my feed.
(e) Follow me using the Blogger feature at the top of the next column. Of course, don't forget to leave a comment.
I appreciate the opportunity from Pillsbury to test my abilities in pie making. It was a wonderful experience and made me realize that making pies is as easy as... oh, pie.
I would love to try the Pillsbury® Pet-Ritz® Pie Crusts! I always make mine from scratch and, even if they turn out ok, I can never seem to make them look pretty :-/
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Your button is on my sidebar.
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I'm a follower :-)
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I have never tried the simply bake bars but they look sooo yummy and an easy snack!
I'm a follower!
I never tried the Refrigerated Country Italian Bread and would love to. cdziuba@aol.com
I follow you, happily. cdziuba@aol.com
I have never tried the Spread and Bake Brownie Batter but it sounds easy and my kids love brownies. I may have to try it!
I am a follower.
I'd like to give the refrigerated Recipe Creations dough a try. I think it would be a quick way to do a meat-filled "en croute" style recipe. My French Canadian meat pie filling would be terrific wrapped in this instead of baked in a pie shell, sort of like a sausage roll, only larger. Having the dough in a continuous sheet instead of using individual crescent roll dough and patching it together is a clever idea for a new twist on an old product!
Nyssa AT concentric DOT net
Well this may sound crazy, but I have never used a pre-bought pie crust! Never ever, but I really would like to! I suppose I should actually try it and see how it goes:) So that's the Pillsbury product I've never tried but would like to. Plain old pie crust:)
I would like to try the Grands biscuits. They look like they would be really good.
I would absolutely love to try the Spread and Bake Brownie Batter. Sounds delicious!
i've been wondering about that spread and bake brownie batter.
I've seen the ads on TV but haven't tried their "Savorings" product yet. They look delicious.
Blogged about the contest here
http://twitter.com/one6ylady/status/1100968022
Blogged about the contest here
http://twitter.com/one6ylady/status/1100968022
Blogged about the contest here
http://twitter.com/one6ylady/status/1100968022
I subscribe via Blogger.com and Google Reader. Waiting to see if you ever have time to post a Twitter. You're such a sweet, but busy person!
I told you I subscribe to your feed up above and also told you I follow you on Blogger.com, so I had to post this 2nd post since I put two entries into one. I use one6ylady as my screen name on both services.
I love Pillsbury's crescent rolls, biscuits, and those yummy cinnamon rolls! Its easy to complete a meal with Pillsbury's products!
We blogged:
http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/2009/01/had-to-post-giveaways.html
My blog is a bit under construction button wise, but all the buttons (including yours) are at the bottom of each and every post!
Ooops I've never used Pillsbury's Breadsticks, I haven't seen all of the items listed at my local grocer!
Blogged entry #2:http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/2009/01/had-to-post-giveaways.html
Blogged entry #3 http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/2009/01/had-to-post-giveaways.html
We subscribe to your feed/email!
We follow via Blogger
What a wonderful prize package! I would like to try their new Savorings
Pastry Bites! Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Please enter my name in your delightful drawing. I am a subscriber. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I have never tried their Blue Cheese and Red Onion Jam Crescent Thumbprints and would love to try them because they look yummy!
treflea4 at gmail dot com
I suscribe!
treflea4 at gmail dot com
I'm a follower!
treflea4 at gmail dot com
Yum! Trying to make us hungry. LOL I would like to try the Sweet Rolls. Thanks.
Button on blog.
I follow you. (button on blog on my site takes less than minute) I have divided the buttons into ABC order sections. I know what you mean. :) TY
Blogged it. :)
Subscribed to feed.
I have really been wanting to try the Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites because they sound so delicious! I have been looking in the grocery store but they are not available yet. I just know I would love the mozzarella-pepperoni one. Thank you so much!
I'm a subscriber.
We love brownies but we have never tried the spread and bake. They sound easy so I am wondering why I bother going through the trouble of mixing.
I have your button on my side bar
I subscribe to your feed by email.
Posted here
http://reesspace.blogspot.com/2009/01/blogger-giveaways.html
Posted your giveaway here
http://reesspace.blogspot.com/2009/01/blogger-giveaways.html
Last one
and here
http://reesspace.blogspot.com/2009/01/blogger-giveaways.html
There aren't many Pillsbury products I haven't baked up in our house, but I am dying to try their new Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites appetizers, like the Cheese and Spinach or the Mozzarella-Pepperoni one. I looked for these before Christmas in order to serve some "new" appetizers to my house guests, but I couldn't fin them in our grocery store. Maybe now that the holidays are over, our grocery store will carry them. I am a total Pillsbury fan and would love to win your giveaway:)
maggie@mannwieler.com
I subscribe to your blog by email :)
maggie@mannwieler.com
Hi, I'm back to add my 2 extra posts for blogging the contest. Thanks for the tip! :)
http://lovingheartdesigns.blogspot.com/
3rd extra posting. :) TY
Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites look yummy, I have seen them mentioned on some blog but I have not seen them at the store (I do forget to look so the store might have them)
nor_lou at hotmail dot com
I've been meaning to try Pillsbury's Savorings since I first saw them...mmmmm!
Jen
meddlingkidd [at] aol.com
Toaster Scrambles® Frozen Pastries looks so yummy and looks easy to try!
grabbed your button to my official site in http://lifesacharm.net/blog
subsciber here
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I would love to try the Pillsbury Brownie Batter. My husband loves brownies and this looks simple enough to make.
clary711@yahoo.com
I followed your blog through
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I'd like to try the Simply Bake Turtle Supreme Bars. They sound so yummy and easy!
slcremer at gmail dot com
I have your button:
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I subscribe through google reader
slcremer at gmail dot com
I'm a follower - Sherrylinn
Blogged:
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Blogged #2
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blogged #3
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I would like to try Grands!® Frozen Biscuits.
They would be perfect for those times when you only need a couple of biscuits.
I have never tried the Crescent Recipe Creations. I had no idea they made such a thing. How cool to not have to press together the seams on the crescent roll dough anymore.
I love baking pies. Of course the problem with that is I also love eating them.
Sorry, you are not having the warmth from people you are accustomed to. I know when I first moved to Oklahoma and people said "Excuse me" at the wal-mart, I literally broke out in tears I was so moved. It seemed like in So Cal I was the only person who said that. I know that is an exaggeration, but you get my point. I hope you find a network of friendly neighbors soon!
Blessings to you!
Ooh, I'd like to try the Spread and Bake Brownie Batter! Sounds yummy.
thanks!
shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com
I m following you on Blogger now also
shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com
I would like to try their Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites . I have looked for them at my local grocery store but have not been able to find them yet.
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
I follow with blogger
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
Your site Button is on my sidebar here
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
I'm hooked on their garlic butter crescent rolls, and I HAVE to try the recipe for breakfast quiche to go! Making my mouth water just reading it...
i love to try there savorings pastry to see what thay are like and well please enter me in for this as to why i love to give the savorings out ? just to see what thay are like no real reason thanks
I've never tried their Toaster Strudels. If there is any chance it's whole grain and filled with actual fruit....that would be an awesome find! I'd love something easy like that to toss to the kids for breakfast.
chrisjenn@ilovejesus.net
I haven't tried the pizza crust, but it sounds good
email subscriber
blog follwoer
blogged entry 1
http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/2009/01/sahmreviews-pillsbury-giveaway-11909.html
blogged entry 2
http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/2009/01/sahmreviews-pillsbury-giveaway-11909.html
blogged entry 3
http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/2009/01/sahmreviews-pillsbury-giveaway-11909.html
I have never tried their crusty bread sticks and keep meaning to.
I never have tried but would love to try the simply bake bars.
I am a follower
The taquitos with apricot chutney caught my eye. They sound so yummy!
I have never tried thier pie crusts (idiot that I am, I keep trying to make my own and fail miserably) and really should! I am also curious about the Crescent Recipe Creations. I use thier crescent rolls for a favorite recipe, but I wonder if this would make that recipe easier..hmm, I may have to try them.
I've never tried their frozen pankcakes...I know it sounds lame....but I am HORRIBLE at pancakes!! But I'm too chicken to try frozen ones!
mariajoy@hotmail.com
I haven't tried their Golden Layers refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, and would love to make the jalapeno poppers recipe with them! Yum.
laurachilton {at} hotmail.com
I've got your button: http://chil-koffs.blogspot.com/
laurachilton {at} hotmail.com
I follow you on blogger (Laura), thanks!
laurachilton {at} hotmail.com
I just subscribed via email too, thanks!
laurachilton {at} hotmail.com
That spread and bake brownie batter looks really different. I'm curious as to how it turns out.
I would love to try the Crescent Receipe Creations. I haven't recently tried a receipe that needed them but I always hated making something like veggie pizza and trying to connect all the crescents at the seams. This would be a real time saver!
I just subscribed!!!
I have never used their recipe search.
I've never tried their Toaster Strudels, and have always wanted too...
I would love to try Crescent Recipe Creations™. I have never heard of them before but they look like they could make my cooking easier!
I subscribe.
I would like to try their pie crusts and their french bread. :)
I haven't yet tried their breads. The Italian bread sounds yummy though.
following on blogger.
subscribed via feed demon.
Posted (1)
http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/cool-giveaways_08.html
Posted (2)
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Posted (3)
http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/cool-giveaways_08.html
I have your button
http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/
Pillsbury link.
http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/
I would like to try the refrigerated pizza crust!
sras7508 at gmail dot com
that spread and bake brownie batter sounds like it would be easy and yummy. thanks!
jayme[dot]bouwens@yahoo[dot]com
OOOh!! The Flaky Cinnamon Twists look delicious!! :)
contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
I follow you via blogger.
contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
I didn't know they made Toaster Strudels in cinnamon roll flavor! those sound good.
gjw823@aol.com
Never heard of Jeno's pizza...sounds good - I like crispy pizza.
springshoot5@aol.com
I would like to try the Crescent Recipe Creations. Just an extra little convenience!
ms0812@zoominternet.net
One product I have never tried but what like to is Grands! Frozen Biscuits. What I like about them is that I can have them on hand in the freezer and take and bake however many I want.
I just subscribed my email
I haven't tried the Pillsbury Brownie Batter. Spread & bake sounds super easy. It would be a nice base to a brownie sundae!
cbeargie at yahoo dot com
Buttermilk --frozen pancakes--- Would like to try them...never have and sure wish I had some right now with my morning coffee! They look good.
Crescent Recipe Creations, I didn't know these existed. From what I can tell they are pastry sheets that are similar to crescent rolls. Crescent rolls are delicious!
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
I have your button on my blog: Here
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
I am a subscriber!
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com
I blogged about this giveaway: Here
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
I am a follower!
mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
I'd love to try Savorings
gkstratos@yahoo.com
I follow (gkstratos)
gkstratos@yahoo.com
I would love to try the Grands frozen biscuits. I love biscuits but never seem to get them right. (Think hockey puck.) It would be great to be able to just pop a couple of frozen biscuits in the oven and a few minutes later have tasty fluffy biscuits like my mother used to make.
nunnelleyc (at) yahoo.com
I have not yet tried their Grands Jr. Biscuits. Sound great for portion control in the new year!
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I'm a new subscriber - thanks!
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
the spread and bake brownies sound yummy:) thanks!
christinbanda@yahoo.com
I want to try the Spread and Bake Brownie Batter. I need to look for it.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I am a subscriber.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I am a follower.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I put your button on my blog.
donna444444@yahoo.com
I want to try the spread and bake brownie batter and see if it's any good for cheesecake marbled brownies. I haven't had the time to test it out!
not.a.ship(at)gmail.com
I would like to try Grands Frozen Biscuits because they look good.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I've never tried the Crescent Recipe Creations and would like to because I use regular crescent rolls for different recipes...but it's hard to keep the seams together sometimes.
give_me_a_latte at yahoo
Subscriber
give_me_a_late at yahoo
I have never used the recipe creations but I would like to because my family loves crescents!
athornhill@cableone.net
I'd like to try the Microwaveable biscuits. Much faster to make!
I would love to try the Pillsbury Microwave Biscuits. I love biscuits and this appears to be rather easy and quick to do.
samsakara@twcny.rr.com
I wonder if the "Pillsbury® Savorings Pastry Bites" taste as good as if I were to home make them?? I've yet to see them in my area, but they HAVE caught my interest alot lately.
mariannakeough at hotmail.com
I've got you in my list of favorite blogs!
mariannakeough at hotmail.com
Love panini sandwiches - so would like to try the bacon, caesar and mozzarella panini!
I have never tried their rerigerated breadsticks, but if they taste anything like the rolls and biscuits, I bet they are flaky and delicious-thanks!
linjenals at yahoo dot com
I guess there are many of us that want to try the spread and bake brownie batter..lol, me included.
I am a follower :)
I subscribe through the google feed. Thanks again for the giveaway!
this is sweet.
i have been wondering about the spread and bake brownie batter. seems so simple. i bet its yummy. thanks for this giveaway. oh, check out my latest blog "want to die" and see what i do for my neighbors all the time
mommy2skie@yahoo.com
subscribed.
mommy2skie@yahoo.com
following you.
mommy2skie@yahoo.com
I'd like to try Pillsbury Savorings. They look yummy.
I have never tried their Pizza Crust. It would be nice to add what I want to my pizza like more vegetables and sausage.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
I follow you through Google Reader.
tamben7996(at)al(dot)com
I am a subscriber by email. Thank-you for the giveaway.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
I've never tried the breadsticks.
charlies_secret_angel2006 at yahoo dot com
I would like to try their new Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites.
I would love to try the Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites. They look so good, and "out of the ordinary" for me.
joyfulnoise4him at yahoo dot com
Never tried the toaster studdel. Would love to win. Thanks!
I would like to try the Country Italian Bread. I think it would be handy to have to round out a meal. My family loves breads.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com
I would love to try the refrigerated pizza crust dough. My son is always having us make him french bread pizzas.
rsgrandinetti(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to try the Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites. Then I could make myself some mini treats. Like mini cherry pastries..YUMMY..
I became a follower!!
I've never tried the savorings bites. I went looking for them for new years but our store didn't have them.
I have always wanted to try a Toaster Struedel
I haven't yet tried the Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites and they look so YUMMY! But they are on my list of snacks to buy for our Super Bowl party. I can't wait to taste them!
Thanks for the chance to win!
proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com
I've used all their products, but I'll definatley go back for all the great recipes.
I'm wanting to try the Recipe Creations. I've used Crescent Rolls for years, and think I'd really like the Recipe Creations. Thanks for the giveaway!
I added the button! http://themonkeyroom.blogspot.com/
I've been watching for the Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites but haven't found them yet. I see they are getting great reviews so hopefully they'll make it to Maine soon! Thanks!
I have your button on my sidebar
http://dun4fun-hondaray6.blogspot.com/
I'm a subscriber
blog #1 entry
http://dun4fun-hondaray6.blogspot.com/
blog#2 entry http://dun4fun-hondaray6.blogspot.com/
blog #3 entry
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I'm a follower
I have never used the Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts. I have a great recipe for crusts, but sometime I am in just too big of a hurry to make a crust, so I would like to check out the convenience! Thanks for the giveaway!
kennarog@aol.com
I added your button to my blog. http://notbloggingforfree.wordpress.com/
kennarog@aol.com
I have always wanted to try the oven ready rolls
I would love to try the Golden Layers Biscuit. they look delicious.
amcd76@yahoo.com
I have never tried the Simple Bake Bars. They look so good I would love to try them.
button is on my sidebar here:
http://bloggyfinds.blogspot.com/
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
blogged about this giveaway here:
http://bloggyfinds.blogspot.com/
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
blogged about this giveaway here:
http://bloggyfinds.blogspot.com/
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
blogged about this giveaway here:
http://bloggyfinds.blogspot.com/
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
following you via email:
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
I really want to try some of their Savorings Pastry Bites in Spinach and Cheese. I haven't tried them yet and they look so good!
A friend of mine once told me that in Texas you can strike up a conversation in line at the grocery store with a stranger and end up with an invitation to their house for a barbeque. That's just the way it is here LOL.
I subscribed via google reader!
I am a follower!
I'd like to try the Savorings pastry bites--I've used most of the other things and enjoy them all---Judie
I would love to try the Refrigerated Country Italian Bread. It sounds so good. Thanks!
I'm a follower Judie
I would love to try the Refrigerated Country Italian Bread.
I am following
I would love to try their turnovers! I didn't know they made turnovers!
elissa at huebert dot org
I would love to try their refrigerated pizza crust! I've never seen that before in stores. Thanks for the giveaway :)
caitlinhyla@gmail.com
I'd like to try the Pillsbury Country Italian Bread because I loooove bread!
katiellloyd at yahoo(dot)com
I never heard or have seen the Toaster Scrambles Frozen Pastries. I wonder if they sell them here since I have never noticed them in my local grocery store. I would love to try them. I work away from home and am to busy to try and cook a huge breakfast in the morning and this would be a great option to choose instead of toast or dry cereal. Thanks for sharing.
I added your button to my sidebar. I just love buttons~! :)