jakorte's blog

I worried a lot about the pie social. As I added layers to dish, I added layers to my worries.

I knew I was entering an iffy contestant - I worried that would brand me either extremely creative or entirely warped.

I knew I was purposefully placing myself into a situation where I would be forced to converse with strangers - I worried I'd have nothing to say.

I knew I would be tired on a Thursday evening after an already long work week - I worried I would welcome any reason to back out.

So, I told everyone I could about the pie social. I showed my pie progress pictorial and shared my recipe. I only sort of wanted the physical bodily support. Mostly, I was just setting myself up to have to follow through - because mostly I was worried I wouldn't.

It turned out that my entry was the only savory pie. Then, I worried that it would be unwelcome.

I met some very nice people. I accepted some valuable feedback: 1 absolutely not, 2 "well, I wouldn't make it myself" comments, and 5 raves. I spent about two hours talking to pie makers - sharing crust secrets, recipe histories, bouncing new ideas off each other. I met a young enthusiastic new caterer who made a killer Lemon Citron Pie - tart and sweet, cheek puckering, creamy fresh, and picture perfect, too.

I collected recipes - among my favorites: a fresh pear pie from the maker's backyard pear tree; a southern sweet potato pecan pie; fresh blueberry cream pie - featuring sour cream in the filling.

I also scoped out new products: Banana Bread Beer, pre-made balsamic reduction glaze, fig chuntey, Guiness pressed hard cheddar, and sweet horseradish white cheddar. I'm already dreaming of Banana Bread beer-can chicken, porkloin with balsamic glaze and fig sauce, and a fresh tomato and pepper tart layered with horseradish cheddar.

When it comes right down to it, in baking a pie, I've accomplished quite a bit. I've developed, perfected and finalized a unique creation. I took a big leap of faith, stepping way out of my comfort zone. I challenged myself, made plans, made a pie, prayed for courage, and followed through.

Yet, I still have worries.
Can I remain as persistent going forward without any immediate personal goal to achieve?
Can I consistently treat those ideals of faith, love, honor, and hope as benchmarks for a way of life?
Can I take the discipline of a short-term project and apply it to every long-term day of my life?

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

In this issue: Marcus Aurelius, Doris Day, Part 1 of Stop Worrying, recipe for Caramelized Onion and Blueberry Salsa Pie.
Now posted: The Pie Experiment, Faith, Current