Sunday, December 20, 2009

My Blog Anniversary And Something Special To Share

I've been waiting and waiting for an appropriate moment to share this rather delicious piece of news with you. Between all my kitchen experiments, cat wrangling drama, Pacific Northwest vacation, and moving to a whole new state, I managed to get myself knocked up! That's right dear readers, I'm pregnant, I'm sooooooooo pregnant. And it's been infinitely wonderful. Even though these days I'm getting very familiar with Mr. Braxton Hicks himself, my ankles have disappeared, and I can't even bend over to put my own socks on anymore, I still can't complain. Without getting too melodramatic and making you all uncomfortable, suffice to say, it's been a tough road getting to this pregnancy, and the fact that we may finally get to hold our own little munchkin, our very first, in our arms is a dream-come-true for DH and I. I don't have too many weeks left, so I'm trying to wring every last drop of enjoyment out of this pregnancy as I can - hence, the weekend outings to plays, movies and restaurants etc., and let's not forget the incessant pigging out.
The reason why I chose this day to tell you all about it, is because today is my blog's one year anniversary! At times I can't believe a whole year has gone by, and at other times, it feels like I've been doing this forever. DH thought it was just a fling when it began, this blogging, but now even he sees that it's turned into a torrid, long-term love affair. This anniversary post is already off to a good start. Now I need to follow it up with a recipe that's worth celebrating. I think I know who to turn to for that.

Say hello to The Pioneer Woman's pear crisp with vanilla ice-cream! It makes sense that Ree is here with me in spirit to kick off my blogiversary. After all, her amazing blog, her gifted writing and delicious food is what inspired me to enter the world food blogging myself. When I used to work full-time, there were days when I would secretly be scouring Ree's site, when I really should have been working on that report for my boss. I couldn't help it if Ree's adventures on the farm were more compelling than mindlessly crunching numbers for the man! And this recipe is another winner. I made it just yesterday, when CT had its first big snowfall of the season, and the windchill made it almost impossible to even think about going out anywhere.
It's always more fun to cook seasonally, when you can. These pears were so sweet and perfect as a holiday dessert.

PW's Pear Crisp (find Ree's recipe on her blog)
Serves 8

Click here for printable recipe

Ingredients:
4 whole pears (I used Bartlett, but Bosc work great too)
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt

1.5 cups AP flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 stick butter, melted

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Peel, core and dice your pears. Place them in your baking dish, tossing them gently with the sugar and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans and stir together. Drizzle melted butter over this, and stir with a fork till everything is combined with delicious chunks strewn throughout.

4. Top the pears in the baking dish with this crumb topping. Bake for 30 mins in the oven. If you think the top needs more crisping, place under the broiler for just a minute or so (keep an eye on it!). Serve warm with a generous dollop of vanilla ice-cream.Verdict: The sweet pears still had a bit of bite left to them, which I liked, and the crumb topping with the pecans was just amazing! I adore that warm super-crunchy sweetness in my mouth, combined with the smooth coolness from the ice-cream. And this is such a simple recipe, that I'll definitely be making it again and again throughout the holiday season, and beyond. DH took one big bite, and moaned. I rest my case.

I'll be sending this recipe in for the Christmas/Holiday recipes round-up at Foodie Fans of The Pioneer Woman - a fun blog hosted by Debby and yours truly.

Take a closer looksie, why doncha?! Isn't this what you really want ...

... when it's this cold and frigid outside?!

This isn't Morse code - it's what my balcony looks like right now!

29 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Bloggerversary Love.

DH

Foodiewife said...

...and what a beautiful mom you are! Wow! You look happy and serene. So glad that you announced your special delivery that is soon to come. As for the pear crisp-- you know how much I love those. What a great choice! I'm off to make my recipe for Monday's roundup.
So happy for all three of you!

Future Grown-Up said...

Congratulations on the baby...that's wonderful news. And congrats as well on your blog anniversary. May 2010 be a wonderful amazing year for you and your family.

I have to ask though. What is cat wrangling?

Cathy said...

You look beautiful! Congratulations Muneeba - I am so excited for you guys!!!!

Joanne said...

Oh my gosh! Congratulations! I am SO excited for you and your husband. You look absolutely fabulous and are glowing in that photo.

That pear crisp looks like a great way to celebrate. Ree certainly knows her stuff!

Happy bloggiversary as well!

Faiza Ali said...

Congratulations dear..WOW ! thats great new..And yeah congrats for your blog anniversary too.keep rocking and keep blogging :D
And loved the pear crisp.... I have to try it soon, its tempting me..

Anonymous said...

Wow, double congratulations, first of all on expecting a baby soon and on your blogoversary too! I'm so excited for you! The pear crisp is so yummy!

Kerstin said...

Congrats Muneeba!! You look absolutely fabulous and I hope you have a happy and healthy rest of your pregnancy!

And Happy Blogoversary! Love the crispy too - yum!

Faith said...

Congratulations, on the blog and especially on the baby!! You look gorgeous!

I can't pass up a nice juicy pear...this crisp looks fantastic!

chow and chatter said...

happy Anniversary and congrats your look gorgeous oh being pregnant is amazing
I wish you all the happiness in the world,

God (Alah) Bless

Rebecca

Mona said...

Congratulations Muneeba!! So happy for you :-)

Sushma Mallya said...

Thats a real good news,congraz muneeba...for every married woman its the happiest day of her life when she becomes pregnant..i can feel how happy u must be...congraz once again...and congraz for completing one year,happy blog anniversary and i hope u celebrate many more successful years happily..keep smiling and take care...

lubnakarim06 said...

Double congrats from me sweetie...u look fabulous.....happy for you...enjoy and take care...will check u on FB....

NKP said...

Wow, I am so happy for you!
You look so young and pretty too! Congratulations on the coming arrival and your anniversary.
Love the crisp, you know us Canadians love our crisps and crumbles!
Not a lot of snow here yet, thank goodness.

Amna said...

Awww Munz...its ur blogerversary!! Congrats...cant believe its been a year since uve gotten me hooked onto ur blog! Hope u keep blogging for as long as u can ;)
Take care love.

Muneeba said...

Awwwww you guys ... all your sweet words & best wishes mean so much to me! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart :)

Meryum said...

Its been a whole year?!! wow,bhui...good job! well waiting for u to pop...n well, need to try this recipe out for our new year gtg!

Amna Javaid Butt said...

Great going muneeba.....Love your blog.....You look radiant.....Hope you have a wonderful time ahead.....prayers and best wishes for you.

Donna-FFW said...

You look gorgeous! Beautiful! Congratulations to you!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, I am so happy for you daaaahling. You look beautiful as a mommy to be :). Also congrats on your one year blog-o-versary. I am nearing mine (feb). That desert looks fab. You are so lucky that you get to eat for two.
*kisses* HH

Trissa said...

So many things to congratulate you on - first congratulations on the pregnancy, then happy anniversary on your blog and happy New Year! I am sure 2010 will be spectacular for you!

Kim said...

You look absolutely radiant and beautiful! Congratulations on your baby. You will be having so much fun and I look forward to hearing all about your new addition :D The pear crisp sounds and looks lovely!

Deeba PAB said...

KISSES for getting knocked up my sweet friend! Yay for you. Enjoy these days while they last... live it up as much as you possibly can!! LOVE the crumble, any fruit in baking is right up my street! Loved the earlier one I made off your blog.
Ooooooh I am so excited for you dahling!! FUN!! Look after yourself! xoxo

Erica said...

Congratulations on the baby !!!!! Happy blog anniversary and happy new year :)

Cristie said...

What a wonderful time of life! Enjoy every minute. I love your version of this great recipe. Happy New Year- you'll have a dandy.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the great news. Wishing you a safe delivery.
Happy New Year!:)

Duchess of Tea said...

Darling what a great news. I am so happy for you. My best wishes to you and DH. May your bundle of joy be healthy, smiley and deliciously adorable. May he arrive with loads of good fortune and happiness for you during this new year.

Happy Anniversay to your blog my dear friend.

God Bless you all
Love & Hugs
Duchess

Yasmeen said...

Mashallah,you look gorgeous Muneeba.My prayers and best wishes to you :D

Ann said...

I came across your blog from the PW Fans site - first thanks for putting that together, I'm a huge PW fan too! I hope to take part in your round-ups soon. And CONGRATS to you on your impending munchkin's arrival!! Wonderful news!!!