Lemons and Larkspur: a clean sweep...

I spent a day last week giving my kitchen a good, deep cleaning. You know the kind that involves moving things that remind you how long it's been since you moved them last? As much as I don't like to see the gunk and grime, I absolutely love the way the kitchen smells and feels after I'm finished.

I took all the pretties down from the shelves on high and gave them a nice warm, sudsy bath.

I love to mix things up a bit as I put stuff back from a clean sweep and just rearranging chickens and bird houses and pitchers has a way of making a room feel fresh and new.

The only problem is that I find myself not wanting to use the stove to cook with because I know it's only a matter of time before the grease splatters and bubbling yummies will find their way into the air and I'll be right back where I started from.

But of course life (and cooking) must go on. Today I am on a quest to perfect my pie crust making abilities. I've only made a few from scratch because the refrigerator ones are pretty good, but I would really love to be able to whip one up anytime I want to.

I'll let you know how it goes. Any crust making secrets you'd care to share?

xo, Patty

17 comments

My Little Home and GardenNovember 18, 2013 at 10:06 AM
I use the same recipe my mom and aunt used, which is the one on the package of Tenderflake lard. I don't know if that particular brand is available in your area. Actually, there are 2 recipes on the package (for smaller and larger amounts of crust); I use the one that makes the equivalent of 3 double-crust pies. Freezing small packets of it makes it easy to pull out enough for a quiche and just roll it out then. Good Luck with whatever recipe you use, Patty.

-Karen
Art and SandNovember 18, 2013 at 10:08 AM
I hate those jobs we spend hours on and they just look like they should when we are done. But you are right, the smell and the gleam make it worth it.

Have fun baking.
Ann@A Sentimental LifeNovember 18, 2013 at 11:38 AM
A clean kitchen is a great way to start off the Holiday cooking. When I take my stuff down to wash I am amazed at the grime on stuff. Good luck with that pie crust!
Artful GatheringNovember 18, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Looks like you enjoyed the cleaning! I love the red polka dot chicken!
Pie... Yum......
ConnieNovember 18, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Oh, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that every inch of your kitchen is clean and fresh.
Love that red polka dot chicken :)
Keep Smiling,
Your blogging sister, Connie :)
StaceyNovember 18, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Me too! I just did a post today about my clean kitchen.

I love all your cute little decorations. Everything about your home is cozy to me.
DawnNovember 18, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Good for you getting such a big chore done, I bet everything is sparkling like new now. I always make my pie crust from scratch, and have never had any complaints. I do use good old fashion lard, maybe that's the trick.
KrisNovember 18, 2013 at 1:54 PM
Oh dear, now I am thinking it is time i did the same thing and really gave my kitchen a good scrubbing! Manana...maybe!
I used to make a really good pie crust, but anymore I just buy the ready made ones. They are so good, and so easy. But if you make it from scratch, use cold water.
: ) Kris
Jen KershnerNovember 18, 2013 at 3:46 PM
Even your mess is lovely. Pie crust perfecting is on my to do list also. I had intended to work on before Thanksgiving buy I cheated and bought some crusts last week.
NanaDianaNovember 18, 2013 at 3:58 PM
My only tip is to use ICE water and not to roll it any more than you have to because that makes it "tough". I deep cleaned my kitchen a few weeks ago, too. Feels good, doesn't it? xo Diana
lynneNovember 18, 2013 at 4:27 PM
Your decorations are so cute! I am just happy I'm not the only one who uses refrigerator pie crusts!!
simply bevNovember 18, 2013 at 5:18 PM
Cute chicken collection! How wonderful you're starting the holiday season off with a super-clean kitchen. That's a nice gift to give to yourself!
CarlaNovember 18, 2013 at 7:32 PM
Hmmmm no crust making tips but I do have a tip for the top of your cupboards. I roll out wax paper all along the top of my cupboards. When I take down the goodies to wash them, I just throw away the greasy wax paper and roll out new stuff each time I clean. Easy peaty and no scrubbing the top of the cupboard!
krishnaNovember 18, 2013 at 9:36 PM
hmm!! nice.. the chickens are very cute..
Winkel's Crazy IdeasNovember 19, 2013 at 12:17 AM
I don't really have a recipe for my pie crusts and they vary a bit from time to time. I always use real butter though and make sure the eggs have room temperature. Sure your kitchen looks and feels lovely, a real good clean does leave things feeling so nice. Will have to give mine a clean this week, nice to have things fresh when the christmas curtains go up for the season. Hope you have a lovely week, Pam xx
primrosesatticNovember 19, 2013 at 2:38 AM
I have taken a lot of my pretties out of the kitchen now. I really miss them but cleaning is much easier. I gave my Aga a clean this week and now it's decided not to work! Living off microwave food until the weekend when hubby will be home to sort it our. It a pain but at least it's not happened at Xmas.
Rosezeeta.
Jensamom23November 20, 2013 at 5:28 AM
Using ICE cold water and placing crust in the fridge a few minutes before putting it in the oven. I need to do a kitchen deep clean as well...you may have just inspired me.