Peach Pie

When our daughter went off to school I had no idea what to do with myself. I worked part time and volunteered at the school but that still left a lot of time. So, I learned to bake pies, since I’ve never done anything just a little, I baked LOTS of pies. My counter would be lined with them, if you visited you left with a pie, if I visited you, I brought a pie. My favorite was cherry but pitting all those cherries was not. I didn’t enjoy the cherry stained hands either. My second favorite was peach, this pie has endured, so very simple and delicious. I perfected the crust just the way I like it, flaky, light…yes! I got to where I could throw a pie together in nothing flat. Alas, like all things the pie craze came to an end and not a moment too soon, the whole family was about to go up a size.
                                           

Today, I still love pie and when peach season comes around I have to make at least one. I can still make a pretty good crust but I let Pillsbury do the work for me. Why not? I can unroll a flaky, just right every time, crust. I sprinkle flour over my cutting board and my Mom’s rolling pin before rolling each crust out to about 13”. That way I have PLENTY of edge to fold over and seal and most importantly, sop up the excess ice cream! Green Grocerette tip~ you can even cut the pre made crust into strips and weave a lattice crust like a boss, throw a light dusting of flour on your face with this tip. If you prefer organic there are a few options available, give me a call and we’ll order your favorite. You can always add ginger or cinnamon but I love the pure fresh flavor of peaches…and sugar…and butter.


Deep Dish Peach Pie
I package Pillsbury Pie Crust, both crust rolled out to 13”
3 pounds Peaches, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons flour, plus a little more for rolling out crust.
2 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
1 egg white, whisk to froth
Superfine sugar for dusting top of pie (you can use regular if you like)

                                            
Toss sliced peaches in a large bowl with sugar, flour and lemon juice till coated. Roll one pie crust onto rolling pin and unroll over deep dish pan. Work into pan bottom being careful not to stretch crust. Fill with peach mixture. Roll second crust onto pin and unroll over filled pie. Fold both pie crust edges under and *flute crust together. Refrigerate pie for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400*. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. After 20 minutes remove pie from fridge, place pie on lined cookie sheet, cut 4 vents in crust. Lightly brush with egg white and sprinkle with superfine sugar. Bake at 400* for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 375* and bake for 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
*flute-place a index finger on inside edge of crust then using the thumb and finger of other hand press the crust around finger. Continue around whole pie.

Chief Moore

As Patriot’s Day approaches I am reminded how we Lassen Countians show such great respect for our first responders EVERY day. Responders like Susanville Fire Department Chief James Moore. James has been with the SFD since 1987. He was just 14 and began with the Boy Scout Explorers, following that James served as a Volunteer for 10 years, hired as a career firefighter in 2000 and promoted to Battalion Chief in 2015. James says he still can't believe they pay him to do this . What a wonderful Hometown Proud story to tell, but wait...I also get to go tour the Fire Department? Yes, please!
                      

I have to admit I was hoping there was a fire pole to slide down. No. BUT this firehouse did use the pole from the original firehouse to raise the American flag for 30 years until it was just too worn out. You know they saved it since Chief Moore and the SFD hold their history in high regard. The firehouse walls have photos of the original department where City Hall is now located. There is a framed box that displays all of the fire call box contents from days gone by. Lining the rafters are Fire department patches collected from all over. The garage houses several firetrucks each with a special use and purpose. This place is seriously cool.
                   
I asked the Chief what he would like us to know or how we can assist them. Here's what he had to say~

Volunteer. Currently they need volunteers. The physical testing is tough, applicants will need to be in good shape. The Chief himself has begun long distance running/racing. Way to lead by example.
Be aware of your surroundings, don't be distracted. Fire, Flood and other disasters can turn in an instant. Keep a safe distance for your safety and the safety of first responders.
Inaccuracies are frequently posted on social sites then shared and re-shared Don't help perpetuate this. Go to the fire departments site, they will keep you updated as soon as possible. SFD now has a person dedicated to their social media.
Pictures will come, from reliable sources. Don't risk your life or endanger others to get that shot.
Remember life is fragile, Chief Moore says he is still surprised by just how fragile.

                                      
Thanks to our LoCaL Legends, Battalion Chief James Moore and everyone at Susanville Fire! You make us Hometown Proud!

Roop Letter

 
When we came to Susanville in ’93 Rick was invited to every service organization in town except the Masonic Lodge. Little did we know their motto is ‘2 be 1 ask 1’, they only offer an application if you request it. Rick’s Dad was a Mason, his Granddad was a Mason and now his younger brother is also. So one day he was in the check stand when Claire Tripp came through with a Masonic pin or something and Rick asked…. Claire was back with an application in about 5 minutes!

                        

Peter Lassen brought the first Masonic charter to California from his home in Denmark and he is buried out on Wingfield road with a very nice Monument. This Monument was erected by the Masons. Don’t you just LoVe history? Especially about our Hometown. So, one night Rick came home from Masonic lodge and told me they had presented a letter written by Isaac Roop. Roop wrote this letter to the first Lodge of the state of California requesting $10.00 per Lodge to help pay for the Monument for Peter Lassen’s grave. How cool! So this warranted a drive out to the monument with my daughter Cyndi to look around, our local Rotarians have just mowed and got the place looking great! The leaning tree will be removed (Cyn can’t hold it up forever :) and the plan is to donate the wood to LoCaL Boy Scouts, hopefully some of this will provide benches around our area. Be sure to take a drive, or better yet, bike ride out there to check it out! 

                    

                    

Thanks to our LoCaL Legends the Masons and Rotarians! Hometown Proud!

                                        

Back to School

Back to school can be a crazy time for families. My friend Zeane Barber knows this from
both sides. Zeane has been teaching here many years now. When she earned her Masters in education at Chico State she was still raising 6 children right here in Susanville! She's a powerhouse that has affected so many in a positive way Who better to give us a few tips for beginning the school year right.~

"With the new school year about to start students get excited and a little anxious. Here are a few tips to make the transition from summer to school a smooth one.

Most important is to make sure your student is registered in school. If this is your child’s first time in school (kindergarten), thereis a change in school, or you are new to the area check with the schools main office to register your student. The first day of school is a hectic one and this will alleviate the stress.

Next, be prepared. Purchase school supplies ahead of time. The four necessary items needed to start school are a backpack, writing utensils, folders, and lined paper. My son Jerred says the Ticonderoga is the Cadillac of pencils but any number two pencil will do. A handheld sharpener with a collection tray will cut down on classroom disruptions. If pens are allowed (usually for the upper grades) choose blue or black. With all the cool colors of pens it is tempting but some are hard to see and distract from the hard work put into the project. Folders with pockets will help your student stay organized. Typicallyneeded is one for each subject matter. Also purchase lined paper either in a spiral notebook or loose paper to be kept in a 3 ring binder. For specific needs check with the school.

Finally, reestablish a school schedule 3-5 days before the start of school. Go to bed earlier and get up as if school had started. Spend the extra time with family in these last days of summer. Start each day with breakfast. Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom.

Happy Learning!

P.S. Lassen High now has water bottle filling stations so include a reusable water bottle to your school purchases."

                                  



Thank you for all you do Mrs Barber!




*Green Grocerette tip of the week~ a handfull of berries make a great after school snack!