Contradiction

"I am a contradictory mess but I see it as my prerogative to change my mood like the weather."

Shirley Manson

Pastelitos

Mom came to visit me last week and while she was here she helped me make these pastelitos.

Chocolate-Pecan Pie

I have made a pecan pie once before and forgot how easy it was to make. So when it came to making this Chocolate-Pecan Pie it was super easy. The recipe comes from my calendar. Of course, everyone enjoyed the pie at work and at book club when I made it for them as well.

Chocolate-Pecan Pie

Pie Crust (home made or store bought)

Filling:
1 c light corn syrup
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1 c semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 c pecan halves

Topping:
10 pecan halves
1/2 c whipping cream, whipped

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Make pie crust for 9-inch pie dish.

In large bowl, beat corn syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs with wire whisk until well blended. Reserve 2 tablespoons chocolate chips for topping; stir in remaining chocolate chips and 1/2 cups pecans into corn syrup mixture. Pour into pastry-lined pie plate, spreading evenly. cover edge with 2-to 3-inch-wide stripes of foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking.

Bake 55 to 65 minutes or until deep golden brown and filling is set. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, line cookie sheet with wax paper. In small microwaveable bowl, melt 2 tablespoons chocolate chips on medium 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted; stir. Dip each of 10 pecan halves in chocolate; place on cookie sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate is set; 15 to minutes, before serving.

Just before serving, top pie with whipped cream and chocolate-dipped pecans. Store in refrigerator.

I've made this pie twice, once it was served after being chilled and the other when it was cooled with the recommended amount of time. I prefer eating the pie when it is chilled. I like the chocolate chips when they have solidified again.

BYU Ballroom Dance Concert

I almost forgot to post about the BYU Ballroom Dance Concert. I went on Friday, April 9th, with my friend Kelly the day before I left for the cruise.

It was the dance company's 50th year anniversary. To open the show up, they had alumni dance a swing medley. It was fun to see the huge group of people out there dancing. The rest of the performance was really neat. Last year they retired one of their choreographed routines and there were a few new ones this year.

I also ran into a friend that I had a couple of dance classes with back in my BYU days. I remember him because we were in a mock competition for the waltz and got third place. I had lots of good memories from my dance classes.