Old Friends like Book Ends

So Donner Flat is a good place for parties and guests.  I like to think back to high school when friends did not have to call.  They just waltzed on over when they pleased and I was always happy to have them.  So when Rachel came to stay for a week I was so exited!  We have been friends for over 13 years and even though we don't live in the same city when we see each other we just pick up the last conversation as if no time has passed at all.
What did Rachel do when she arrived?  Baked us some awesome whole wheat bread!

Next- I had a refrigerator full of rhubarb from from a friend's Santa Cruz garden so Rhubarb Plum Pie was next.
I cut up rhubarb and red plums and simmered them in a pot with some agave.  I did not have quite enough fruit so in when a peach or two.  When it softened and I could mush the rhubarb with the back of the spoon I set the pot aside while Rachel was rolling out a whole wheat pie crust.  We cut out leaf shapes in the top and the lovely red could show through.

 Then while the pie was baking Rachel cut the remaining pie crust pieces into little strips.  She sprinkled them in sugar and cinnamon and then baked them in the oven until golden and crispy- Yummy!  They did not last long.

The pie turned out great and I learned a few pointers on the way like folding the pie crust before you pick it up off your rolling surface to place in the pan.  That way is doesn't tear and is easier to center on the pie pan.