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Scott

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Is it time for Pie yet?!

Wednesday, 24 October 2018
Stephanie
Recipes
pecan-pie

After my blog last week my husband and son went out and picked some apples from North Georgia. They brought home several varieties and we turned them into a delicious apple crisp (my apple crisp recipe that isn't even an apple crisp!). I was enjoying it hot and bubbling out of the oven, and thinking about how much I love fall desserts, and that I was looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner with all the yummy desserts. THEN I thought, hey! A few years ago I did a series on Christmas cookies, why the heck not do a series on Thanksgiving desserts. Buckle up people, we're talking about that nutty favorite: Pecan Pie!

I love pecans. LOVE THEM. My father-in-law has several pecan trees in his yard. So we have an endless supply of fresh pecans. Yay! I love eating pie, but I am not a pie baker (LOVE me some cakes, and I can bake cakes like nobody's business). Nope, I tried making apple pie once, and it was a disaster. I also cannot make mashed potatoes, but otherwise I'm a fairly good cook. But, I digress. Back to pecan pie. I have not even attempted to make pecan pie. Let's take a look at the history of pecan pie, and figure out how it made its way to our Thanksgiving dessert tables. 

Many people know that our current traditional Thanksgiving meal doesn't resemble the first Thanksgiving meal back in 1621, so it should come as no surprise to find out that pecan pie was NOT on the menu 397 years ago. When did pecan pie burst onto the scene? Well, it's really not clear based on historical evidence. If we start with the humble pecan.

If we step out of the kitchen and into the field, we find out that archaeologist had discovered that Native Americans were using pecans 8,000 years ago. Even the word pecan is of Native American origin (thank you to the Algonquin tribe for the name!). If pecans have been used for this incredible length of time, then surely pecan pie must have a long and storied history, right? That would be a hard- nope. 

The first solid evidence for the existence of pecan pie is fairly recent in the history of food. In 1886, February 6th to be exact, Harper's Bazaar, printed the earliest known reference to pecan pie:

"Is not only delicious, but is capable of being made a 'real state pie,' as an enthusiastic admirer said. The pecans must be very carefully hulled, and the meat thoroughly freed from any bark or husk. When ready, throw the nuts into boiling milk, and let them boil while you are preparing a rich custard. Have your pie plates lined with a good pastry, and when the custard is ready, strain the milk from the nuts and add them to the custard. A meringue may be added, if liked, but very careful baking is necessary."
---"Pecan Pie," Harper's Bazaar, February 6, 1886 (p. 95) 

Not quite a fully formed recipe, but there it is! While there is no hard evidence for pecan pie earlier than this, there are claims that pecan based desserts and candies were created by the French after the settled the area around New Orleans, Louisiana (early in the 1700s). While the French settlers may have invented the sweet pecan dessert, there is just no proof. It seems that most modern food historians believe that pecan pie is a 20th century invention, and that it is deeply entrenched in southern traditional cooking. After some recipes published in the late 1800s, the next boom for pecan pie was in the 1940s when recipes appeared in Fannie Farmer and The Joy of Cooking. 

Many people associate pecan pie with the Karo Corn Syrup brand. It is true that Karo really popularized the pecan pie as we know it today (as well as many of its variants), and it claims that pecan pie was a discovery of a new use for corn syrup in 1930. However, the recipes for pecan pie before this do not include corn syrup! So there are plenty of recipes for pecan pie without the corn syrup. In fact, I thought it would fun to share one of these recipes! 

I was hoping to find a fully fleshed out older recipe with actual amounts AND cooking temperature or time. I was able to find plenty of modern recipes, but I was really hoping to find something from the days BEFORE corn syrup. I did hit on a significant clue; the 1929 Congressional Cookbook allegedly includes a recipe for pecan pie using pecans, eggs, sugar, and milk -no syrup. Unfortunately, I could not find the full recipe online, nor a copy of the book. Sad day. 

The best I could find from the pre-corn syrup days is from one of my favorite sources- The Food Timeline. This fantastic website shared a recipe from 1898. It was originally printed in Ladies Home Journal, but was found reprinted in the Goshen Daily Democrat, on November 26, 1898 (fun fact, I looked it up, this was two days after Thanksgiving that year!). Without further ado, here is the recipe (without out a cooking temperature I'm afraid). 

"Texas Pecan Pie.
One cup of sugar, one cup of sweet milk, half a cup of pecan kernels chopped fine, three eggs and a tablespoonful of flour. When cooked, spread the well-beaten whites of two eggs on top, brown, sprinkle a few of the chopped kernels over. These quantities will make one pie.--Ladies' Home Journal." --Goshen Daily Democrat, [IN] November 26, 1898 (p. 6)

I have to admit, I am very intrigued by the idea of a meringue on the top of pecan pie! But wait, I have more to offer you! Many of you know that Scott has a fantastic cookbook (Lunch is Ready!), and he offers three different pecan pie recipes, including one without corn syrup! YUP! 

Creamy Pecan Pie

This is a variation on the southern classic. This version is not as sweet as a traditional pecan pie, but is just as good...only different!

1 (3 oz.) box cook-&-serve vanilla Jell-O Pudding (not instant!)

1 cup light corn syrup

3/4 cup low-fat evaporated milk

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 (9 inch) prepared pie shell, unbaked

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl combine the pudding mix, corn syrup, milk and egg, stirring well after each addition. Stir in pecans. Pour into prepared pie shell and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until top is slightly cracked and a thin knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack and allow to cool and then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until chilled. Recipe from: Atlanta Journal-Constitution Newspaper Food Section

I hope you give Scott's delicious recipe for yourself! Personally, I have never NOT liked anything Scott has made, so I know you will love this recipe too! Where do you fall on the pecan pie? Like it? Love it? Pass? Next week will I will be sharing another yummy Thanksgiving dessert recipe! 

 

There are still seats available in these great classes this summer at ISAC! Click the links below to register now. 

English Over-Piped Elegant Wedding Cake with Ceri Griffiths, 11/7-8

Unicorn Bliss Cookie Collection with Sandra Beltran; 11/18

Art Deco Cookie Collection with Sandra Beltran; 11/19

Bohemian Love Cookie Collection with Sandra Beltran; 11/19

 

 Sweetly yours, 

Stephanie 

Our goal is for you to be completely satisfied with your Amazon order! If for any reason this is not the case, we would appreciate it if you would give us a chance to address your concerns, before leaving feedback or a review, by emailing us at customersvc@nicholaslodge.com. We would be grateful if you would leave us a positive feedback and review of your Renshaw Fondant. Leaving feedback seems like such a little thing, but it has great impact on our business and we would greatly appreciate your time in leaving it.

2017 Finalist for the Cake Masters Cake Hero Award

WINNER of the 2017 Golden Tier Educator of the Year Award

 

Winner of the 2015 Craftsy Blogger Award for Best Craftsy Cake Decorating Instructor Blog

Chef Nicholas Lodge: 2015 Finalist for the Cake Masters Cake Hero Award

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Edible Snow Globes!

Monday, 11 December 2017
Stephanie
Products We Love
DSC_9762-FINAL1-WEB

 

For several years now, ISAC has been making Edible Snow Globes during the holiday season. .We have even hosted several competitions for Edible Snow Globes; the submissions were pretty spectacular! This year the Edible Snow Globe Domes were part of our 12 Days of Christmas sale! I have good news. If you are still trying to decide on a gift for a co-worker or teacher, or would like a fun family activity to do over the holiday, you'll be pleased to know that we have extended our sale price for the Edible Snow Globe Domes! This set of 6 (which include the domes and the bases) is normally $12.99, but the sets are currently on sale for only $4.95 (plus S&H)! 

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Happy Anniversary ISAC

Monday, 17 July 2017
Stephanie
Company News
IMG_6884

Monday marked Chef Nicholas Lodge's International Sugar Art Collection's 25th Anniversary. Chef Nicholas, Scott, and the rest of the ISAC family are incredibly proud of this achievement. Thank you to everyone who sent flowers, cards, texts, messages, and came to celebrate with us last weekend and Monday. The outpouring of support and well-wishes meant so very much to Chef Nicholas and Scott. ISAC is here because of their hard work and dedication. They have dedicated themselves to bettering the sugar arts world, and I think they have done just that. Scott asked that I share some of the photos from this weekend here on the blog. I hope you all enjoy!

 

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the ISAC 25th Anniversary weekend a great success! We, the entire ISAC family, truly appreciate all the love and support our students, clients, friends, and family have shown these past 25 years. Thank you for helping Chef Nicholas and Scott to this place! 

 

ISAC 25th Anniversary Fun Fact: In 2007, Chef Nicholas and Scott host the first Spring Open House event!

Sweetly yours, 

Stephanie

Don't just follow our blog! Follow Chef Lodge on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!

WINNER of the 2017 Golden Tier Educator of the Year Award

 

Winner of the 2015 Craftsy Blogger Award for Best Craftsy Cake Decorating Instructor Blog

Chef Nicholas Lodge: 2015 Finalist for the Cake Masters Cake Hero Award. 

 

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Corrections to today's blog

Thursday, 13 July 2017
Stephanie
Company News

Hello friends! I needed to add a correction to the blog!

In-house, Chef Nicholas Lodge classes for the remainder of 2017 are included in the 25% off sale. To secure the 25% off special pricing, you must register for the classes in person at our store, or over the phone: (800)-662-8925.

In addition, the International Sugar Art Collection 25th Anniversary - Part 1 video is now working correctly on the blog. Below the video you find a link to International Sugar Art Collection 25th - Part 2. 

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Shop til you Drop at the 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Monday, 10 July 2017
Stephanie
Company News
Shop til you Drop at the 25th Anniversary Celebration!

In just two days ISAC will celebrating our 25th Anniversary with a party at our Norcorss, Georgia retail gallery and school! There will be giveaways and prizes, a raffle, and... drum roll please.....

25% OFF THE ENTIRE STORE*!!!

*In stock items only, no speical orders, no layaway. Applies to physical store location only, excludes items on website. In-house Nicholas Lodge classes ARE included in the sale; must call to register for the special pricing.**

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25th Anniversary CELEBRATION!!!

Wednesday, 05 July 2017
Stephanie
Company News
25th Anniversary CELEBRATION!!!

Well. I have been mentioning for months that the Nicholas Lodge International Sugar Art Collection is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. On July 17, 1992, Chef Nicholas and Scott opened the doors to ISAC, and here we are 25 years later ready to celebrate this momentous occasion. I mentioned last week that only one third of small business make it past the 10 year mark; only one quarter make it past the 15 year mark. Well, ISAC blew past 15 years TEN years ago! This is a very big deal to the entire ISAC family. All of our hard work and dedication has always been for our loyal fan base. 

Because ISAC would not have made it this far without our students, customers, clients, friends, and families, Chef Nicholas and Scott are hosting an anniversary party at our Norcross, GA retail gallery and school! There will be yummy refreshments, and some fun prizes and giveaways!

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It's Cookie Time!

Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Stephanie
Recipes
It's Cookie Time!

Right before our Spring Open House last month ISAC was excited to announce the publication of the 25th Anniversary Edition of Lunch is Ready, Scott's amazing cookbook! If you have had the pleasure of meeting me during one of our fabulous classes, you will know that cookie time is my favorite part of the day. It should be no surprise that my favorite part of Scott's cookbook is his cookie recipe section. After speaking to copious amounts of students, I know that many of them enjoy cookie time as much as I do. In fact, during a recent class I engaged a student in a friendly debate over which of Scott's cookies was the best. It didn't help that I couldn't even decide on my own favorite (butterscotch, lemon, ginger, pineapple... I still can't decide!). 

I am in a particularly giving mood today, so when Molly suggested sharing a recipe from the 25th Anniversary of Lunch is Ready, I readily agreed. So my friends, thank Molly when you see her- today I am sharing Scott's Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cookies AND I am giving away a free copy of Lunch is Ready!

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Katy Sue, We Love You!

Monday, 06 March 2017
Stephanie
Products We Love
Katy Sue, We Love You!

Um... who loves NEW PRODUCTS? And who loves FREE GIVEAWAYS??? You do?! Well, good news, because this is the blog for you! Chef Nicholas has been trying out some brand spanking new Katy Sue Cake Design molds- the Creative Cake System designed by Ceri Griffiths. There are four sets, and they are designed to use rolled fondant, gumpaste, marzipan, chocolate, candy, boiled sugar, cold porcelain and salt dough to replicate royal icing piping decorating elements.

Oh, and we are giving one lucky reader ALL FOUR SETS! Do you want to be the winner?

All four Katy Sue Designs Creative Cake System molds. Photo: S. Ewing/ISAC

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25 Years! Going Strong!

Monday, 06 February 2017
Stephanie
Studio B Classes
25 Years! Going Strong!

Last week I shared that 2017 is the International Sugar Art Collection's 25th Anniversary. Beginning on Friday, July 17, 1992 Chef Nicholas taught a series of 15 one-day classes at Confectionary Yours, a cake and candy retail store in Marietta, Georgia. This was the birth of ISAC. But the catalyst for Chef Nicholas and Scott beginning their business happened much earlier in 1992.

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Flavors of the World: Citrus

Monday, 13 April 2015
Stephanie
Company News
Flavors of the World: Citrus

Sensational Citrus

Welcome to our third installment of Flavors of the World! I am very excited to share Chef Nicholas' article today because it's all about citrus flavor, and this girl LOVES citrus flavors! Spoiler Alert! I share a favorite ISAC recipe in this blog! Without further ado, I will let Chef Nicholas tell you all the best uses for citrus flavoring!

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Spring Open Houses- Photo Blog

Sunday, 29 March 2015
Stephanie
Company News

Spring has Sprung!

The entire ISAC team sincerely hopes that everyone who attended our Spring Open House this past Saturday enjoyed themselves! We certainly loved hosting not only all of our dear shoppers, students, and clients, we also immensely enjoyed hosting Susan Carberry as our guest instructor this year!  Much like I did after our Grand Holiday Open House, I thought I would focus on sharing photos instead of writing about the day!

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Christmas Pudding!

Monday, 15 December 2014
Stephanie
Recipes
Christmas Pudding!

Traditional Christmas Pudding

It had been my intention to continue discussing holiday treats all December long. After reading my blog last week about the Bûche de Noël, Scott suggested sharing the history of the English Steamed Plum Pudding. While I loved the idea (I'm always open to suggestions), this American girl has never even HAD Plum Pudding! Luckily for me, Scott knew much about the history and traditions behind this beloved dessert from his own personal research.

That leads me to introduce my very special guest blogger today- Scott Ewing! Not only will Scott share the history of Plum Pudding, he will be sharing his personal recipe as well!

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