50 states pie project

This collection of recipes from Taste of Home sounded like a fun opportunity to bake around the country. 

It's the 50 Pies for 50 States collection. I somewhat expected to see 40 variations on cherry pie alongside a handful of oddities, but when I scanned the recipes, I was impressed! I thought they did a great job of picking each state's "pie personality"—there are a lot of types of pie out there when you move past the basics.

So, next time I want to make something sweet, I think I'll start by making a pie from a state we've recently visited. I'll follow up on this post if I find any that are particularly good (or bad).

Roland's First Communion Menu

I'm assembling a variety of finger-foods for our son's 1st Communion menu. They look festive on the table, let people have a wide range of tastes and textures, and are an easy way for everyone to find something they like. And maybe a lot of work, so I need to choose wisely...

Here's my list in progress:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tomato-cheddar-tarts
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cheesy-crustless-mini-quiches

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/red-pepper-hummus-cucumber-cups
http://www.allyou.com/food/celebrations/easy-finger-foods/goat-cheese-stuffed-dates_2

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/blue-cheese-puffs
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mushroom-goat-cheese-bruschetta

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no-recipe-required: 
tomato+mozza+basil+oil skewers
whole grain tortilla chips and salsa; salt & pepper chips
sweet potato fries and horseradish mayonnaise dip
fruit skewers

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dessert:
sheet cake (store-bought for simplicity!)