And... You took it there.

   So, I was talking on the phone with a friend of mine who lives out of town (and who shall remain nameless).  She was telling me that she had not talked to me in a while.  And she thought she would check out the blog to see what was up.  So she directed her phone browser to this blog and up popped the picture of the three berry pie.  While sharing, she paused...and said..."Do you know what that pie picture reminds me of?  Have you seen the American Pie movies?"  In response, I said I had indeed seen the first movie.  Of course, I knew to what scene she was referring.  My mind began to reel.  Had I subconsciously posted a photo of a pie that resembled a vagina?  Or, did my friend just have a "dirty" mind?  In the end, I went with the "dirty" mind bit.  I mean, I am all for girl power.  But when I was chose that photo for my blog background, it was based totally on the fact that it matched the design/color scheme of my blog.  And, that my friends, is the story I am sticking to!
   In other food news, I used my Le Creuset Cassoulet for the second time.  I made this chipotle sweet potato soup that is absolutely fantastic. (Thank you, Tracy, for the recipe. I will try not to lose it again this year.)  And oh so easy.  For real! 
   Tonight, my plan, is to use the Cassoulet for making pumpkin curry.  Pumpkin Curry - doesn't that sound delicious?  The pie for this evening will be either straight up apple or salty caramel apple.  I am leaning toward caramel apple since I have yet to perfect the pie filling for caramel apple.  I want more salty caramel and less apple.  I gotta work on that ratio.  We shall see what happens when I enter the kitchen.  All hell could break loose.
   I have managed to bully my friend Amy into entering an amateur salsa making contest at The North Market during their Fiery Foods Weekend.  Her salsa is the bomb!  Also making an appearance in the Chef Chili Challenge is the "mysterious" Cooking Caravan.  So if you are looking for something fun and spicy to do during the weekend of Feb 19th, head down to The North Market.  Fiery is always good when it comes to food!
   I hope wherever you are, you are managing February the best you can.  For me, February means cooking spicy food, making fruit pies out of the few fresh fruits that are in season, watching DVDs from the library, listening to music, walking my dog, trying not to fall, writing and sipping orange Fanta - which is actually pretty good.
   And if you look at the three berry pie photograph at the top of my blog and your thoughts stray to the "dirty" side of things.  Don't feel bad. You're not the only one!

The XX