Brandied Apple Pie - and Better Crust with Brandy!

Following my experiment with vodka pie crust, I decided to continue exploring these newfound possibilities of turning out perfectly crispy pie crust - with booze!

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This time, the variable was brandy. I used the same base pie crust recipe, from Martha Stewart. I followed these instructions, except that I used brandy where it called for water. The resulting pie crust was a little wetter and doughier (before baking) than the crust I made by substituting vodka for the water. I'm not exactly sure why this is; the alcohol contents were the same (I used E&J brandy, which is 40% alcohol by volume, and Skyy vodka, which is also 40%). I'll have to consult an actual scientist on this one...oh Ellen...

Mojito fruit salad

A festive twist on basic fruit salad. I think these would be fun for a summer bridal shower.

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I know, this really isn't a baked good, but it's boozey - and good - and sometimes it's just too darn hot to turn on the oven, but you still need something sweet. I tried this out as an experiment, and was very pleased with the results. I served this "mojito fruit salad" to friends at a BBQ, and it was a hit. I cut up pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries - but you can use any fruity combination you like.

I made the mojito glaze out of one part lime juice to two parts rum, with sugar to taste (depending on how much fruit you're using). I chopped up a couple tablespoons of fresh mint leaves and whisked it all together, then tossed with the fruit, and chilled until time to serve. There was just enough of everything to give a basic fruit salad a refreshing twist.