Do you know this song by ABBA? I love this lyric:

“Nothing can capture the heart like a melody can”

Today’s pies are for some beautiful music makers I know–Lee and Jessica. They both lead worship at our church. I don’t know about you, but music speaks to me–way down deep. There have been many Sundays (and Mondays, and Wednesdays, and Saturdays) when music has taught me far more–spoken to my heart–more than words ever could. There’s a reason it soothes babies and “the savage beast.” Everyone in our house loves to sing, so there’s always a song coming from somewhere.

It’s a lovely way to live, I think–with a song in your heart.

So, Lee and Jessica, thank you for the music you share with so many.

And I’m thankful for a voice to sing along!

To get going on the filling for today’s Red Hot Harvest Pie, I first had to peel a whole bunch of apples and pears. I think those reds and greens are so beautiful next to each other. I hope the insides will match up, too.
After lots of peeling, I mixed the fruit with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. I filled the pie shells (which were waiting in the freezer) and then sprinkled each pie with a few red-hot candies. I love the sweet cinnamon flavor of those things.

Next, I created two different top crusts; a lattice on one and flower cut outs on the other. I carefully covered the edges of both pies for the first 50 minutes of baking and then uncovered them for the last 20. This seems to give just the right amount of browning.

Forgot to mention that each top has brushed melted butter and a sprinkling of sugar on top.

Here are the two finished Red Hot Harvest Pies:

Only a tiny bit bubbly, but otherwise, I thought they looked pretty cool. I like the way those little flowers “bloom” all over that pie. I sure hope these pies will be as sweet as the folks I give ’em to.

52 pies baked as of today–5 sweet days to go.