When I was a child, growing up in rural Central New York among acres and acres of apple orchards, my grandmother would visit every October and spend weeks baking apple pies. It was "the kids'" job to walk up the hill to the orchard with a brown paper bag, and fill the bag with "drops" (the owner of the orchard certainly didn't want us picking the apples right off the tree!). During her visit, I would return from school in the afternoons to a flour-dusted kitchen and a wonderful, comforting aroma. Pies, pies, and more pies, my mother would freeze them for us to enjoy throughout the year. One year she made 78 pies during one visit!! To this day, I cannot enjoy a slice of apple pie - I'd become "appled out." Still, I cherish these memories fondly. My mother passed away in March, 2005, and as a Christmas gift for my family, decided to design and publish a collection of recipes from my mother's kitchen. I am extremely proud of the final result; my cooking triumph. It brought tears to eyes, and was considered "the best Christmas present ever" by a few of my siblings. Not only are the recipes delicious, but leafing through it is enjoyable. Every now and then, a sibling will call or email to let me know that that night, they cooked a recipe from the book. You may see a preview (and even purchase the book!). Just enter this link into your browser: http://www.lulu.com/content/196927