  Sure, it may be easier to get a store-bought pie for your July 4th get together, but then you couldn’t say, “Thanks, I made it!” when people say how great the pie is! The first time I made this pie, it was the first pie I ever attempted, and it turned out perfect. Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe a bit, and made it my own. I call it a Pretty Easy Cherry Pie, because there will be times you’ll have to use your own judgment, and because it does take some time to make. Let’s get into it though, because there’s nothing worse than an online recipe that makes you scroll a mile to find the important parts. I'm also including a downloadable recipe card at the bottom. Save it to your phone, tablet, or computer for easier access.
Pretty Easy Cherry PieIngredients 6 cups Frozen Cherries, Pitted (tart or sweet - I use tart) 1/2 cup Water 2 tbsp Lemon Juice 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar 4 tbsp Cornstarch 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 package Refrigerated Pie Crust (make sure you get 2 pie crusts) 1 Egg 1 Tablespoon of Milk (any kind of milk will do. I used almond) Red Food Coloring (optional - helps make that cherry red color really pop!) 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (optional - gives it a subtle spiced flavor)
Instructions Filling
 See, it's not so hard to make a pie! No doubt, your friends and family will appreciate the effort you put into making this pie for them. If needed, you can store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also make the filling a day or two before you assemble the pie. Please let me know how yours turn out! And if you have any tips on pie making, leave them down in the comments. Same goes for any questions about the recipe! Have a happy and safe Independence Day! 
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 Don’t you hate when you find a recipe online, but the page is covered in ads and has a lengthy origin of the recipe? I won’t do that to you! However, I will tell you that I got this recipe from my grandma. So, shoutout to Gram! She made it for us on Easter, and sent me home with some leftovers that I eat as soon as I got home. Making any kind of lasagna takes some time and a Little commitment, but I promise it’s worth it! Veggie LasagnaIngredients 1 Container (16 oz.) Fat Free Cottage Cheese 2 Cups Spinach, Chopped 2 Eggs, Lightly Beaten 2 Cups Thick Cut Shredded Mozzarella 1 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese, Divided 1 Onion, Chopped 1 Can (15 oz.) Great Northern or Pinto Beans, Drained and Rinsed 2 tbsp. Olive Oil 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced 1 tsp. Dried Oregano 1/2 tsp. Dried Thyme 1 tsp. Finely Chopped Basil 4 Cups Tomato Pasta Sauce 8 oz. Lasagna Noodles, Either Oven Ready or Cooked Per Package Directions and Drained  Instructions
 I hope after reading the instructions you aren’t intimidated and can say to yourself, “Okay, okay this is something I can do!” You can serve it right out of the oven, or make it ahead, and freeze it. It’s a great recipe for Meatless Monday, or if you have to feed half a dozen people. Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Share your pictures with me on Twitter, or on Instagram!    Who doesn’t love a cocktail that feels fancy, but it easy to make? If you and your valentine are spending the 14th doing a fun night in, I’ve got just the cocktail recipe for you. It’s only 5 ingredients and delicious. I picked this recipe, not only because it’s refreshing, but because one of the ingredients is strawberries. Since it’s Valentine’s Day there’s a good chance you’re also buying strawberries for chocolate cover strawberries.  Strawberry Tequila Soda The pink color of this drink is very ~on brand~ for Valentine’s Day. This drink calls for muddling strawberries. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use a spoon or a fork. If you don’t want pieces of strawberries in your drink, but still want the flavor you can always strain them out. Serve with a straw, or sip through the sugar sprinkles on the rim. Makes 2 cocktails Ingredients 6 Strawberries 2 Ounce of Tequila Juice of Large Lime 4 Ounces on Tonic Water Red Sugar Sprinkles (Optional) Instructions
 If you try this recipe, please let me know what you think in the comments. Tag us in any photos with #littleem. I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day! Stay safe.  |
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