Holidays

Good Afternoon Pie Lovers!!! 

So sorry that I was unable to write a Christmas blog. The quantity of last-minute pie orders on Friday were very numerous, and they didn’t have room for me, in the kitchen. Kemmy’s Crew is currently taking a couple days off from the pie business, so they can re-charge their batteries. They will be back to baking on Friday. 

How was everyone's Christmas? Were you able to try Kemmy’s newest creation...the Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie? What did you think??? Friday will be the last day to purchase one, as it was only going to be available for a limited time. So, get one while you still can!

My Christmas was great!!! Of course we went Christmas shopping the day before Christmas, but everything went Awesome and Smoothly! First thing on Christmas morning, we opened all of the presents purchased the day before :) Then, my mom made omelets with apple sausage, sautéed mushrooms & peppers and yummy cheese for breakfast. For dinner we had my mother’s mouth watering Prime Rib, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad(which I made myself), and macaroni & cheese. I am kind of sad that Christmas is over. The cheerful and happy spirits of everyone you come in contact with! The feeling of Christmas. The singing of Christmas Carols and listening to Christmas music!! But soon it will roll around again and I can't wait!:) What is your favorite thing about Christmas? I would love to know!!

Twas the Monday, before Christmas that our family and a few friends took a trip on the Skunk Train. There were like 20 people in our party. Even though Kemmy’s Kitchen is located at the Skunk Depot, many of us had never ridden the Skunk Train. The train left Willits, at exactly 6:30. We had traveled about six miles out of Willits, but little did we know that the train was about to jump off the tracks! We were drinking hot chocolate, eating cookies & popcorn, writing letters to Santa, and singing Christmas Carols with Malachai. All were having a ball, and THEN the train came to a sudden HALT! News came to us that the train had derailed! What were we going to do? Everyone was wondering how long it would take to resume our trip...

We had waited and waited, then we got news that it would maybe take 2, 3, or 4 hours! There was no way we would get back to Willits, by 8:00 pm! Trying to pass along the time, we waited, ate lots and lots of popcorn, and sang along to every Christmas song anyone could think of! Then my sister Brenda asked if she could play the music on her phone through the big speaker, so that all the train carts could hear it! Soon, we were all rocking out to Justin Beiber’s version of Drummer Boy. Waiting in boredom for the train to get moving, we decided to form a dance circle! Going in one by one, everyone had their turn at dancing in the center of the circle. It WAS a blast! The party-poopers stayed in their seats and just acted like total old people..:( However, those of us who wished for fun, certainly had a joyous time.

Then Santa arrived!! We gave him our letters and off he went! Santa’s elves came and passed out more popcorn and hot chocolate! We didn’t get home until about 11:30. Even though we didn’t get to experience the Christmas Train, to it’s full effect, it was still the FUNNEST train ride EVER!

Remember! “May all your crusts be round.” 

Natalie* 

Good Afternoon Pie Lovers!

Us and Mr. Mario!!!

Our weekly catered event was for Fetzer Vinyards Christmas party, the delicious menu was a mouth watering Prime Rib that will change your life forever! Scallop Potatoes, delicious Green Beans, Oriental Slaw, and amazing home-made Dinner Rolls I heard that one person at Fetzer, ate four pieces of Pie!! The selection of pies were, Brandy Apple Nutty Maples, Pumpkin, and Blackberry!

Place your Holiday Pie and Brie orders now... A great Christmas present for that special someone who likes pies, is a Gift Certificate to get any type of pie that you want for pick up at the Willits Skunk Depot! How would you like one Kemmy's pie for each month of the year. It's like Christmas once a month!! If your are interested call Amy, at 707-367-5498.

I just had my 12th birthday. Some of the things I got was a Juicy Couture Backpack, a Juicy Couture Wallet! Pink Pea Coat!!! And Urban Decay make-up... I am so thankful to have a family like mine! 

I asked what my sister's what their favorite Christmas song was, Jill's is the 8 Days of Christmas, by Beyonce. Katie's is Carol of Bells, by August Burns Red. Amy's is Santa Clause is Back In Town, by Elvis, and Happy Christmas, by Yoko Ono and John Lennon. Brenda's is Please Come Home For Christmas, by The Eagles. Mine is Drummer Boy, by Justin Bieber. And Kemmy's is Hay Baby, by Jeff and Sherry Easter.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Remeber "May All Your Crusts Be Round."

    

  Natalie

Celebrity's Favorite Pies!

Shiloh Fernandez

Good Afternoon Pie Lovers!!
   New creations in Kemmy's Kitchen! Crusted Organic Brie Cheese topped with locally made jams. Right now, they are only available at Westside Rennisance Market to see how people like them.


I promised a couple blogs ago to find out what Celebrities favorite pies were and I am finally getting around to do it! I bet you didn't know that  Justin Bieber's favorite pie is Cherry Crust. Or that Brad Pitt's is Pumpkin. And Angelina Jolie's is Lemon Meringue. Taylor Swift's and Johnny Depp's favorite is Apple Pie. And Celine Dion's is Custard! Taylor Laughtner's is Pecan Pie! Shiloh Fernandez is Blackberry Pie, and did you 
know that this famous 'Red Riding Hood' star lived in Ukiah? Or that he went to St. Marys Catholic school? I wonder if he has ever had our Blackberry Pie...Doris Day's favorite is Blueberry Crust. Some of you might have the same taste in pies as these totally stellar and amazing stars! Hope you had fun reading today's blog?? If you have any ideas about what I should write about in my next blog, feel free to post in the comment box, or on our Facebook page!!

Remember "May All Your Crusts Be Round."
     Natalie.

Thanksgiving week!

Good Afternoon Pie Lovers!! 

Thanksgiving is just in a couple of days and Kemmy's Kitchen very busy! We're baking so many pies, people can smell them from blocks away! We have sold 297 pies today, and yesterday we sold 200! Kemmy's crew is on the fifth straight day of working. The days are getting longer at 13 around hours a day. Special thanks to our extra help, Denise and Nicole. We couldn't have done it without them!

Every Thanksgiving in our house we have this special tradition. We each make a new recipe! It has been a fun way to try new things. At around 11, we have appetizers and then we eat lunch! After lunch we all sit in the living room and watch a special Christmas movie. Then we go and make dinner. My parents' house has always been open to anyone with no place to go on Thanksgiving. Sometimes there's 15 extra people, other times there are 20... And that is just a glimpse into my family's Thanksgiving.

We hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and feel the love that goes into each Kemmy's Pie!

May All Your Crusts Be Round

   

Natalie

Thanksgiving Time

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

 Kemmy's Kitchen is bustling in preparation for the coming holiday rush. Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Don't forget to place you pie orders by Wednesday!!!!! You can order your Holiday Pies for pick up at Kemmy's Kitchen, in Willits, 707-367-5498. Or just place an order at your favorite local market.

One of the newest creations in our kitchen is Apricot with a buttery almond crumb top! Walnut pies have recently become quite popular, so remember to look for them in stores now.

Signing off now,

May All Your Crusts Be Round,

Natalie

Good Afternoon Pie lovers! 

Sorry it’s been such a long time since I have blogged... Did you miss me? Well I’m back in the country! 

My room mates name was Camille she was 11, only one month younger than me. Her mother’s name was Katty, short for Katherine, and the father’s name was Theirry. He was a history teacher and the mother was an economics teacher at the community college. She had a 15 year old sister named Pauline. The first night I was there we had nutella crepes which were delicious! They gave me the recipe to take back to America. King Henry IV lived there for 5 years before he became King. My host family took me to the castle were he lived and they told me the whole story! Neraq is so beautiful! I forgot my camera on the airplane so we tried to call Air France lost and found, but they couldn’t guarantee finding it, but thankfully my friends got pictures. We danced day and night, from 10 to 6:30 or sometimes 8:30. The Casse Noisette (nutcracker) came together very well, considering we had such a little time to put it together. Here is a little picture of me and Camille right after the show!

I hope in the future the French Ballet will travel to America! 3 days before we left we went to Bordeaux and toured there famous opera house! It was beautiful!! I got a lot of pictures, but they are gone now. After we toured the opera house we went shopping!! The clothes there are soooo cool! I got used to the time over there which is a 9 hour difference, so I've been waking up at 3 and 4 every morning since I've been back!! 

Back on the pie note, Kemmy's has catered every single weekend in October. Tomorrow they are catering breakfast for the "Wine & Mushroom Train." The menu is pie, egg bakes, fruit, coffee cake, bagels, lemon bars, brownies, and also some special yummy trays for the sponsor cars. And it all has to be completed by 8 in the morning, busy busy!!  

Signing off now,

May All Your Crusts Be Round...

Natalie

Our October

Good morning pie lovers!
  
Kemmy’s has been quite busy since you have heard from me. October 1, we catered a fundraiser for the San Francisco Aids Society. While boarding the Skunk Train we served them sack lunches. When they got to Fort Bragg, they rode their bikes to San Francisco. Kemmy’s served them turkey croissants and vegetarian tempeh croissants, complete with a bag of chips,             and a slice of pie.

  
On October 8, we were vendors at the Rock of Ages Festival. This one day music festival has about 8,000 in attendance. Katie fell in love with one of the guys from a band (pictured above) and gave them one of our pies! There were some really cool bands, like Barlow Girl, Kutless, 7th Day Slumber, and many more!!
 
Tonight we are doing the Harvest Moon Celebration, as a fundraiser for our France trip!! Come out tonight and meet other girls going to France!!!! Look for Kemmy’s downtown, this evening. 7 days till France, I can’t believe it!!! We still have a little bit to raise but I’m sure we will all meet our goal in time!

Next week we will be baking the desserts for the Autumn Splendor, which happens to be the same day I’m arriving in France, October 21st!

Also, Turkey Savory Pie is returning to markets, today!

 Signing off now...
      Remember “ May All Your Crusts be Round.”
    Natalie.

Pie History Continued

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

More Pie history today.

It was in the New World, that pies truly continued. By the time the pilgrims had lined up for the first Thanksgiving, in 1621, they learned enough to regularly put pie on the table. (As far back as 1623, the Turkey Day pie of choice, was pumpkin pie.)

Although early colonists, like the Greeks used piecrust as tupperware, it wasn't long before the crust itself came to be considered the tastiest part of the dish. In 1957, "Betty Crocker's Pie Parade," a book about baking, included recipes for cookie crumb crusts, nut crusts, and fillings that ranged from crumb top, cream, peach, rhubarb, and even custard. Today, Americans buy some 183 million pies a year at grocery stores. According to Linda Haskins, executive director of the American Pie Council (of which we are also a member), 75 percent of all pies sold are baked in the last three months of the year.

"Portion Control," Haskins says. "Hand held versions of pies are becoming increasingly popular. Pies on a stick, pies in a jar." Pies are everywhere these days. You'd think this would have to do with swelling, waistlines, and health consciousness,  but another theory persists: So-called "personal pies" all but guarantee you'll get the last bite.

 

Still, I  think that pie is has never been more scrumptious, more full of goodness and all that implies, than when it involves little more than a perfectly ripe berry, a heavenly dollop of coconut cream, or a flaky crust..... "Who's to say precisely what Socrates had in mind when, more than 2,400 years ago in Greece, he sat at a table cooking up his definition of piety. But we're reverent enough about pie to bet that a round of phyllo and bowl of fruit were nearby." (Katherine O' Shea Evans)

Come back next week, for "Famous People's Favorite Pie."

Signing off now,

"May All your Crusts be Round."

       Natalie.

Pie History

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

 Here's a brief update on France, we have 5 weeks left until we leave!! My fundraising is coming right along! You can still order pies by calling Mendocino Ballet at 707-463-2290. Thank you Gribaldo's for letting me put a fundraising can on your counter!

If there are any other businesses willing to particapate in helping the ballet out, with a fundraiser can, call me at 707-367-5498 or you can call the number above.

What is it as simple as an apple on a tree, or in a pie shell?

 Here is a picture I found, that I thought looked like it could be an ancient pie.

Was the beginning of pies that easy? Hardly, the history of a delicious pie, and America’s never ending passion was a slow and messy, but beautiful process of undying love for pie.

History people believe that the today's pie progressed over a long period of time, like so many other important pursuits. Ancient Greece was where bakers connected the first pastry dough, out of flour and fat. The reason for the crust, was to preserve the deliciousness inside. Rich people probably never had a reason to use crust for making their food last longer.

Romans took the pie idea on the road, and filled it with mussels, and food from the sea. They advertised it all over the country, until pie was a delight of Europe. The Brits stuffed theirs with partridges and other savory offerings; the French with creamy marzipan.

Cherry pie, is considered the long-esteemed American favorite. It was first baked by Queen Elizabeth according to lore. Pies hit their low point, in 1644,when England's Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell banned them as "A pagan form of pleasure."

  

Janet Clarkson,an Aussie writer who ate her way through 12 glorious months of research for her book, Pie: A Global History, is fond of weird pie facts. "Over a couple centuries in England's tiny village of Denby Dale," Clarkson says, "A series of giant pies have been made. The first was in 1788, as a gift from the town to King George III, who was recovering from a bout madness." In 1877, a pie weighing one and a half tons marked by Queen Victoria's jubilee.

Stay tuned til Monday for more pie history!

Oh, and in case your wondering, this is an English assignment. What grade do you think I deserve? I'm not done blogging, about pie history!!!

What is your Perfect Pie?

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

Pumpkin Pie is my idea of a perfect pie. The smell of creamy filling, while it's baking in the oven and the fall breeze comes to life. The beautiful aroma of Cinnamon and spices coming together, it is a wonderful experience! Whether or not you have tried Kemmy's Pumpkin Pie or Pumpkin Walnut Crumb pie, you probably have an idea of what this feels like!! 

Your idea of a perfect pie might be Blackberry, Apple, Cherry, or Raspberry all of which are delicious choices! Tell me what your favorite pie is, and your favorite thing about it. 

Did you know, "The Average American consumes about six slices of pie a year." I would like to say that Kemmy's customers are not Average Americans. It is more like 6 slices a week! We love our faithful customers. You guys rock!!!!!

Savory Pies are back and having a good start! Get them today at, Westside Renaissance Market, The Redwood Valley Market, and J.D. Redhouse.

Signing off now,

May all your Pie Crusts be Round!

Natalie

     

Lots of news today!

Good Morning Pie Lovers!

It's been along time since I've been on here, hope your still interested. Well for starters, Katie is back from Arkansas! Last weekend was my grandparents 50th. It was down in Exeter. Wow! I didn't think people stayed married that long anymore!

Still raising money for France, I've almost made it there! I can't wait to go! Thank you to all that have supported the Mendocino Ballet in this great opportunity, to travel to France! The pie fundraiser is still going on, you can call the ballet at 707-463-2290, and place your order. There are 8 girls that you can contribute to. Also, come get your car washed this Sunday, at 2:00pm in front of the Beauty College in Ukiah!

Quote for today! "Good Apple Pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness" - Jane Austen

Signing off now,

Natalie

And remember "May all your crusts be round."

Our day!

 Pie lovers! Mom's off to Becky's, for 10 days and she got there yesterday and is having a good time, and she said that the baby is so sweet. Dad is going to join them on Saturday. On the agenda for pies today we have a lot! But thankfully Brenda, Jill, and Amy know how to handle things.

 Natalie.

Today!

Good Afternoon Pie lovers! Exciting weekend in Chico! it was really hot, but thankfully there was a pool at the hotel so I got to go swimming, with Jill's kids which was a blast!

"The Broadway under the stars" fundraiser went well.  This Tuesday we will be taking pie orders for the ballet fundraiser and delivery's will be on Thursday, so call in soon to place your order and support our girls going to France at 707-367-5498.
Lots of pies today! 

Signing off now,

"May all your Crusts be round"

  Natalie. 

Thursday Morning!

Good Morning Pie Lovers! 

Lots of news today. This weekend, we are catering a wedding in Chico.

Monday morning, my sister Becky had her baby. Aybree Marie Gonzalez, 7 lbs 5 oz and 18.5". Aybree was born in the same hospital as me! St. Josephs Hospital, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is Becky's 3rd child, and she is not hoping to have anymore kids.

This week's agenda for pies: We are making pies for the Mendocino Ballet, as a fundraiser for girls to go to France (including me!)

Saturday we will be baking desserts for the Nelson Family Vineyards "Symphony under the Stars." The ballet will be selling the baked goods to raise more money for France. 

Next Tuesday, my mom is flying out to go see Becky and the new baby. 

Signing off now, 

"May all your Pie Crusts be Round,"
   Natalie

It's Friday

Good Morning Pie lovers! Our day started at 6:00 a.m. Of course I didn't start a six, but I did get up in time to eat breakfast with them.

Today Brenda is doing drywall, but thankfully Mom and Amy only had to make 100 pies. I have ballet today from 1:00 p.m  to 4:45 p.m. And Jill has a meeting, so she gets to take me.

I do ballet with the Mendocino Ballet and we have a 2 week dance camp with a special teacher named Russell Capps. 

This year the Ballet is taking a trip to France, and I am the youngest out of 8 girls chosen to go! I am so unbelievably happy and excited!

We're starting fundraising so get ready, cause you might be getting a letter in the mail soon, or if you would like you could just send your charitable contribution to Mendocino Ballet at

205 South State St.

Willits, CA 95482 or (707) 463-2290

Stay tuned for more info...

Our Day.

 Early start, 5:30 this morning. We are catering breakfast and lunch for a workshop. Breakfast: Bagels w/cranberry cream cheese, Fresh fruit, Vegetarian and Cheese n' Bacon Breakfast Pie, Apple and Berry Pie. Lunch:Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Garden Salad, and to end it all; a Beautiful Cookie Tray.

   This afternoon we will be delivering to the Harvest Market, in Fort Bragg!!

Our Family Business

 

Hi, My name is Natalie, and I am 11 years old, the youngest of 7 daughters. My family has a pie business in Northern California, in a small town called Willits. Since I am too young to work, I have been elected the official Blogger.

To start out, I am going to tell a little bit of background about Kemmy's pies. When my mom, Kemmy was 12 years old, my great grandma, Emma Louise taught her how too make her first pie. She soon developed a passion for the art of pie baking. When she got older, she made pies to raise money for non-profit organizations.

My older sisters learned how to make pies at a very young age as well. My three older sisters Jill, Amy, and Brenda work in the business with my mom. My sister Becky lives in Arkansas, but when she comes out to visit she gets to work too. She is also a wonderful pie baker. Right now, my sister Katie is in Arkansas for the summer, because Becky expecting her third child.

You maybe wondering why the spelling of our business is KEMMY'S instead of Kimmy's. It is because I have another older sister who's name is Emmaly Louise. She is now in Heaven, and we called her Emmy, and thus Kemmy's makes our business a complete family circle.