For an unbeatable time-saver, make your favorite pie dough and freeze it right in the dish (up to three months), covered in plastic wrap and then in foil; thaw overnight before filling. Pecan pies and most double-crust pies—including the apple-pear pie and marionberry pie shown here—can be assembled and frozen (up to one month) before baking straight from the freezer. Pumpkin pies—and the sweet potato spin shown here—do not take well to freezing; bake those the night before but wait to top with meringue (and brown with a kitchen torch or under the broiler) the day of.
GENTLE REMINDERS
Feeling the winter blues? Vitamin D levels can drop with reduced sun exposure at this time of year, so consider asking your doctor about supplements.
The end of daylight savings time should be a reminder to do a safety check: Test smoke and CO alarms and replace the batteries. Check fire extinguisher pressure gauges, and stage a family fire drill.
Schedule a tree expert to come out and check for any branches that could damage your home or power lines on your property, and have them trimmed.
Prepare shoes and boots for slush and snow with a coat of spray-on protectant. If shoes are brand-new, apply two coats (wiping off excess and allowing them to dry in between).
