Blog | Key & Slate Real Estate Group

Sweet Southern Charm: Lemon Pie Recipe and Exceptional Real Estate Opportunities in West Texas

Lainie Eilenberger

Hello there, darlin’! It's your friend Lainie Eilenberger with Key and Slate Real Estate Group. Alongside being your trusted guide in West Texas real estate, today I'll be sharing my cherished Lemon Pie recipe – a dessert that will sweeten up your summertime, just like a good real estate deal.

Now, before we jump into the heart of the matter, let me tell y’all about my passion. I serve a broad spectrum of communities throughout West Texas, including but not limited to Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Lubbock, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth. My mission? To provide the crème de la crème of real estate services in this region, helping y’all find the home of your dreams!

Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or get a sense of the market, my websites – www.lainieeilenberger.com and keyandslate.weselllubbock.com – are your complete solution. You’ll find information on every home for sale in Lubbock and West Texas, comprehensive comparisons, informative blogs, market trends, and customized searches, all under one roof!

For those setting your sights on the charming One Ford Road subdivision in Lubbock, www.onefordroad-lubbock.com is your new best friend. Here, I dive deep into the nitty-gritty of this modern yet vintage township-style neighborhood, its stylish homes, upscale amenities, and warm, inviting atmosphere.

Now, let's sweeten up our day with some Southern-style Lemon Pie!

Lainie's Lemon Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 1/3 cup white sugar

- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Filling:

- 1 cup white sugar

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 3 tablespoons cornstarch

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 1/2 cups water

- 2 lemons, juiced and zested

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 4 egg yolks, beaten

For the Whipped Topping:

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter.

4. Beat egg yolks in a separate bowl, then gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot sugar mixture. Whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the remaining sugar mixture in the saucepan. Bring to a boil and continue to cook while stirring constantly until thick.

5. Remove from heat and pour filling into the baked pie crust.

6. For the whipped topping, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe onto the pie. Refrigerate pie until serving.

Just like this lemon pie turns basic ingredients into a delightful treat, my aim is to turn your real estate aspirations into a tangible reality. I am Lainie Eilenberger with Key and Slate Real Estate Group, your dedicated realtor in Lubbock and across West Texas, ready to serve you.

Remember, the right real estate agent can make your home buying or selling journey as sweet as a slice of lemon pie on a warm summer evening. I can't wait to help you find your perfect piece of West Texas. Enjoy your pie, darlin’!

Homemade Blueberry Shortcake with Lainie Eilenberger your Lubbock & West Texas Real Estate Expert

Lainie Eilenberger

Hello, West Texas! Lainie Eilenberger here from Key and Slate Real Estate Group. Today, we're stepping out of the world of real estate and into the kitchen to whip up a delightful dessert that's close to my heart. As we're in the heat of the summer and with July 4th celebrations around the corner, it's the perfect time to share my favorite Blueberry Shortcake recipe with homemade whipped cream.

As a child, I remember looking forward to dessert time whenever there was a family gathering. Whether it was after a big family meal or a casual get-together, the arrival of a Blueberry Shortcake was always a special treat. It's hard to beat the combination of the sweet, juicy blueberries, the rich homemade whipped cream, and the fluffy, lightly sweetened shortcakes. It's a dessert that truly captures the essence of summer, making it perfect for a hot July 4th holiday.

Here's my go-to recipe. Always remember to use the best quality ingredients you can find, preferably locally sourced from our proud West Texas farmers.

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound fresh blueberries

2. 1/4 cup sugar

3. 2 cups all-purpose flour

4. 1 tablespoon baking powder

5. 1/2 teaspoon salt

6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

7. 2/3 cup whole milk

8. 1 cup heavy cream

9. 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

10. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

1. Let's get this show on the road, starting with our star: the blueberries. In a large bowl, combine your fresh blueberries and sugar. Mix them gently until the blueberries are well coated in sugar. Set this mixture aside to allow the blueberries to release their natural juices. This, my friend, is the beginning of the magic.

2. Now, let's work on the shortcakes. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add the cold, diced butter. Now, get your hands in there, and gently work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Yes, it's a bit messy, but it's all part of the fun.

3. Pour in the milk, and stir until just combined. This will be your shortcake dough. Be careful not to overmix – we want these shortcakes light and fluffy.

4. Drop generous spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet. I like mine about the size of a biscuit, but you can make them as big or as small as you like. Pop them into an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C), and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they're a lovely golden brown.

5. While those beauties are baking, it's time to make our homemade whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until you have stiff peaks. Homemade whipped cream truly makes all the difference, darlin'.

6. Once your shortcakes have cooled slightly, cut them in half. Spoon some of those juicy blueberries onto the bottom half, add a dollop (or two!) of whipped cream, and cap it off with the top half of the shortcake.

7. Add more whipped topping to the top half of the shortcake and top with as many decorative blueberries as you'd like.

Stepping back into the realm of real estate, I strive to serve all of West Texas with the same dedication and attention to detail that I put into my kitchen. We provide top notch real estate services to all the following West Texas cities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Lubbock, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, Wolfforth,, and everywhere in between, We are your trusted guides for all your real estate needs. Whether it's homes, land, commercial or luxury real estate, you can count on me and the team at Key and Slate Real Estate Group.

In real estate, like in cooking, the best results come from using the highest quality ingredients, or in this case, properties, and from a guide who knows the landscape like the back of their hand. If you have any questions about the market, don't hesitate to reach out to me or visit my websites below.

Remember, every great meal or real estate deal starts with Key and Slate. So why not savor a slice of Blueberry Shortcake this 4th of July and let's celebrate the true spirit of West Texas. God bless, y'all!

Image of a scrumptious homemade Blueberry Shortcake arranged on a rustic table setting, bursting with fresh, juicy blueberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream, prepared by Lainie Eilenberger of Key and Slate Real Estate Group, your trusted expert for all real estate needs in Lubbock and West Texas. — Image of Blueberry Shortcake made by Lainie Eilenberger your Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent

All-American Apple Pie with Lubbock & West Texas Real Estate Agent Lainie Eilenberger

Lainie Eilenberger

Greetings, West Texas neighbors! I'm Lainie Eilenberger, your reliable guide from Key and Slate Real Estate Group. Today, I'm donning both my professional and apron hats, taking you on a journey that interlaces the flavors of our shared heritage with the diverse terrains of West Texas real estate. So, let's dive right into the heart of our community, into a recipe that's a reflection of our shared love and history - the timeless All-American Apple Pie.

Before we roll up our sleeves and delve into the intricacies of pie crafting, I want to share a cherished memory of the Fourth of July celebrations back home. The air would fill with the delightful aroma of mom's apple pie as we gathered to witness the night sky painted with popping fireworks. On our country home porch, amidst laughter and cheer, we'd savor each flavorful slice of pie, a perfect end to the day's festivities.

Now, let's transform these memories into a delicious reality. Be sure to shop locally for your ingredients. Support our hardworking local farmers and infuse your apple pie with the essence of true Texan pride.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour: Our sturdy canvas for the perfect pie.
1 tablespoon of sugar: To add a sprinkle of sweetness to the crust.
1 teaspoon of salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, chilled and diced: The key to a flaky crust.
1/2 cup of ice water: The binding agent for your dough.
6 to 7 cups of locally-sourced apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: The heart and soul of your pie.
1/2 cup of sugar: To sweeten the filling.
1/2 cup of flour: To ensure a thick, juicy filling.
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon & 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg: For that classic, comforting apple pie aroma.
1 tablespoon of lemon juice: To keep the apples fresh and flavorful.

Cooking Directions:

Alright, my dear neighbors, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the joyful process of pie making. Imagine we're in our cozy kitchens, brimming with the warmth of good food and better memories. So, here's how we make our show-stopping All-American Apple Pie.

Begin by tackling the crust, the foundation of our delicious pie. In a large bowl, blend together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of salt. Now, add your cold, diced butter. Get your hands dirty or use a pastry cutter to work that butter into the flour. You're aiming for small, pea-sized morsels of butter enveloped in flour.
Next, trickle in that ice-cold water while you stir. Add just enough to bring the dough together. You might not need the full half-cup. Now, divide that dough in half, wrap it up, and let it chill in the refrigerator for a solid hour.
While your dough is getting its beauty rest, let's whip up our apple filling. Grab another large bowl, throw in your apple slices, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, a dash of cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir them together until they're well mixed.
Go ahead and preheat your oven to a toasty 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
When your dough has chilled out enough, roll out one half on a lightly floured surface. Make it big enough to snugly fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough into the dish and trim any excess hanging off the edge.
Time for our star – the apple filling. Pour it onto the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Roll out the other half of your dough. Now for the fun part – the lattice top! Cut the dough into strips and artistically weave them over and under, creating a checkered pattern atop your filling.
Neatly trim, fold, and crimp the edges of your lattice strips to seal the pie. Brush the top of the pie with an egg wash. This will give your pie that appetizing, golden glow.
Put your pie on a baking sheet (you don't want any apple goodness dripping onto your oven floor), and bake it in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. You're looking for a golden crust and a bubbly apple filling. If you notice your crust browning too soon, gently cover it with foil.
After your pie is done baking, let it rest and cool down before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set.

As we transition from the warm kitchen to the dynamic world of West Texas real estate, I'm here to ensure you receive top-tier service across Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Lubbock, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, Wolfforth, and everywhere in between.

I'd be delighted if you'd visit my websites:

These platforms offer an in-depth insight into residential, commercial, and luxury real estate, providing crucial information about every captivating corner of our beloved West Texas.

At Key and Slate, we consider our job more than just a transaction. We aim to create long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect. We believe that our shared experiences, much like the joy of mom's apple pie and Fourth of July fireworks, form the backbone of our community.

So, stay tuned for more insightful journeys through the vibrant world of West Texas real estate and the heartwarming flavors straight from my kitchen. Remember, whether it's real estate or a homemade apple pie, you're always in good hands with Lainie Eilenberger. Until next time, God Bless y'all!

Note - Key & Slate Real Estate Group provides Top-Tier real estate services to all of the following areas: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Lubbock, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, Wolfforth, and all the counties these great West Texas cities are in.