KISS

If you have spent much time on the Upper Krust web site, you may have noticed that the word “simple” appears quite frequently. While writing is certainly not my forte, the appearance of the word is not a result of not being able to write well, but rather is intentional in its use.

During my third and final career, which was in IT, I worked with a colleague who introduced me to the KISS method, which stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid“. My colleague was in charge of much of the network infrastructure and application architecture. Even though we were both working for a mid-sized company, the complexity of networking/infrastructure IT components can at times be overwhelming, particularly when all hell is breaking loose with systems and networks down. Many times, the urge is to quickly address these issues, spinning wildly through multiple scenarios and fixes while dodging phone calls from the CEO who is demanding a quick fix. My colleague would typically calmly work through simple methodologies to both diagnose and solve the problem, usually getting us back on-line within a reasonable amount of time.

Simple pie crust and pie recipies are featured on the Upper Krust site for a reason. Particularly, if you are just beginning your journey in making pie, simplicity keeps you from getting bogged down in complicated instructions and procedures. Rather, simplicity helps you focus on improving the basic steps needed to move your pie making skills toward perfection.

A simple pie recipe most certainly does not render a pie boring. Instead, it enables you to showcase a fruit or a combination of just a few ingredients that can work together to make an outstanding pie. The Rhubarb Sour Cream Pie recipe  is a great example. So many rhubarb recipes mix other fruit with the rhubarb. By doing so you take away the boldness of this amazing vegetable. This recipe with a few simple ingredients creates an extraordinary taste experience.

If a recipe contains a long list of ingredients and has the word “gourmet” in the title or description, baker beware.  It does not guarantee a satisfying baking experience or an outstanding pie.

Remember to just KISS.