Baking powder keeps its maximum potency for about one year. You can test it by stirring 1 teaspoon of it into 1/2 cup of hot water. If it does not bubble, you need new baking powder.

QueenDee29, how yummy those pies are sounding. Making six pies must have kept her in the kitchen for quite a while. I've never had a buttermilk pie before. Your posting has me definitely wanting to try one.

My mother baked 6 buttermilk pies this evening....she added chocolate chips on top of some...coconut on others...and pecans on one...I still like the plain ones the best, but with 12-15 people around, the variety was appreciated!!! They're so much better fresh and hot!

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I made that maple pear pie for Thanksgiving and it was a big hit with the family. I used half Bosc and half Bartlett pears in it.

Here's a maple pear pie that's perfect for Thanksgiving. http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50601