My grape (pie) nut

I was keeping the grape pie a secret from Dave so I could snap a few reaction photos when I unveiled it. That way everyone can see why it’s so much fun to cook for my husband. Unfortunately, he walked into the kitchen while I was assembling the pie. Since the surprise was spoiled, I asked him to grab my camera a take a few photos of the pie coming together, since my hands were covered with flour. Here’s a small sample of what he came up with …

Oops! Not quite honey. Though that is my hand in the corner of the picture …

Getting closer!!

Here’s a shot that documents a really stupid basic mistake I made when assembling the pie. A free copy of The Hostess Diary to the first person to post what that is in the comments section (the deadline is noon PST on March 30).

And no, it’s that I’m rather sloppy carefree in the kitchen and my sweater is covered in flour.

Mystery item: The Hostess Diary’s first contest

Does anyone know what these are? A small prize (possibly involving the mystery thingamabob itself) goes to the first person to correctly identify them—and I want specifics, not just the general category. (If you are one of the kind souls that gave them to me, or if I’ve already shown them to you or told you about them, please keep mum and give others a shot.) Click on the image for a larger view. More on these later when I’ve had a chance to play around with them, but for now leave me a comment if you think you know what they are.