October 2010.

 Fall is most-definitely my favorite time of year. I try to rush it and make it start in September, but it really doesn't start until October. Don't get me wrong. There are some very "fall" things that I love about September. Things like school supplies and wearing cardigans again and being able to turn the oven on. But, October is really where fall happens for me. The trees start turning. It's cool enough to sleep with the windows open and need to wrap in a quilt.

I started making this little album last November. I didn't finish it until March. I'm a slacker like that. And, I'm sharing it here and now to remind you and me and anyone else out that just how much I love October.

First, I have to say that I can take no credit for anything about this album (besides the pictures). It is completely copied from an Ali Edwards class. I know some of you think it's beyond lame that I copy things. But, honestly? I love to copy. It is a really low stress way for me to find techniques and products that I wouldn't otherwise be brave enough to try. Often, it helps me find ideas I like enough to play around with more to make my own. And, I do always try to give credit where credit is due. And, I do not ever submit (not that anyone ever really publishes me) something that was copied.

I love pumpkin.

I present for your viewing pleasure all of my pumpkin-related bookmarks and pins. If you don't see me for awhile it's safe to assume that the giant stash of canned pumpkin in my cupboard crashed down on me or that I am simply cooking or baking something with pumpkin in it.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin is good for breakfast.

• Pumpkin Pancakes. I actually made this recipe - last year for Halloween at Em and Justin's. It - especially the flavored butter - was incredible.

• Pumpkin Pancakes. And, we made this last weekend. It was awful. The pancakes were really heavy, and there was so much pumpkin it actually tasted sort of stringy. Even the butter from the recipe above couldn't save these. 
• Pumpkin Oatmeal
•  Pumpkin Spice Granola

I have wanted to try pumpkin in cinnamon rolls for awhile.

• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls 
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin seeds are good for roasting.

• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin is good for eating with kids.

• Halloween Candy Bark. This is another one I made last year at Em and Justin's. Yum.  
• Candy Corn Parfait 

Pumpkin is good in brownies and bars.

• Pumpkin Swirl Brownies 
• Pumpkin Caramel Bars with Bacon

Pumpkin is good in bread.

• Pumpkin Bread with Pecan Streusel

Pumpkin might be good in cookies.

• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin is good in cupcakes and cakes.

• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting 

• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes . These were amazing! A huge hit with my co-workers, Brad, and Brad's co-workers and actually not all that difficult to make.
• Pumpkin Cake with Butterscotch Filling  
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies 
• Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins with Pecan Streusel

Pumpkin is good with Nutella. Although, what isn't good with Nutella?

• Pumpkin Nutella Bread 
• Pumpkin Nutella Pie

Pumpkin is good in candy.

• Pumpkin Truffles  
• Pumpkin Truffles  
• Pumpkin Pie Fudge

Pumpkin is great to drink.

• Pumpkin Spice Latte 
• Pumpkin Pie Smoothie 
• Pumpkin Martini
• Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes

Dreaming of Pumpkin

I am all about pumpkin-inspired recipes right now. I haven't gotten around to actually making many pumpkin-infused goodies, but I sure have bookmarked a lot.


Pumpkin Spice Granola
Pumpkin Pie Fudge
Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Caramel Bars with Bacon
Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin Cupcakes
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Cake with Butterscotch Filling
Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins with Streusel

(Fall) Weekend in Review

Short road trip.

Comfortable temperatures.
Sunshine.
Pretty Leaves.
Pumpkins.
Friends.
A perfect fall weekend.

We stopped for a little dairy on the way to Madison.

Then, Memphis and I dropped Brad off to go to the Badger game with a friend.

I had dinner with my mom and sister and stopped for a little pie and some shopping (tights, cloth napkins, and an Advent calendar).

Sunday was when the real fun was had.

We didn't quite make it in time for the pig races, but we did catch the pumpkin cannon, hayride, and small maze.

Lunch was oh-so-healthy.

Behold, the magic pumpkin cannon. It doesn't look like much, but this baby can launch a pumpkin seriously far. Justin used the lure of the pumpkin cannon to be sure that Brad understood just how cool the pumpkin patch really is.

We took a hayride to find the perfect pumpkins.

Then, we tried the corn maze. Correction - we tried the "small" corn maze which somehow we never managed to find our way our of. Well, that's not entirely true. We did find our way out of the entrance.

Even though she was pretty shy, Miri was totally irresistible all day long.

Em took tons of shots with my camera. I don't usually end up with any pictures of myself, so it was fun to look through and see that there were pictures of me.

 And, a couple more fun fall shots - compliments of Em.

We finished the weekend with a great dinner at home (chicken with pinot noir sauce and mushroom, leek, and lemon risotto).

A list: Fall

The meteorologist actually described yesterday's weather as "juicy". It's hot and humid here - so hot and humid that I've found myself wishing for fall.

In honor of the next season, here are some things I love about fall.

1. Colored leaves
2. Frost in the morning
3. Pumpkin Spice lattes
4. Tights
5. Oatmeal for breakfast
6. Candy corn
7. Cardigans
8. Getting closer to my birthday
9. Orange
10. Apple orchards
11. School supplies

What do you love about fall?