TGIF, Let's Celebrate Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

As you prepare for a night of passing out candy, taking little ones trick or treating, or are dressing up for a night out with friends, take a few moments to make sure to stay safe!

Black Bean & Pumpkin Soup

While it is back to being rather unusually warm here in NC, I simply could not resist making this delicious soup today. I am hoping that it brings back the true fall weather that I love!

Lemon Chicken Parmesan

A delicious twist on a  classic Italian dish. What more can I say?

TGIF, Let's Celebrate

Another week has come and gone. It's nearly Halloween and Wal-Mart is fully stocked with their Christmas goodies. I love the Christmas season, but I am not a fan of it being pushed up to October. I prefer to celebrate my holidays one at a time.

I have slowly spent this week getting ready for Halloween. I cannot wait to see all the neighborhood children dressed up.

Pumpkin Roll Cake

Nothing says Fall like Pumpkin EVERYTHING. After having spent some time at the Pumpkin Show in Circleville, OH last weekend and seeing Dr. Liggit's 1900lb pumpkin, I was inspired to make something yummy with pumpkin.

TGIF, Let's Celebrate

Here it is, Friday yet again! And what a beautiful Friday it is. I hope that everyone has had a great week and is ready for a great weekend.

My weekend plans involve marshmallows, my fire pit, and an over-sized, well loved sweater. It's perfect weather for it!  I can't wait!

TGIF, Let's Celebrate

Here it is, Friday again. It's been a beautiful autumn week. I love driving through town and seeing all the houses that are decorating for fall, seeing signs advertising the local pumpkin patches and seeing all the fall decorations out in stores. (But we won't discuss how certain stores already have Christmas things out.)

Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake

The cool fall air has apparently made my cat lose his mind. Cats are notorious for taking off at high speeds just to go from one room to the next. My Ralph has lost control. He took off from the kitchen as fast as he could and then I hear this loud thumb as he crashes into the wall. A few seconds later he comes running out towards the kitchen again and somehow managed to get into the back of the dishwasher that I was loading with breakfast dishes. I just wish I had had my camera handy to take a picture of my cat stuck behind all the dishes in there.

While the fall season is making my little furry friend extra nutty, it is making me crave all the delicious things.

After freeing Ralph from the clutches of the evil dishwasher, I set about mixing up this delicious pumpkin swirl coffee cake.

Orange Soy Glazed Scallops

There is a Japanese steakhouse nearby that I absolutely love. Not only is watching the chef prepare the food at the table amazing, but they do something amazing with the food. There is always the perfect balance of flavors and the ingredients always are fresh.

My favorite dish to get is their scallops. I'm not sure why, but cooking scallops have always intimidated me. Maybe it is the fairly expensive price tag combined with the finicky nature of scallops that demand to be cooked just so. But I finally gave in and decided to try cooking some. And let me tell you, a little googling and youtubing of how to properly cook them, and they were AMAZING.

TGIF, Let's Celebrate!

Here in NC, the summer is finally slipping off, giving way to the crisp autumn weather. After driving through the mountains last weekend to visit family up north, I have been filled with both excitement for the upcoming holiday season and a little sadness as I watch a beautiful summer fade into the distance.

Spiced Pumpkin Waffles

Let it be October. A season of mixed emotions for many.

As the cooler weather settles in, so many are sighing in relief as the summer heat fades into cool nights and warm days. That relief from the heat also comes with sadness as we say good bye to sipping ice cold lemonade, barbecues & picnics with friends, and swimming.

Now is the season to start looking forward to evening bon fires, pumpkin & apple EVERYTHING, and it's time to start shopping for that perfect winter coat.

It's also time to try out these AMAZING waffles. I love these waffles because they are the only pumpkin waffles I have found that actually have the ability to become crispy.

Come Read With Me

October is upon us my friends. The weather is finally starting to cool off, making it perfect for baking and spending time curled up with a good book. Check out some of my favorites I'll be reading this month.

Joy the Baker does it again with her AMAZING recipes. Make sure to check out her delicious desserts in this book!