Pumpkin Post

I have been experimenting with a couple recipes around here to incorporate pumpkin into our everyday meals. This morning we had baked oatmeal, and since it turned out to be a hit, I wanted to share it with you.

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal (adapted from here )
3 c. old-fashioned oats
1 c. brown sugar (you can add less, I thought it was a bit sweet)
2 t. baking powder
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. salt
1/2 c. pure pumpkin
2 eggs
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 t. vanilla
3/4 c. dried cranberries
1-2 small apples, peeled and chopped into 1/2 in. cubes

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
3. Spread into a greased 9x13 pyrex and bake for 40 minutes.
 We served ours with a little dash of almond milk. It's so easy; the hardest part was waiting for it to finish baking.


The second recipe we have been tweaking is our pumpkin smoothie. Here's our favorite so far. I usually eyeball things, so these are estimates. You can adjust to taste. This recipe can easily serve 2 adults and 2 kids.


Combine the following in a blender:
1 c. plain Greek yogurt
2 bananas
1 -1 1/2 c. almond milk (or your milk of choice)
2 T. almond butter
1/2 c. pure pumkin
1/8 c. ground flax seed
2 t. molasses
3 ice cubes

Mix all ingredients until well blended. You can sprinkle a little cinnamon and nutmeg on top if you prefer. A flexy straw is optional, but I think it makes it taste even better. If you have a favorite smoothie recipe for this time of year, please send it along to share!

The Pumpkin Patch

 We spent a beautiful fall day at Bi-Zi Farms. Next year we hope to have pumpkins from our own garden. Even still, I think I would insist on keeping this tradition.

Ouchies

We have had a small share of "ouchies" around here lately. Things can always be much worse, I know, and a few trips to the doctor and hospital make me all the more grateful for health and family.  I'll be honest, though. Anyone who knows me can testify that I tend to stress a bit. So for an outlet I have been spending time at the sewing station. Tonight, however, is my turn to be laid up with an ouchie. Instead of creating I browsed for some inspiration. Of various kinds.

                                                         

                                                                                 ***

                    

                                                                    to comfort ouchies

                                                                          ***

                                                                        crisp blanket


And all the while I have Over the Rhine serenading me in the background. Random bits to get me excited to sew or knit again when an idea strikes.

Potential

We are fortunate enough to sit together for most of our meals. Our conversation usually goes a little something like this: 

Child 1: "Can I have more water Mama?"

Child 2 is pulling off her bib and I trade it out for a buttoned bib. Problem solved.

Child 3: "Is there anything else? This is not my favorite."

Mom: "This is what is for dinner. I can get you more of whatever it is we are eating after I get Child 1 some water. Just a minute. And how is everyone's day going? Look at the squirrel out back!"

All this while Child 2 is standing in her seat.

 I love taking time to enjoy some time around our small table, especially this time of year. Last night I got to make Taco Pie for dinner and Apple Crisp for desert. Comfort food. And I wanted dinner to be just as comfortable where we could all sit (and I mean sit) through a meal and enjoy each others' company. The kids were so excited to help prepare the meal. We made sure to have everything set out on the table, with extras, so no one would have to leave the table until we were finished. It was wonderful. That's why we are committing to making Sunday meals extra special with a few added details. Just like Sundays at Grandpa and Grandma's farm when I grew up. Presentation and lingering conversation. It is Sunday after all. Don't rush to clean up right away. Relax. It's fall.

Shop Announcement

Coming soon! Stay tuned for a link to my Etsy shop.

Road Trip

We spent last weekend in Port Townsend enjoying these amazing views. I haven't been this attached to a place since we discovered Lake Takhlakh years ago. I can't wait to get back and explore all the places around this area. If I ever had the money to buy a vacation home...