Years ago I began to make these cornhusk flowers with the plan to create a wreath.  I ran out of time to make enough flowers for the whole wreath, and two children later, I haven't quite found time to finish it.  However, I still love pulling them out every year for Thanksgiving.

One day I will finish that wreath, perhaps when I replace my door and need something special to adorn it.

Want to create your own?  Directions are on Martha Stewart.  She has even more amazing cornhusk projects here.

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Gobble Gobble... a sweet memory

[ Disclaimer:  Please forgive the bad lighting.  The time change is resulting in nighttime photography.]

Want an easy Thanksgiving project?  Grab a dishtowel and fabric paint in your choice of colours.  Carefully apply fabric paint to your child's hands.  (Be very careful and close to a sink to wash up.  This is fabric paint after all.)  Once paint is applied, carefully press hand on cloth and allow to dry.  Repeat with other hand.

Once the handprint is dry, carefully paint feet, a beak, etc with a thin paintbrush.  Allow to dry.  Iron to set the paint.  And voila... a memento for years to come.

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

"Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"

How do you have a Snow White day?  Start with a Snow White, twirling in her skirt.

Then add a dwarf...

And complete the picture with an apple or two... though not poisoned in this case.

Interested in your own?  The Snow White costume is "minimal-sew"... a no-sew tutu skirt made of yellow tulle, white tulle, and yellow satin ribbon, a blue leotard with decorative ribbon lightly stitched on the front, and a red ribbon for the hair.

Dopey's costume was even easier... a green shirt, several sizes too large (5T for my 12 month boy), with big yellow buttons and hat sewn from thick purple felt.  Add a little jute string for a belt and the picture is complete.

And the Snow White story couldn't be complete without the apple of course.  Otherwise there would be no need for the kiss.  So how about apple place cards for lunch and then sweet "apple" cupcakes for dessert.  A sweet ending for a sweet fairytale.

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Theme of the Day: Candy Corn... just a little late

After entirely too long, and entirely too many service calls, it looks like we may once again have Internet.  And that means I can share some very-belated Halloween posts.  But on the chance that you still have candy corn lying around, or perhaps in withdrawal over the lack of candy corn, here's to a little sweet fun...

Perhaps some "candy corn" pancakes...

 or just tri-colored ones when making the triangles gets too exhausting

Maybe a Breakfast parfait of yogurt (dyed yellow and orange) and banana slices

And we can't let breakfast have all the fun.  What about cheesy "candy corn" made with a sharp New Zealand cheddar, a Wisconsin cheddar, and a Wisconsin Monterrey Jack.

And for a little kitchen education... how about learning what red and yellow make



And to top off the day, a sweet little treat of pudding and whipped cream.

I'm suddenly a fan of orange and yellow.

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Technical Difficulties

Due to technical difficulties, I have been learning what life is like without being able to blog or even check my personal email.  Hopefully the issue will be fixed shortly and I will be back on-line.  Until then, enjoy a nice cup of tea and be inspired.

Oh, and tried a new tea yesterday that was excellent... Tazo Sweet Wild Orange (I think that was the name).  Excellent afternoon tea when you just need to calm down.

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Apple Pocket Pies

I love these little apple pocket pie molds from Williams-Sonoma.  As a warning, my first batch was an absolute disaster.  However, these came out a little better.  The mold came with a recipe, but here's my variation:

Ingredients:

• Store-bought Pie Crust (because I'm not great with crust)
• 1 1/2lbs apples (approximately 3), peeled and diced
• 1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tbls butter
• 1 egg, separated
• raw sugar (to sprinkle)

Directions:

1. Mix the apples, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices in a bowl
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add the apple mixture and cook, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
3. Based on the dough directions, let the pie crust rest at room temperature.
4. Using the apple pocket mold, cut out one solid shape and one decorative shape.  Place the solid shape into the bottom of the apple mold.  Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture into the center.  Brush the edges with the egg yolk.  Place the decorative shape on top and press gently with the apple mold, sealing the edges.  Remove gently and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Repeat step 4 for the remaining pies, re-rolling dough as necessary.
6. Freeze pies for at least 20 minutes.
7. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.  Brush top of pies with the egg white wash.  Sprinkle with raw sugar.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

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A Casual Fall Dessert Gathering

 

My mother-in-law recently celebrated her birthday.  Getting her together with her three sons and their families was challenging based on different schedules, but we were able to get everyone together for afternoon desserts.  Each family brought a different dessert (Williamsburg Bread, Orange Cookies, and Apple Pies), and we spent the afternoon watching the grandkids, chatting, and feasting on desserts (...oh, and her men may have talked her into watching the Skins game as well).

Decorations came from the season... pumpkins, gourds, indian corn, acorns, and corn husk flowers.  Autumn colors dominated with browns, oranges, and golds complimented by the cobalt blue.  For flowers I mixed two grocery store bunches - one of eucalyptus and greens and one of yellow and orange flowers - to create custom arrangements for the party.

This is such a simple option for a quick gathering.  Almost all the decorations can be picked up from a farmers market or grocery store, and it takes no time to assemble.  Just grab some pumpkins and have fun with it.

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