Tuesday, October 29, 2013

fun & festive ideas for a pumpkin carving party



We had a fun and eventful weekend!

A few weeks ago, a friend of ours asked me if I was interested in designing and coordinating a Harvest Festival for our Community that she would be co-sponsoring  . . .  and I accepted.  So, I spent Saturday morning setting up for the Harvest Festival, and then we spent the afternoon with family celebrating my great- niece's 1st birthday (Happy Birthday, Kylie!).

I thought you might enjoy seeing a few fun & festive ideas and photos from the Harvest Festival . . . 


~ our backyard looked like a pumpkin patch for a few days before the Festival ~
~ Oh what fun our kids had with them! ~


pumpkin tags

Because I brought pumpkins from my home to decorate the dessert and activity tables, I had to figure out a creative way to "tag" the pumpkins that were for carving . . .  so I bought die-cut Fall leaves and hot glued them to jute rope, and then tied them to each pumpkin.

Each jute rope strand was unique and featured different colored leaves. Some strands had as few as three leaves, and others had up to six. There were quite pretty, especially when lined up all together on the pumpkin carving table.








bunting

I also made simple Halloween bunting for a few of the tables. You can see a tutorial here and here.

I hung one above the dessert table, and another one across the front of an information table.




For the dessert table, I secured tall wood dowels in small bales of hay so that I could swag several feet of burlap and bunting across the table. I also scattered loose hay, and stacked a few pumpkins on either side of the hay bales to complete a harvest look for the table.




~ the dessert menu ~

candied apples
chocolate chip cookies
sliced pumpkin pound cake
sliced chocolate swirl pound cake
Cinnamon crumb cake
petite brownie cups with cream cheese frosting and Fall sprinkles
knotted pretzels and cheese crackers
(I love this brown & orange combination for Fall!)
~ and ~
a basket of petite Pink Lady apples




pumpkin carving table 

Although there were festivities like face painting and a dance contest, pumpkin carving was the main event, so I spent a considerable amount of time creating an inviting table.

I'm a big fan of using wrapping paper to cover activity tables (please see here for more). It looks festive, and makes for easy clean-up! I chose a green with white polka dot pattern to cover the activity tables, and scattered BIG orange and purple gum balls and sixlets on the tables, since it's quite fun to chew on bubble gum and candy while you're carving away, right!? (smile).

I placed disposable cookie sheets at each place setting for easy clean-up . . . and small galvanized buckets that held pumpkin carving tools and markers were placed at every other pumpkin, so that there were plenty of carving tools for everyone!





Although I wasn't able to attend the event, I heard from my neighbors that it was a success.

I was lucky enough to arrive at the tail end to see lots of happy children . . . and special & unique carved pumpkins!

It was a great ending to a wonderful day!



LET'S STAY in touch!





Monday, October 28, 2013

creamy white bean & chicken chili with roasted sweet potatoes

I wanted to share this post again, since chili is a popular dinner served on Halloween.

It's easy to see why . . . it's simple to prepare and ever-so-hearty.  A delicious on-the-go dinner for busy trick-or-treaters. 


Chili has a special place in my heart! It reminds me of my late grandma, Monie, who made it every year for our family's Annual Halloween Celebration! Her chili was famous!  
  
It was rich . . . thick . . . and hearty! Made with a tomato base, meat, salsa, and LOADS of spices . . . It was amazing.

Shortly after her 97th birthday she shared with us that she didn't think she was going to host Halloween that year, because it was just too much. And although we all offered to help, she still declined because she knew she couldn't host it the way that she always did, and wanted to . . . so our chili tradition ended, sadly.

Several of us asked her for the recipe, so as to carry on the "chili tradition" in our own homes . . . but her response was "Honey, there is no recipe." 

What!?! How could that be? 

Determined to have it, I asked her to prepare it one afternoon so that I could watch and record. My attempt proved quite difficult because she didn't measure a single ingredient, and used a lot of "this and that." 

My culinary skills have grown over the years, and what I've come to realize is that chili is probably one of the most versatile recipes, and that some of the best chili's don't have a recipe! 

Monie's chili is still THE BEST CHILI I have ever eaten , and knowing what I know now . . . It wasn't amazing because of a 'special ingredient' . . . It was amazing because she prepared it with LOVE . . . and a lot of it! ((Her century-old cast iron pot ~ laden with more flavor than you could imagine ~ might have helped a little too. Smile!))

I haven't tried to re-create her chili. I'm not sure that I ever could, even if I tried. And that's ok. It was HER chili, and she will always be remembered for it!



Since marrying my husband, I've prepared a few chili recipes . . . and tend to lean towards white bean and chicken chili's. I appreciate their light and fresh flavors . . . and love that I can add ROASTED Fall vegetables for an extra special treat.  Roasted sweet potatoes are my favorite . . . as their sweetness is a pleasant play off the warm cumin and chili spices

I recommend serving your favorite garlic bread with THIS chili  . . . and don't forget a few great toppings too! CRUMBLED BACON makes this ever so good!!





Ingredients
(If you don't have time to roast your own chicken, then a rotisserie chicken works great too)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 can (8 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon salt
2  teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish with . . . fresh Italian flat leaf parsley or cilantro, sour cream, shredded Pepper  Jack Cheese, and CRUMBLED BACON

Directions
In a large saucepan, saute the onion in butter until tender, stir in seasonings, allowing them to heat. Add garlic and saute. Stirring frequently.
Add the beans, broth, chilies, and salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. 
Add roasted sweet potatoes and shredded chicken. Cover pot with lid. 
Remove from the heat; stir in cream. 
Serves 6-8



bon appetit!


~ This post is dedicated to my late grandma, Monie ~
We miss you!





LET'S STAY in touch!











Wednesday, October 23, 2013

simple Halloween bunting . . .



I love bunting!

Whether made of fabric or paper, they're so simple to make . . . and always look so fun & festive.

I shared a simple easy-to-make bunting that I made over the Summer for my chalkboard here.




So when I was asked to coordinate a Pumpkin Carving ~ Harvest Festival this Saturday . . . and thoughts turned to decorations . . . I immediately thought of bunting.

I love traditional orange and black this time of year, and fell smitten with the polka dot and chevron prints I found. 





With a few materials and scissors (pictorial here), I made bunting for this Saturday's Festival.

I have special plans for this bunting . . . and hope to take photos so that I can share it with you.






LET'S STAY in touch!











Sharing with . . .

Rain on a Tin Roof, A Stroll Thru LifeCedarHill RanchMy Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaMod Vintage Life, Savvy Southern StyleCity Farm HouseElizabeth and CoChef in Training, The Recipe CriticOur Home Away From HomeFinding FabulousAshley's Dandelion WishesThe Style SistersFluster BusterLamberts LatelyStoneGableKatherine's CornerLive Laugh RoweJann OlsonFrom My Front Porch to YoursThe Newleywed PilgrimagePink Recipe Box, French Country CottagePosed PerfectionBecoming MarthaThe Cottage Market504 MainHouse of RoseTater Tots and JelloChic on a ShoestringDesigns by GollumBrambleberry Cottage, A Delightsome Life, Jennifer RizzoCooking with CurlsYour Homebased MomA Little ClaireificationWhat's Cooking With RuthieSuburbs MamaSerenity Now52 MantelsRain on a Tin RoofThe TablescaperLady Behind the Curtain,  Sunflower Supper ClubSensational CreationsThe Velvet Moon BakerWith a BlastLiving Better TogetherSimply Dream and CreateTumbleweed ContessaTater Tots and JelloMade from Pinterest, Boogieboard Cottage, Too Much TimeSimply GloriaTwigg Studios,Flamingo ToesCarrie This HomeSweet SavThe Heart of Your HomeCreatively LivingOur Home Away from HomeCommon GroundCraft DictatorIts OverflowingA Stylish InteriorTwelve O EightHome ComingAngels HomesteadFinding Silver PenniesMy Heart Lives Here







Tuesday, October 22, 2013

pumpkin coffee cake with brown sugar streusel




We entertained house guests last week . . . and with our home extra busy, I turned to my recipe binder for easy-to-prepare hearty meals and delicious Fall-inspired desserts.




After we put the kids to bed the first evening, I prepared Caramel Pumpkins for the adults. It was fairly late, so the warm and cozy dessert was a welcome treat.

I also baked a Pumpkin Coffee Cake with a brown sugar streusel another evening.  It came out of the oven just as we finished dinner; and even though we were all full, the aroma couldn't keep us away from enjoying a slice.




It's the true pumpkin version of the Chocolate Pumpkin Coffee Cake that I shared last week.

It's bright orange hue . . . and moist and tender crumb is a beautiful tribute to pumpkin. I use a butter cake mix base for added richness. And yes, this recipe, too, has a brown sugar streusel topping . . .  and a glaze that further moistens every nook and cranny.

I just love simple and delicious desserts . . . and this is one of them!





Ingredients
⅓ cup water 
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 15-ounce can pureed pumpkin 
2 x-large eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract 
2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 18-ounce box Butter (or Yellow) Cake Mix 



BROWN SUGAR STREUSEL
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour 
pinch of salt
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
preparation
In a small bowl mix together brown sugar, flour, and butter. 
Use your fingers to sprinkle over the top of the cake. 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

GLAZE
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar 
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 
1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
preparation
Combine the 1 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 
and heavy cream in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. 
Remove from heat and stir until all sugar is dissolved.

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a large bowl mix together the water, oil, pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. 
Add the cake mix and baking soda and mix until just combined.
Grease a 9×13 pan with butter and pour batter into pan.
Using your hands, crumble the streusel evenly over the top.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

When cake is finished baking, let cool for 5 minutes and then poke holes in the top with a toothpick. Using a spoon, pour glaze over the cake, making sure to cover all holes and surfaces. Serve cake warm or at room temperature.





LET'S STAY in touch!










Sharing with . . .

Rain on a Tin Roof, A Stroll Thru LifeCedarHill RanchMy Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaMod Vintage Life, Savvy Southern StyleCity Farm HouseElizabeth and CoChef in Training, The Recipe CriticOur Home Away From HomeFinding FabulousAshley's Dandelion WishesThe Style SistersFluster BusterLamberts LatelyStoneGableKatherine's CornerLive Laugh RoweJann OlsonFrom My Front Porch to Yours, The Newleywed PilgrimagePink Recipe Box, French Country CottagePosed PerfectionBecoming MarthaThe Cottage Market504 MainHouse of RoseTater Tots and JelloChic on a ShoestringDesigns by GollumBrambleberry Cottage, A Delightsome Life, Jennifer RizzoCooking with CurlsYour Homebased MomA Little ClaireificationWhat's Cooking With RuthieSuburbs MamaSerenity Now52 MantelsRain on a Tin RoofThe TablescaperLady Behind the Curtain,  Sunflower Supper ClubSensational CreationsThe Velvet Moon BakerWith a BlastLiving Better TogetherSimply Dream and CreateTumbleweed ContessaTater Tots and JelloMade from Pinterest, Boogieboard Cottage, Too Much TimeSimply GloriaTwigg Studios,Flamingo ToesCarrie This HomeSweet SavThe Heart of Your HomeCreatively LivingOur Home Away from HomeCommon GroundCraft DictatorIts OverflowingA Stylish InteriorTwelve O EightHome ComingAngels HomesteadFinding Silver PenniesMy Heart Lives Here


Thursday, October 17, 2013

bittersweet in Fall decor



One of my favorite things about Fall is decorating with natural elements . . . like leaves, bare branches, gourds, pumpkins, nuts, and corn. 




Bittersweet is also a beautiful natural Fall treasure.

I've always admired bittersweet, but have had a difficult time finding it here in Southern California.

So when I saw a large galvanized bucket brimming with REAL bittersweet branches in a shop while vacationing recently in Colorado, I knew that this was my chance to have some. 

I immediately fell in love with their incredibly bright berries and gnarled branches. 




I envisioned them in our living room . . . 
                                     weaving in and out of pumpkins on our mantle, 
                 and perched on our bookcase next to stone and white porcelain. 






 


And as we move deeper into Fall, and closer to Thanksgiving, I'll put away our Halloween decor and transform our entire home into a Fall wonderland.

The top of our mantle will change, yet again.  I envision creating a garland made of this bittersweet for the armoire in our dining room; paired with mercury glass . . . deep, rich autumn hues . . . it will be a warm and beautiful site. 




So many things become beautiful 
when you really look.
~ Lauren Oliver








LET'S STAY in touch!







Tuesday, October 15, 2013

a fun & festive Halloween with my kids



Our kids make this time of year so much fun!

I find their excitement contagious. Even the most simple of Halloween crafts, desserts, and decorations stir their happiness.

Personally, I adore Thanksgiving, but with THREE little ones . . . I can't escape Halloween.   So a few spooky touches here and there help make this time of year extra fun for them.


~  foil pumpkins . . . one for each of our kids  ~






I collect linen dishtowels, and have one for every season and holiday under the sun . . . so our kids have fun watching them change. This one is one of their favorites this time of year. 

I love the crown on the crow! Did you notice it? 




We love Trader Joe's Halloween JOE JOE'S Cookies! They're similar to Oreo's in shape, but these cookies are simply adorable with their double-sided pumpkin faces and bright orange vanilla bean cream filling.






A rich, smooth ganache frosting . . . and plenty of candy corns and sprinkles can make this already adorable cookie even more fun. 






We're a hot cocoa family, especially during the cooler Fall and Winter months. 

Halloween marshmallows and paper straws make this humble drinking experience fun & festive, especially when we enjoy them by the fire.




You can't have hot cocoa without marshmallows!

Instead of adding traditional mini marshmallows, we add Halloween PEEPS! They look quite fun and festive floating on top!




My husband and I have fond childhood memories of anxiously waiting for our local television station to air children's Halloween cartoons just before the arrival of this fun and festive holiday.  They seemed to add to the excitement! Do you remember them too?

One of our all time favorites was (and still is) It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!




We continue the tradition every year, and cozy up on our large sofa with hot cocoa and lots of blankets, and watch this classic together!




And pumpkins . . . pumpkins, everywhere! 

Who doesn't love pumpkins this time of year, especially around Halloween . . . when we get to turn them into Jack-o-Lanterns.


Thanks for coming by, and taking a peak at a few of our fun & festive Halloween traditions.


Happy Halloween, friends!


LET'S STAY in touch!








LET'S STAY in touch!












Sharing with . . .

Rain on a Tin Roof, A Stroll Thru LifeCedarHill RanchMy Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaMod Vintage Life, Savvy Southern StyleCity Farm HouseElizabeth and CoChef in Training, The Recipe CriticOur Home Away From HomeFinding FabulousAshley's Dandelion WishesThe Style SistersFluster BusterLamberts LatelyStoneGableKatherine's CornerLive Laugh RoweJann OlsonFrom My Front Porch to YoursPink Recipe Box, French Country CottagePosed PerfectionBecoming MarthaThe Cottage Market504 MainHouse of RoseTater Tots and JelloChic on a ShoestringDesigns by GollumBrambleberry Cottage, A Delightsome Life, Jennifer RizzoCooking with CurlsYour Homebased MomA Little ClaireificationWhat's Cooking With RuthieSuburbs MamaSerenity Now52 MantelsRain on a Tin RoofThe TablescaperLady Behind the Curtain,  Sunflower Supper ClubSensational CreationsThe Velvet Moon BakerWith a BlastLiving Better TogetherSimply Dream and CreateTumbleweed ContessaTater Tots and JelloMade from Pinterest, Boogieboard Cottage, Too Much TimeSimply GloriaTwigg Studios,Flamingo ToesCarrie This HomeSweet SavThe Heart of Your HomeCreatively LivingOur Home Away from HomeCommon GroundCraft DictatorIts OverflowingA Stylish InteriorTwelve O EightHome ComingAngels HomesteadFinding Silver PenniesMy Heart Lives Here

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