early Fall crushes

There are certain times of year when I discover special and unique seasonal finds at the market and Farmer's Market . . . and Fall is my favorite time of year for discovering seasonal treasures.

I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite finds (crushes) over the last few weeks . . .

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casaba melon

canned Organic Pumpkin has arrived!

woven jute placemats

orange and burnt orange paper straws

long stem freckled pumpkins

Fall lilies

Caramel Apple Pie & Pumpkin Spice K-Cups! 
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Have you ever tried a casaba melon? Oh my heavens, they're delicious . . . juicy . . . and oh so sweet!

I spotted them at the Farmer's Market . . . and thought that their skin was quite unique. 

It wasn't until I sampled a piece that I couldn't buy one fast enough. That's what's so neat about Farmer's Markets . . . FREE samples of fruits, vegetables, and cookies/pastries and honey! 

  

Long stem freckled pumpkins!

There's something so incredibly charming about long stems on pumpkins. Their long, twisted, gnarled stems give them so much character . . . and I love that they look like you just picked them from a pumpkin patch.

Have you ever seen burnt orange lilies?

They're breath-taking, especially when  the sun shines on them.

I buy lots of sunflowers this time of year, but when I saw these . . . I was captivated by them.

I brought them home and paired them with a large bowl of long-stem freckled pumpkins.

Perhaps one of my favorite seasonal finds so far are these braided jute placemats.

I'm a big fan of jute. In fact, all the rugs and carpet runners in our home are made of jute. I think it's natural fibers like this one that add extra warmth to a home (smile). 

I think my new braided placemats cozy-up our dining room table . . . and I love it! 

Have you seen the new Fall seasonal Keurig flavors!?! Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Apple Pie!

Add a few tablespoons of Hazelnut Creamer to both and you have an over-the-top delicious hot drink to keep you warm during these cooler Fall mornings and evenings!

 

And for a little Fall fun . . . extra thick paper straws!

I found these darling straws at a local gift shoppe. I love their pattern and color. They're so festive . . . and go great in a pumpkin or apple pie shake!!

What are your early Fall favorites?

Here are a few more of mine, here.

LET'S STAY in touch!

Simply Suzannes at Home

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my Keurig . . . and an Italian Roast affogato

My sister bought me a Keurig for my birthday, and I couldn't have been more excited!

She bought me the K-10 Mini Plus, which is a personal-size brewer. It's great, because she's knows that I'm not a fan of leaving appliances out on the counter-top (except for my Kitchen Aid. I use it almost every day!). So its small enough to tuck away in the corner, or back into the cupboard. Perfect. Perfect.

 

She also bought me 'The Entertainer' box, which includes 48 cups that range from light to dark roast coffees, hot chocolate, and herbal teas!

I was so surprised (and excited) to see that Keurig brews hot chocolate and cider!! We're big hot cocoa drinkers in the Winter. They're so much fun to enjoy with flavored creamers and marshmallows.

And tea . . . I love relaxing with a cup of herbal tea at sunset.

So even if you're not a coffee drinker, it's hard to dismiss this amazing little machine. It can brew just about anything in less than 2 minutes. I love mine!!

We've entertained quite a bit this Summer, so I've been a big fan of simple desserts . . . especially in the heat. Here have been a few of my favorites . . .

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sliced Sherlyn melon with a scoop of raspberry sorbet

strawberry meringue parfaits
watermelon with rose water

root beer floats & Weinhard Black Cherry floats

blackberry & vanilla galette with vanilla bean ice cream

& affogatos
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I shared a few of these favorites in posts throughout the Summer. I love that they're so easy to assemble, with little to no baking involved . . . and yet they're refreshing and so good!

Affogatos are new on my list of favorites!

The most well known espresso-based 'dessert' drink is Italy's . . . affogato. Some versions add whipped cream, or even liqueur ~ like amaretto.

I had one for the first time while vacationing in Peru several years ago. Although affogatos didn't originate from there, many countries have a very similar coffee-based 'dessert.'

Side note . . .
I recently had lunch at CHADO's in Los Angeles and they serve a similar 'dessert' drink, but with a Madagascar Vanilla Bean Tea (instead of coffee), a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a dollop of clotted cream . . . Oh. my. goodness. It was so good.

Since I'm not a fan of espresso, I like to make mine with a full-bodied Italian Roast. 

They're so simple to prepare! Here's my version . . . .

Italian Roast affogato

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Italian Roast coffee

quality vanilla bean ice cream

chocolate covered espresso beans, chopped (optional)

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Preparation

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brew Italian Roast, pour into a small pitcher or carafe

scoop a generous dollop of vanilla bean ice cream into a shallow cup or bowl

slowly pour hot Italian Roast coffee over the ice cream

sprinkle chopped chocolate covered espresso beans on top

Serve with a spoon . . . and enjoy!

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This has quickly become a favorite dessert for me. Not just because it's so fast and easy to make . . . but because I love the combination of the rich, creamy vanilla bean ice cream with a light hint of a full-bodied coffee bath.

Add a few chopped chocolate covered espresso beans for added yumminess . . . and you have you a . . . sigh . . . deliciously, unique dessert.

LET'S STAY in touch!

Simply Suzannes at Home

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