Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Whose Got the Pumpkin?

In my last post I bemoaned the late summer temperatures that were keeping the feeling of Autumn at bay.  Since I wrote that post the temperatures have dropped about 30 degrees and we've had nice soft cool rains.  The leaves are beginning to change and the days are quite pleasant.  The cats are enjoying time in the open windows of my studio.

I'm reminded of the hay rides we used to go on as kids.  With these moments and moods in mind I've created two new ACEO (Art Cards) in an Autumn theme.  An ACEO (Art Card) is always 3.5" x 2.5".  It can be made with just about any material you'd like.  I've seen them made in clay, quilted fabric, canvas, paper, and stained glass.  Both of these original cards were created digitally and then hand embellished with a variety of types of colored pencils - oil, wax, and watercolor.  And then they were finished off with a touch of India Ink.  They may both be found in my Etsy shop.  The actual cards do not have a watermark on them.

And now, just for fun, I'd like to share a recipe with you.  This is perfect for a cool Autumn breakfast or a raining afternoon snack.  Here is my own original Creamy Pumpkin Spread recipe.  For my vegan friends, a non dairy cream cheese substitute will work just fine with this.

Creamy Pumpkin Spread

8 ounces of Neufchatel cheese

1/2 Cup pumpkin 

(I used fresh that I had previously cooked.  But canned would work fine.)

4 Tablespoons Agave nectar

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon of each (Ginger, allspice, cloves)

1 teaspoon Vanilla

This creamy spread is wonderful on hot English Muffins or Bagels. I've been wondering how yummy it might be on pancakes!  Ha!  I'll have to try that!

Enjoy!

        

Wind and Honey Creations

A day of Memories

Last week was the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S. Traditionally it is a national holiday of thanks. But for me it has also become a time to think about what I have to be thankful for in my personal life. I try not to get so caught up in the feast and preparations of the day that I forget to be thoughtful and thankful.

This year we had planned to spend the day at the home of extended family. Two days before Thanksgiving Day, our plans changed and my daughter and I made a quick list and trip to the grocery store. All other tasks were put on hold while we baked. For the first time in many years as we set down to the table, it was just the four of us. Rather than feeling like the setting was lean, I found it to be quite nostalgic. I looked around the table at the faces of my 20 something kids and remembered the year when they were 6 and 9 and we celebrated this day with just the four of us. We did team baking that year also.

The kids and I have found community in the kitchen since they were preschoolers. We baked together for holidays, for many homeschool projects, and sometimes just for fun.

I've included pictures of the pies my daughter made this year - pumpkin, pecan, and apple,cranberry, pecan (a new one this year). And also a picture of her baking bread for her Grandpa's Christmas present when she was 2 1/2. She had a little help from her Daddy that day.