Did Someone Say "Candy"?

Someone in our family (who shall remain nameless) LOVES candy, so when we celebrated his birthday, I decked out our French Wire Carousel Caddy with some sweet treats.  I could have used little bowls, but this made the display more fun!  It's also great for organizing office supplies.

Squash Mania!

Yes, the word "squash" doesn't necessarily conjure up ideas of deliciousness, but this recipe from The Good Housekeeping Cookbook is great!  

Maple Butternut Squash

Prep: 20 minutes  Cook: 20 minutes

2 medium butternut squash (2 lb. each)

1/2 c. maple syrup

4 T. butter, cut into pieces

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

1.  Cut each squash lengthwise in half; discard seeds.  With veggie peeler, remove peel, then cut squash crosswise into 1 in.-thick slices.

2.  In a sauce pot, heat 1 inch of water to boiling over high heat.  Add squash.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer until tender (about 15 minutes).

3.  In large bowl, combine squash, syrup, butter, salt and pepper.  With mixer at low speed, beat until smooth.  ( I put it all in the blender and added a bit of water.)  Makes 10 accompaniment servings.

Photo Opportunity

By using the Jamestown Tray, I was able to make this photo collage in a minute.  Just place the photos under the glass and you're finished!  What a fun way to make your guest of honor feel special!

Lasagna Italiano

Lasagna Italiano

1 lb. hamburger

1/2 c. chopped onion

1 garlic clove, diced

6 oz. tomato paste

1 1/2 c. water

2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp. pepper

8 oz. lasagne noodles, cooked and drained

1 lb. cottage cheese

12 oz. mozzarella cheese slices

1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Brown meat; drain.  Add onion and garlic; cook until tender.  Stir in tomato paste, water and seasonings.  Cover; simmer for 30 minutes.  In a 9 x 13 pan, layer half of the noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese and Mozzarella cheese; repeat layers.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let stand 10 minutes before serving.  Makes 6-8 servings.  (If using no-boil noodles, you'll need to cover the lasagna and cook it for about 45 minutes.)

This lasagna recipe is my old faithful.  It makes a hearty meal for a cool, fall evening! 

Fall Mantle Madness

I know, I know! I already posted pics of my fall decor, but my NEW fall Willow House goodies came in the mail the other day, and I just had to use them immediately!  (Can you see why I had to become a Design Consultant? : )

 The smallest of the Wireweave Basket Trio holding purple-ish succulent wrapped in burlap

 Who doesn't need a basket for their pinecones, right?

 I'm so in love with the Athena Crackle Vase.  I wasn't sure if turquoise would work in my family room, but it added a splash of color that the room needed.

Add some fall fun to your mantle.  I think this little display of gourds cost me $2.10!  Don't overlook your produce section for decorating ideas!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 can pumpkin

1 egg

1/2 c. oil

1 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

2 c. flower

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp milk

1 tsp vanilla

12 oz chocolate chips (1 bag)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix ingredients together.  Drop by spoonfuls on an un-greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Let cool.

Believe it or not, we found this recipe in my son's homeschool curriculum!  They make tasty cake like cookies.  Enjoy!  

Welcome Fall!

 Okay, it's no secret!  I love autumn colors, and I've been waiting to pull out my fall decor for about a month now!

 Pumpkin delight on the Jackson Square Pedestal

 Fall's glory displayed in the large Lady Jane Bottleneck Vase

(I love how the bottleneck allows for arrangements to stand up tall without flopping over.)

 Fall Mantle

Sparkly gourds in the Hawthorne Hurricane

Tip:  If you need to elevate candleholders or another item from a deep display box/container, use dry beans to add height and texture : )

These Annabelle Iron Votives needed a boost!