Yummy Pumpkin

As a lover of Fall, I am inclined to also love pumpkins and all things made from them.
Here are 2 of my favorite recipes for this time of year.

This first one sounds weird, but it is so delicious and creamy. Super easy too.

Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce

1 lb penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 cup heavy cream or half n half
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley

1. Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water in a separate bowl.
2. Melt the butter over medium-low heat in a sauce pan. Add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 min. Stir in the pumpkin and cream and bring to a boil. Stir pumpkin mixture into the pasta and add parmesan cheese and parsley.
Season with salt and pepper and top with lots more parmesan and parsley.



Pumpkin Bread

3 cups sugar
1 cup butter (melted)
4 eggs
2/3 cups water
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp nutmeg
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup walnut chips

Mix well (really well) and pour into greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Warning: This makes a HUGE batch of bread. It is best to have disposable loaf pans on hand for the extra, or simply cut recipe in 1/2. I never do that though, because it freezes so well! You will love the crispy crust this bread develops while baking.

Murder Mystery Party

Last Halloween, we had a "killer" bash for my birthday! We hosted a Murder Mystery party where each of our guests played a character in the mystery. Everyone completely got into their roles and came dressed in character, including props! My dear husband emailed the guests their roles and backgrounds a couple of weeks prior to the party, so everyone could prepare accordingly. Best of all, it was all kept a secret from me, so I could play along all night. When everyone arrived for the party, Sherlock Holmes (AKA my hubs) gave everyone a brief synopsis of what had happened prior to their arrival, detailing out that the murder had already been committed. Each guest was then introduced as their character and a motive for the murder was announced for each. After much mingling, interrogating, snacking and drinking we gathered again and everyone shared the information they had gathered with the group. After a who-done-it vote from everyone, the murderer was finally revealed!
The tablescape for this party was super fun, as was the food.

Fun new website

Everyone must check out this super addicting website soon...
http://www.sporcle.com/
Features all kinds of fun quizzes like state capitals, sports team mascots, basically anything you can think of. A great way to kill time and relax a little!

Welcome Fall!

It's no secret, Fall is my most favorite time of year. I am already researching ideas!
Here are a few from Miss Martha.
Glass cylinder vases showcase colorful leaves for a modern centerpiece. Let your kiddos collect pretty leaves this fall then press until dried.Mini pumpkins take on an elegant feel when spray painted in gold metallic. These look adorable as placecards and can be take-home favors for your guests. Use paper mache pumpkins from the craft store and you won't have to worry about the pumpkins spoiling.

Another cute place card idea...maybe for the kids table? This one is so easy they could even do it themselves. Find instructions here: http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/thanksgiving-table-settings?&lpgStart=1&currentslide=5&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs
LOVE this one. Pressed leaves between a natural colored tablecloth and a sheer fabric overlay. So simple!
For a rustic tablescape, stamp a burlap runner with a leaf stamp and craft paint.

Another one of my favs, cylinder vases again, this time covered with autumn colored tissue paper creates a wonderful glow when candles are inserted.