Saturday, October 22, 2011

Darlin' I Love You But Give Me Park Avenue

Fall is definitely here!  And Tommy and I were headed to Costco to stock up on coffee, coffee and more coffee!  Preparations for buckling down, sipping some java, and cozying up with some football are being made!

As part of the drive to Costco, we realized that a local farm, BiZi Farms,  known for a variety of fun, farmy type activities was along the way, so despite the fact that we were wearing shorts and flip-flops, off to the farm we went! 

The corn maze was incredible.  The corn was tall, the maze was huge, and the path was a little on the wet side.  While there were some people that showed up prepared in their mud boots and jeans, Tommy and I muddled through just fine with our flip-flops.  Kinda.  We learned that they do splatter mud up the back side of your legs which is just lovely. 



The pumpkin launch was pretty cool.  Huge slingshots, really. 


And the pumpkin patch.  A tractor and hay ride out to the patch allows you to pick out your own pumpkins, any shape or size, wheelbarrows provided.  And then a tractor with a hay trailer comes back and picks you up to haul you and your new treasure back to the farm. 


We had a good time, although hindsight helped us to realize that we should have gone to Costco first.  It was impossible to get all the mud off our legs, feet and shoes, so after doing the best de-mudding jobs we could, we still had to go shopping. 

So, in the past couple of months, I've been trying to find or develop a cake recipe that I liked that has a real super duper lemon flavor to it.  Again, at the mentioning of a friend, I'm on a mission.  She said that she would love a lemon recipe that doesn't taste like a yellow cake with a little lemon flavor and lemon frosting added.  She wants mega lemon.  As I was purusing Southern Living's Holiday Edition of their magazine, I stumbled across what appeared to be exactly what I had been looking for.  These cakes are pure sweet, lemony goodness.   They are Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cakes and they are just fresh and delightful!


This picture is pre-glaze, so they're not all glossy and sticky yet.  I think the perfect thing to go with these little lovelies just might be... coffee!  Good thing we are stocked up! 

Enjoy!


Saturday, October 8, 2011

Quick Fixes for Parties and Potlucks

The season for parties, get-togethers and potlucks is upon us.  With Halloween around the corner, I'm here to help you with the easy part of the celebrating by offering a couple of simple options to make and take with you.  As for costume decisions, you are totally and completely on your own.  If it weren't for the whole requirement of picking out a costume, Halloween would be so much more enjoyable!  I'm not sure what we will be doing this Halloween, but these little snacks will hold you over for party-going from now through the Super Bowl. 

First, I'd like to introduce what has been referred to by some as "meat wrapped in meat."  My husband has actually asked me to make this for dinner in the past.  Ok, so while I like them, I don't like them quite enough to have them for a meal.  And here you have it, Bacon Wrapped Lil' Smokies


Three ingredients makes this super easy - Lil' Smokies, bacon, and brown sugar.  Big score! (And a big thank you to Aunt Kim!)

Another easy party idea is Nutter Butter Bon Bons .  We're still going for easy, simple crowd pleasers, and this fits the bill.  A four-ingredient fix, these are a success with anyone who enjoys the delightfulness of peanut butter and chocolate combinations.  Oh, you would like a picture?  Here ya go!


I hope these quick recipes have been helpful.  I remain stumped for a Halloween costume and am not feeling particularly optimistic that I'll come to a resolution in time for the festivities, but I'm okay with that as long as Tommy dresses up in something silly (like the Beer Keg costume that we bought at an after-Halloween sale last year!) so that I can get a good chuckle out of it!

Enjoy!