A Day of Thanks

November Blooms

Pure Pumpkin or Pumpkin Pie Mix?

When I went grocery shopping a few weeks ago, I accidentally picked up a few cans of pumpkin pie mix rather than 100% pure pumpkin like I usually buy. When I realized my 'mistake' while unloading the groceries I groaned because I detest taking things back to the store. Just hate it.

So, I looked at the can from Libby's, I thought, well, why not try it? It can't be all that bad even though I see bakers highlight in recipes to use PURE PUMPKIN ONLY - NOT THE MIX. So it already has the spices added - what could be so bad?

Yesterday I decided to put it to a test. I made my own pie dough.

Following the recipe on the can - it couldn't have been more easy to just add 2 eggs and 2/3 cup of evaporated milk. I decided to doctor it up just a little though and added freshly grated nutmeg (I LOVE using my microplane and freshly grated nutmeg makes everything better!) and a little bit of pumpkin spice just because I love the aroma and taste of all the spices.

Judging from the looks of the pie plate I would say it was a hit with my family. They declared it 'delicious' and I didn't even tell them I made it slightly different this time than I usually do. All they care about is that it tastes good. 

What was really nice is that the large can was just enough for the deep dish pie plate. Perfect.

Thanksgiving Wreath

Last year, my dear friend Mike sent me an unexpected gift of Martha Stewart's Great American Wreaths book. The book has beautiful wreaths - one inspired from each state. Looking through the book, it was hard to choose just one to make because they are all so beautiful. But, since it is autumn and thanksgiving is quickly approaching and because I loved all the colors, the maple leaf on the cover became my inspiration.

I found some natural preserved California oak leaves at Beverly's craft store. I also picked up the wire wreath form there and found some brown floral tape at Michael's. Since a lot of the oak leaves don't have long stems, I also cut some floral stems to size and wrapped them in the brown floral tape and then wrapped the leaves and the floral stems together. I also found some white oak leaves from a tree not far from my office and worked those in throughout the wreath.

The final result brings so much color to the front door and since we have a double front door I need to make one more.

Autumn Birds

The wild duck startles like a sudden thought,

And heron slow as if it might be caught.

The flopping crows on weary wings go by

And grey beard jackdaws noising as they fly.

The crowds of starnels whizz and hurry by,

And darken like a clod the evening sky.

The larks like thunder rise and suthy round,

Then drop and nestle in the stubble ground.

The wild swan hurries hight and noises loud

With white neck peering to the evening clowd.

The weary rooks to distant woods are gone.

With lengths of tail the magpie winnows on

To neighbouring tree, and leaves the distant crow

While small birds nestle in the edge below.

Poem by John Clare

Happy Halloween

Hope you have a sweet and sugary Halloween

Sandhill Crane Festival

November 6-8, 2009 in Lodi, California

I hope to attend the festival this year to hear the gargling and see the wondrous dance of the sandhill cranes.