Hello November

Hello November, my sweet friend, who brings to me the anticipation of :

rainy day
warm comfort food
small gatherings
shopping
fall vintage markets
super moon viewing

My body clock starts the tempo of yearning to wear boots, flannel shirts with age, jeans, leggings, always my go to turquoise jewelry and road trips.  I can always find an excuse to go on a road trip just about any season of the year.

The crisp cooler air mixed with the aromatics of fall.  Heady earthy scents wrap around me.  I stop for a moment...ahhh...one more glorious fall that I will thoroughly embrace for the treasured gifts that I will receive.

I am planning a trip to go to view the fall leaves that turn here in Texas.  Yes, we have leaves that actually give to us the beauty of the jewel tones of fall.  The southwest region has a beautiful drive peppered with hills that give us the beauty of the maples, rich henna colored rock walls, famous apple town of Texas , and the reminder that life is grand in small towns. I will be remote..no T.V. no computer.

Rejuvenate
Reconnect
Relaxtion

I have already started to anticipate my trip.  I have a plan on paper for my Thanksgiving.  I have  a "no-plan" for my non-work days.  Adventures are waiting.  Find your adventure!

I will cook, sit by a fire, look at the wide open sky that twinkles with stars and be grateful.












Take a moment to find your fall adventure.  A gathering with friends would be a great start to kick off the adventures of  November.  How about a Super Moon Viewing on November 14th?

Sparkling Cranberry Drink

2 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon
1 bottle of Cranberry Sparkling Water
1-2  cans of cranberry or bottles of cranberry drink
ice in star shapes ( if you have a star ice tray) or cranberries frozen in ice

Mix all together.  You can adjust the amount of the cranberry juice to your liking or be creative to add a bottle of pomegrante juice instead of 2 cranberry.  Add the ice cubes just before serving.

This is a lovely drink in a glass drink dispenser.

Cheesey Bread

1 can of crescent rolls in sheet form
1 package of cheddar cheese* only use 4 ounces of cheese
2-4 T  flour
1-2 T butter
pastry brush
paprika
italian seasoning
baking sheet

Preheat oven according to directions on package
roll out sheet on floured board
cut  out shapes with leave cutter or by hand
place on parchment paper on cookie sheet
sprinkle with cheese
dust with paprika and italian seasoning for color

Bake
Remove
Serve hot or cold

Make a beautiful tray of red grapes, walnuts,  cheeses, hummus

Happy Super Moon Gazing!

October is Calling My Name

Fall...Fall..Fall....

Whirling leaves,cooler days, chilly nights, smell of firewood
Hayrides, fall festive parties
Warm farm to table dinners
Red wine
Peace
Roadtrips
Pumpkins
Gourds
Ravens
Haystacks
Cornstacks


Can you close your eyes for a moment?  Walk out onto your porch.  Embrace the joy in the beauty of the painted fall sunset sky.  Embrace the heady aromatics of fall.  Isn't life wonderfully delicious?

Fall Festive Drink

Sauvignon Blanc
Pomegranate or Cranberry Sparkling Italian Soda
Sparkling Pear Juice
Rum
Triple Sec


2 bottle of wine
1 bottle of sparkling Italian Cranberry or Pomegranate soda
1/2 cup of triple sec
1/2 cup of rum
1/2 cup of pear liquid

Mix, chill..enjoy

Brunch to Celebrate the Women in Your Life

May 8

Not all the women in your life may have children.   However along the way of their journey I am sure they have nurtured a friend during times babbling "mother inspired" sayings, baby sat, had a sibling or even a pet or two.  Yes, motherhood takes on many forms and hats... If you are like me your Mom is now your angel ever present in your journey.

As I listen to one of  my favorite bluegrass artist, Sarah Jaroz, I thought I would be berry inspired for a fun celebration brunch

Celebrate !  Just Celebrate the Life of Your Women Friends, Daughters, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts, Co-workers, Neighbors...just Celebrate!!

Gift Ideals

Small nosegays of picked or purchased flowers
A coupon for a picnic lunch
A coupon for a "Mom's Day" out
Lotions, creams, bath bombs, cleansers made by you with natural products * more on recipes on another blog soon
Movie or movie tickets
Dinner preparations for two or four
Bottle of wine with chocolate
Crafted gifts made by the grandchildren
Live Music Outing
Museum or Wildflower Center visit

The thought in the gift is what truly is measured.  Be as simple as your want or extravagant but make sure that the gift is a reflection of the recipient .

Now about those recipes

Berrylicious Sangria
Yield 8 to 10 6 oz glasses

1  to 2 bottles of Sparkling Fruit Flavored Water or Fruit based bottled Italian Soda*** you may use a ginger infused italian soda or lemon infused to bring more flavor to the sparkling water
1 to 2  Bottles of Savignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
1/2 cup of simple syrup* be sure to taste first then add as needed for sweetness
Berries of your choice * 10 to 12
Fresh Lemon wedges
Ice Cubes with berries and lemons

Serve in an 6 oz wine glass

Decadent French Toast
Yield:  6 to 8 servings

2  loaves of orange/white chocolate bread, orange bread, cherry bread, lemon bread or challah.  Ask if your bakery can slice on 16 or cut into thick slices
Variety of berries, mango  slices or chunks * I use frozen which are very delicious, grilled peaches
 1 - 1 1/2 cups of Chocolate ganache or rich chocolate topping sauce
Powder sugar
Whip Cream or Creme Fraiche
Toasted Almonds

Now let's build!

Brush lightly with butter to pan toast bread.  Mix berries and fruit with sugar to sweeten or agave,  Place a tablespoon on toast to spread to ends, then add fruit mixture on slice of bread, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar,  put 2nd  slice of toasted bread on top.  Add whip cream or creme fraiche with a spoon drizzle of chocolate topped with more powder sugar.  Top with a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

For heartier appetites you can include turkey bacon, apple cured bacon or links to serve along side
Mini quiches

Coffee Bar

Fresh brewed Coffee
Whip Cream
Flavored Cream
Cinnamon
Mocha or chocolate powder
Nutmeg
Caramel

Fresh Juice Bar
Mango
Pineapple
Guava


Now I do not have pictures as I write without cooking the dish at the time.  So..here is the closest picture..

Celebrate!  Celebrate!  Celebrate!