Fall Plans

Today is the first bit of rain we have seen in some time.  The chill of fall eradicates any semblance of summer and the transition excites me.  I've pulled out the sweaters that have long been dormant and turned the dial on my space heater at work all the way to the last setting. I understand this fickle state of Oregon may send us a sunshine teaser or two, but I will plunge full force into fall regardless.  To kick off the season, tomorrow I will surprise Dave with a trip to the Mason Hill Orchard in North Plains, OR.

This time of year I embrace anything pumpkin, anything soup, and anything hot and coffee.  Yes, I realize all of these involve food, but I just can't help myself.  This year, I hope to prepare my own pumpkin puree for my freezer, rather than purchasing it from the store.  I will need it for endless Pumpkin Log and Pumpkin Curry Soup making.  Maybe the girls will come over and we can make a day of it.

For the second year in a row, we will be hosting a family Thanksgiving at our house.  When I say family, I mean anyone and everyone who wants to come.  We have dear friends staying with us from the east coast, as well as local friends and family.  Per our traditions, Thanksgiving will be spent preparing food, eating, and enjoying each others company.  Then, the very next morning, we will trek out to Mt. Hood to find our tree, bring it home and decorate our house for the holidays.

Also planning a trip away over Christmas with the husband and brother and sister-in-law.  Dave and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary, my birthday, and Christmas all at once.  Looking forward to getting away and seeing beloved family members.

What are your fall plans?

Wedding Fun

I had the pleasure of making the desserts for a co-worker's wedding a couple of weeks ago.  It was a sweet, simple, country wedding out in beautiful Trout Lake, WA

Zander, the family dog, was there, much to Dave's delight.

The lovely bride chose three different desserts providing a variety of choices for family and friends.

Rich fudgy brownies topped with salted caramel sauce and real chocolate sprinkles (artistic credit of caramel drizzle goes to my handsome spouse).  Thanks to The Pioneer Woman for this lovely recipe.  I made this exactly except I used Trader Joe's Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce:

Butterscotch Yummies: a family favorite.  This dessert has been a staple of mine ever since I learned the recipe from a good friend years ago:

Miniature cheesecakes topped with blackberry compote and a blackberry and sprig of mint to garnish.  I used this recipe, but replaced the cookie base with a simple graham cracker base, and selected a different flavored topping.  Simple and delightful!

What a fun assortment for a beautiful wedding and a stunning couple.  I am honored to have taken part in their celebration.