I am in a very difficult time in my life right now, with a lot of decisions looming. For the first time in very nearly 50 years I feel like an adult. I am not sure I like the feeling. For the first time in my life I feel quite alone… and in some ways it feels much like I suspect a new born feels at birth.
Space, cold, light, frightened, curious…wanting to be held…craving sustenance and affirmation and encouragement that this big, new world will be o.k.

I feel odd facing these challenges at this age, going into the Holidays, and …read more

Cold chilly, late autumn in Texas this year feels like…uhhh….summer in Michigan..O.k. I am a wimp but after all of the years of 100 degree summers I get cold when the temperatures hit 55F. If you want to make fun of me just remember when you are sweating at 80 degrees…I have a very long memory and I will get you back.
You have to love the flavors of autumn though; pumpkin, spice, butternut squash, spice, apples, spice….

Today’s blog surfing has some amazing recipes to spice up your autumn. Are you ready?

I told you that this next week was Pumpkin Week at Baking Delights and I meant it. We are going to start off with a Baking Delights Pumpkin Smack Down Challenge.

Is homemade pumpkin puree tastier than the canned kind? And…most important of all…Is it worth the trouble? I am starting the week with 5 sugar pumpkins from my local produce stand. They were on sale for 99 cents each. If you ever wondered if there really was a difference you are not going to want to miss this week on Baking Delights!
Here’s the highlights…

Happy Weekend!
It is chillier and chillier in the mornings. The leaves are turning color and the days are shorter. It is an awesome time of year -  probably my favorite time for food. The flavors of autumn are spicy and robust, warm and comforting. It is a great time to try new combinations and new spices and ingredients. Try switching Chinese Five Spice powder for the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice in your favorite recipe. The addition of star anise to the rest of the “normal” autumn ingredients can push it over the top. Brown the butter …read more

These pumpkin muffins were awesome..there is just no other way to describe them. The pumpkin and browned butter worked together to add a beautiful color and an amazingly rich flavor. The ingredients list is long but it is easy to put together.

These are perfect for a breakfast, brunch, or snack. Moist, dense and spicy; pumpkin muffins are autumn in a hand-held package.
Next week is PUMPKIN WEEK on Baking Delights! If you ever wondered:

So..this is the thing. Every week I say that I am going to share this or that recipe and every week I forget at least one. From now on I am going to post a sneak previews post on Sunday morning just to whet your appetite… and to remind me what I am suppose to be doing…so….enjoy -

Oh…and these are in nor particular order.

October seemed to hit and bring autumn with it all in a rush, didn’t it? The Crimson Maple out front has a tiny blush to the leaves and we have gotten massive amounts of rain. The raccoons wake me up nearly every night with all of their partying in the creek bed. I think it is time to put the flannel sheets on the beds!

The salad that I did for the church luncheon on Saturday was full of fall flavor. I used a bed of baby lettuces and arranged maple caramelized pear slices on one side and two wedges of …read more

How has your week been? Are you gearing up for the holidays?

As we move into October it is time to start thinking about cookies and other Holiday baking. 50 Best Cookies and 50 Best Cookies Scene 2 are both good places to start. Remember that you can easily freeze cookie dough OR baked cookes and they will be fine for the holidays. Start picking up extra baking supplies so you will have them on hand when you want them.

Chocolate Espresso Sandwich Cookies
Boston Cream Pie Cake
Salsa Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Apple Sausage
Black Bottom Mini Caramel Cupcake Bites
Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
Triple Threat Brownies
Mushroom Ricotta Ravioli
Fruit …read more

I have like almost no time today. My life is insane right now. I know that I am absolutely going to wake up tomorrow morning and find out that it is Christmas Day and everyone is mad because I forgot.

Did you ever just really feel that flakey? Sigh. Here is a quick round up of all of the coolness this week.

Cranberry, White Chocolate, and Toasted Walnut Scones
Iced Mini Pumpkin Loaves with Molasses
Apple Salsa
Mini Sweet Potato Cheesecakes
Lemon Chamomile Pots de CreamThat’s it for this week. Hope you have an awesome weekend!

Image: Cori

Put away those white shoes, we are now arriving at Labor Day Weekend. Wait..they don’t do that anymore do they?
When I was growing up…in the ice age…you did not wear white shoes before Memorial Day or After Labor Day..some very wicked, rebellious souls cheated and got them for Easter but we knew that that was Fashion Faux Pas in the worst way.
Now everyone wears flip-flops (to think, we used to call them thongs) year round, with church clothes and jeans. But I think you are not supposed to wear white flip- flops after Labor Day.

Isn’t it funny how Summer really …read more