Oatmeal and Pumpkin Spice Chip cookies

October 26, 2015 Leave a Comment

Every year food manufacturers come up with seasonal releases to gladden our hearts and please our palates.

Nestle has done just that for pumpkin lovers. Their Pumpkin Spice Morsels (chips) hit the spot in these cookies.

Soft, buttery, chewy oatmeal cookies combine with the flavors of fall – pumpkin and spice. . . Ummmmm.

Served these last night to friends, who, after telling us that they were not very good, offered to take them all home – to relieve us of our burden of disposal.

They mix up quickly, freeze well, and, if you make a double batch, and freeze the little cookie balls before baking – you can store those frozen little balls of wonder in the freezer – in an air-tight container – for months, ready to bake at a minute’s notice. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before baking, and bake as directed. As you can see from the picture, these flatten out quite a bit when they are cooled – that is what adds to their chewy goodness. Whatever you do, don’t over-bake these babies!

The recipe is below,

Enjoy,

Kathy

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The Great Pumpkin

October 20, 2015 Leave a Comment

When our young granddaughter drew the face she wanted on her pumpkin – we carved it – as she drew it – to preserve the preciousness of youth! Hope your Jack o’ lantern burns brightly this year!

By following a few simple instructions, you can carve your Jack o’ lantern well in advance of the big night without the worry of him spoiling. There is also a way to cook your carved pumpkin when the celebrations are over. Just be sure to follow the steps I’ve outlined. If you plan to eat your pumpkin [Continue Reading …]

Lemonade With a Little Twist

October 17, 2015 Leave a Comment

Lemonade is frequently associated with hot summer days. But if you end it there, you are missing out on some of the best that the autumn has to offer.

The juice from Concord grapes makes a perfect pairing with the tartness of lemonade.

This version of lemonade is high on the request list here at the Homestead. Served over ice, it is a perfect end to a warm autumn day – but heated and served steaming hot in a mug, it can also be a perfect ending to a crisp fall night!

Here is how we do it.

Enjoy,

Kathy

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The Ultimate Fall Cake

October 15, 2015 Leave a Comment

This is a very moist, dense cake – with the sweetness of apples and the goodness of pumpkin and spices. It is so delicious, it is one of the top 5 cakes here. It is known as “Poppi Cake” at our house – because that is the name our grandchildren use for grandpa – and he loves this cake!

Although it is filled with ingredients that are associated with autumn, we love it so much that when the apples are being harvested I prep bowls full of apples and freeze them so that we can enjoy this cake all year long.

Make sure you read the whole recipe before you start. . .the method – though simple – is a little different than most cakes. The results – well worth it. The recipe calls for plain yogurt, but you can substitute an equal amount of sour cream or buttermilk. The recipe also calls for whole wheat flour (I use hard white wheat flour). It gives the cake an added layer of homey, comfort, rustic deliciousness that just can’t be achieved with all-purpose flour.

The density and moistness of this beauty make it a good traveler and a good keeper. Just store any leftovers (are you kidding me?!) in the fridge. I guarantee you that if you leave it out on the counter, it will disappear magically – sliver by sliver, in no time!

I have no doubt that once you try it, you will be adding ‘Poppi Cake’ to your menu on a regular basis!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Kathy

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Waffles Anyone?

October 10, 2015 Leave a Comment

Waffles. I am not talking about the tasteless little disks that come from the freezer section at the grocery store. These waffles are so delicious and light, I bet you can’t eat just one!

They are perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or supper. Served with butter and warmed maple syrup or fruit and whipped cream, they are heavenly.

So simple and quick to make, they can be dressed up with all kinds of goodies added to the batter; bacon – cooked and crumbled, finely diced apple, slices of banana, chocolate chips, shredded coconut (serve them with chopped macadamia nuts and pineapple syrup!) – the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

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