Last Minute Costumes

Last Minute Costumes

Every year it seems like someone in the family has not got the costume together or it did not come in time in the mail or the one that was bought or made got messed up somehow. At that point, PANIC!!! It becomes a huge rush to figure out what to do, buy, or where to go. Well, take a breath and do not get spooked because these costume ideas will save Halloween.

The Peanut Gang

1. Charlie Brown: Black Fabric marker and a yellow shirt. Draw the triangle lines, put on some brown shorts and walk like Charlie Brown.
2. Linus: Black Fabric Marker, Blue Shirt, Blanket. Draw some stripes on a blue shirt, mess up the hair, wear some black shorts if able and carry the blanket like it is a lifeline.
3. Snoopy: Black Fabric Marker, Long sleeve White shirt (found in craft section), 2 pieces Black Felt, safety pins, Scissors, needle and thread, white hat or toboggan. Directions:

• Cut dog ears out of the black felt, secure to hat with safety pins.
• Cut some eyebrows from the felt, secure with safety pins, glue, or sew on to the hat.
• Draw a black spot on the back of the shirt.
• If desired, make a tail and pin in with the safety pin and wear white or black gloves for paw, and paint nose black.

Harry Potter

1. Hogwarts Student: Find a green and gray or black, yellow or gold and red, blue and bronze or white, yellow and black scarf (if already an owner of a Harry Potter scarf, Great!). Use a black graduation or purple graduation robe, wear a collared shirt, and find a stick that can be used as a wand.

Headless Horseman

Find an old coat with a collar that is easy to turn up, get a thin white scarf (used one from Michaels, only item that had to be bought for this), cardboard box cut to fit inside the shoulders, plastic bags or old fabric, duct tape, a hat (preferably pirate or colonial), and fake sword or ax (optional). Directions:

• Place coat on person. Cut the cardboard to fit inside the shoulders and stuff with fabric until the shoulders reach about cheek height.
• Take the jacket off and use duct tape to tape the fabric and cardboard inside the shoulders.
• Put jacket back on. Wrap the white scarf, one time, around the face (be sure it can be seen out of, make a hole for the mouth (which is covered by the turned up collar). Cut the fabric, fold the top and bottom pieces tightly inside the ends at the top and bottom of the head, secure with safety pins (cut hole for bottom of nose, if needed as well, safety always).
• Tie the remaining fabric around the neck, like a colonial man.
• Place hat on head.

Hopefully these will help. Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

Thanksgiving Planner

Thanksgiving Planner

Thanksgiving is coming fast. Once Halloween is over, the rush to prepare for two major Holiday events is on! At first, it seems like everything is far enough away to wait, but after all the events, be it kids, sports, or church, before hand along with work and other commitments, Thanksgiving is practically knocking at ones back. As with all holidays, it is easy to procrastinate and then end up with too much or too little food or not the right ingredients or number of plates or spices when the day hits, creating more stress. In order to reduce the hectic race to the store and the loading up of the buggy the weekend before or the week of Thanksgiving (and to help avoid the parking and line issues), here is a weekly weekend planner to help make this Thanksgiving worry free.

	November
Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30

Nov. 1: Create the menu, determine number of people coming to eat, and make a list of items needed.

Nov. 2: Create a menu recipe guide. Try to keep it simple, 2 sides (potatoes and green bean casserole for example), 1 bread, stuffing and cranberry sauce, main meat dish-Turkey, 2 desserts. If expected lots of guests, see if a covered dish Thanksgiving would be doable, or let everyone know to bring one side dish and, maybe, one dessert. As the host, cook the bird, stuffing, and prepare cranberry. Covered dish can be extremely helpful and pretty fun.

Nov. 7: Decide on items to buy during the weekly grocery store trip, try to divide the list into 1/4's. Mark each item bought off the list. Place list on fridge or in a helpful place where it can easily be spotted as a reminder.

Nov. 8: Go ahead and start looking at turkeys, about 1 pound for each guest, but speaking from experience, a 15-18 lb bird has been able to feed 20 people and produce leftovers. To keep it easier, opt for 2 good sized turkey breasts, they cook faster making it easier on the cook at Thanksgiving. Purchase the bird and freeze it until ready to thaw.Decide on items to buy during the weekly grocery store trip, try to divide the list into 1/4's. Mark each item bought off the list. Place list on fridge or in a helpful place where it can easily be spotted as a reminder.
 Nov. 9: If any special drinks are to be served, decide on what they will be (mulled cider, wine spritzers), make a list of possibilities and narrow it down to two.

Nov. 14: Buy 1/4 of what is on the list, continue to take count of what is not and is needed.

Nov. 15: Decide on plates, napkins, silverware, and decorations. Decorative or plain paper plates and plastic ware is always a great option for gatherings. Make a list of decorations that may be needed and check out craft store websites for deals and coupons.

Nov. 16: Get decorations and tablecloth. Go ahead and enjoy shopping for turkey or pilgrim salt shakers, a platter for the turkey (less than $10 at most stores), and anything else that may be needed-if kids are coming, there are large packets of kid activity placemats at many craft stores, buy several boxes of crayons and place in small mason jars and let the kids have fun while waiting for the meal.

Nov. 21: Call and confirm who is coming. Determine how much drink items to buy for number of people. If doing a buffet style/covered dish, confirm what others are bringing.

Nov. 22: Buy the rest of the Thanksgiving feast and double check to make sure everything is bought and ready to go.

Nov. 23: Double check baking dishes and dish ware. Be sure there is enough bake ware for all items and enough plates and utensils and napkins for guests.

Nov. 25: Begin decorating, if anything is missing, go on and get it.

Nov. 26: Prepare all cold food items, let them chill overnight in the fridge. This is a great way to prepare a dessert, instead of a warm pie, make a cold one or a cheese cake pie. Set up table/tables the night before.

Nov. 27: The big day!! Cook the turkey first. About 2 hours in, start stovetop items, such as potatoes. In the last hour of the turkey cooking, prepare one or two casserole dishes to go into the oven immediately. Make the gravy. Heat stuffing in the oven and then, last but not least, heat up the rolls.

As strange as this seems, all of this (if using turkey breasts) takes 3 hours or less. There is no need to get up at 5AM and try to do everything, start at 7AM or later or plan for an afternoon meal instead of lunch. This makes it better for the cook or cooks because they have a chance to enjoy parades or even take time first thing in the morning to go run a local turkey trot. All of these tips are easy, doable, and money saving. Happy Thanksgiving to all and, after that, to all a Merry Christmas Season!!!

Workout at the Park

Park Workout

This is something that can be done any time during the year, but summer and fall happen to be two of the best seasons to really get outside and enjoy being active. Of course, the park is a great place for activity, community events, and just for a nice stroll. Even so, walking and running are not the only activities one has to do at the park to stay in shape. By using playground equipment, park benches, and maybe even a jump rope, one can easily get into shape or stay in shape.

Playground Workout

After running or walking for 10-30 minutes, go over to the playground equipment and try some of these workouts. (if needed, consult a dr. To be sure health problems will not be a problem and start out at 2 sets each, work up to 3).

• Park Bench Step-Up: Place left foot onto the seat of the bench, make sure whole foot is on there. Push up with your right foot and bring right knee up to belly button. Step back down to the ground with right foot. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Switch legs. Do 3 sets.
• Park Bench Push-Up: Place hands on park bench and get into a plank position, arms straight, legs together and straight out behind, back straight. Do 10-15, 3 sets (or place feet on the park bench and hands on the ground and push-up).
• Park Bench Quick Step: Using a watch or timer on a phone, run on and off the bench and fast as possible. Step up with the left leg, then right leg, then down with left, down with right, as fast as possible. If there is no timer, do this 60-100 counts. 3 sets.
• Park Bench Dips: Sit with bottom on the edge of the bench, legs together, knees bent. Place palms down onto the bench right beside the body, scoot forward and press down, bending arms into a 90 degree angle to workout the triceps. Straighten arms and repeat. Do 10-15 times. 3 sets.
• Monkey Bar Crossing: Release the inner child. Practicing going across the monkey bars at least three full times  (work up to it). Once able to go across, try turning sideways and go across 3 full times. When that is mastered, try backwards 3 times. This is great for building upper body strength.
• Monkey Bar Pull-up: Hold onto separate bars, turned sideways (like getting ready to go across sideways), pull up using abs and arms. Try to do 5-10. 3 sets. Work up to it.
• Jump Rope or Hula Hoop: That's right, remember being a kid again and do some hula hooping for 15 minutes as a warm down (as this worker putter likes to call it) or jump rope around a loop for at least one mile (and yes, the next day the calves will be sore but after a few times of jumping, no more sore calves and can help improve ones running).
• Cool down. Stretch.

Autumn is such a great time to workout outdoors due to the glorious fall foliage and the cooler air. However, it is also a great time to workout before the big food holidays come up, and what if needing some inspiration, look for a local or nearby Turkey Trot to sign up for, day after Thanksgiving or on Thanksgiving. Get the family involved and gobble up the benefits. Happy Autumn and happy workout!!!

Family Fall Fun

 

 

This is the best time of the year to go outside with the family and enjoy the glorious beauty and weather of fall. So many fall activities surround communities, be it a festival or a walk/run event. There is certainly something for any family to do together during the fall months.

 

 

Family Fall Activities

 

1. Hiking-find a trail (if in the mountains around Asheville, check out DuPont Forest, Linville Falls, Mt. Mitchell, or Graveyard Trail) and go. Pack water and a few snacks (granola or nature valley bars) into one or two backpacks and plan a morning to enjoy the splendor of fall. If desired, take some sandwiches or turn it into a picnic day. Just have fun outdoors.
2.  Fall Festival-Be it a church, school, local farm or business, go enjoy a fall festival. Most have inflatable, crafts, face painting, and a variety of other activities, not to mention some good local food, baked goods, and yummy apple cider.
3. Corn Maze-Find a corn maze and explore. Many corn mazes have other activities such as, hay mazes for younger children, corn shoots (where kids can shoot corn into a field), slides, hayrides, BBQ or other foods, apple cider, and pumpkins.
4. Apple Pickin'-For those fortunate enough to live near apple farms, take advantage of it. Apple picking is so much fun and can be very cost efficient. Visit the farm, collect apples, enjoy riding on some tractors and in lots of cases there are pumpkins to pick out, and don't forget to check out the fresh veggies and fruits before leaving.
5. Pumpkin Patch-For most families, this is almost a must do during the fall. Nothing says fall is here like going to a pumpkin patch, enjoying some games and hayrides and food, and walking around with a stroller or wagon (for the pumpkins) until the perfect pumpkin is picked.
6. Pumpkin Decorating Party-Of course, after picking the pumpkin, it must be decorated. So, have a decorating/carving party. Invite guests to the home or to a park, have each one bring their own supplies, and make it a covered dish or dessert event.
7. Fall Baking-Bake an apple pie, pumpkin pie, or other goodies as a family. Give each one a task and enjoy eating it while watching a family friendly Halloween movie.
8. Costume Party-Find a local costume party event, some have runs or walks before hand and raise money for the community or a charity. Have fun playing games, getting dressed up as a family, and spending time with the community.
9. Go to a Run/Walk Breast Cancer event-October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it a great opportunity to contribute as a family by walking or running at a local event, be it Pink in the Park, or something else.
10. Trick-or-Treat-Go on, get all dressed up together and get some CANDY!!! Find a great place/community to walk around (for those near Asheville-Weaverville, Biltmore Park, Biltmore Lake, and Minford are some good spots), get some pizza before the journey and just have a Happy and Safe Halloween together!!!

HAPPY FALL YA'LL!!! 


Pumpkin Party

Pumpkin Party

Tis the Season to eat, drink, and think pumpkin. Since pumpkin is the official food of fall, make it the theme for a party. Have a pumpkin carving, painting, and decorating party with friends and family. Set out paints and markers for the kids, or help them create an animal using paints and cardstock or construction paper and glue. Tell each guest to bring a pumpkin to carve or decorate and set out a table full of pumpkin delights. Here are a few tips on how to create and have a Pumpkin Party.

Pumpkin Ginger Ice Cream Bites

Party Decorations

• Small and medium pumpkins, real or fake, on top of colored chargers (available for 2/$3 at Micheal's), with or without a fall colored pillar candle beside or in the middle of the gourds.
• Hollow out a large pumpkin and place it in the center of the dining table. Place mums in a pot inside, or fill it with lots of candy.
• Use pumpkin shaped candle holders as table decorations.
• String autumn leaf garland around the table and other areas of the house, all fall garland is on sale at craft stores, up to 70% at some, making many less than $3.50 and a great time to buy it. Plus, these can stay up ill Thanksgiving.
• Grab a fall colored Table cloth or a fall tablecloth for the table.
• Use disposable autumn colored plates, napkins, and plastic silverware (Party stores usually have these items at a good price).

Party Food

• Make or buy some pumpkin coffee or tea and have pumpkin bread, muffins, or cake along with sliced fruits with pumpkin dip (mix 1/2 cup pumpkin pie filling, 1-2 tablespoon sugar, and 12 oz. whipped cream cheese together, keep refrigerated until ready to serve).
• Have guests bring a fall favorite finger food for the gathering. Let each guest know how many people are expected and to please bring 1 finger food or dessert item, fall themed, for the party. The variety will be outstanding!
• Fall Pies. This is pie season galore. Either make 1 or 2 pecan, pumpkin, sweet potato, and apple pie, or have each guest bring one of the four choices, homemade or store bought. Have some ice cream on hand to go with it, or whipped cream.

This type of party is meant to be low stress, fun, and unique. It is a chance to get together inside or outside and just enjoy foods and the fun of autumn. If desired, here are some game ideas:

• Tell folks to bring footballs, Frisbees, baseballs and mits and take time to play some games.
• Play Fall trivia or Halloween trivia, have candy bags as a price for the winner of the kids and adults, or play as teams.
• Set up used, empty, cans and have kids throw bean bags at them or roll a ball to hit them (like bowling), offer silly fall prices for winners.
• Paint a large board, cut out some holes, and use it as a bean bag toss.
• Have face painting and tattoos-keep the face painting simple, use small stencils available at craft stores.
• Have a pumpkin painting and Carving contest. Offer a pie or $5 gift certificate for a pumpkin latte as a price.

To end the evening, have some hot cider and sit down with the kids or as a group of adults to watch a Halloween movie or just good old Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. Happy Fall Ya'll!!!

Fall in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Fall in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

 

 

Taking a day or weekend trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in fall is rewarding. This bustling mountain town is lined with one of a kind shops, entertainment venues, and lots of awesome restaurants (not to mention Pancake Houses galore). There really is something for everyone, the shopper, the adventurer, the animal lover, the ghost lover, ride seeker, hiker, runner, drinker, and eater. Some of the main attractions include the Aquarium, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Ripley's Ghost Adventure, the Sky Lift, and shows at the Iris Theater. Even so, just spending a day walking around and enjoying the liveliness of the streets is worth the trip.  
 
 
 

 

 

Kinkade Village/The Village Shops

 

When visiting, take a left beside the most famous Pancake House and the Smokey Mountain Candy Factory to enter The Village Shops. This is a must walk through area. It is a wonderful place to find unique gifts and go to an official Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery. While visiting, definitely stop by the Friar's Donut, absolutely awesome donuts (especially the Bavarians) and coffees. Pick up a locally crafted mug to take home and with coffee in hand, continue strolling. Stop by the Tea Shop and grab some fresh teas to take home or give as Christmas gifts, or go to the Hot Pepper Store and take a chance on hot salsa's, peanuts, cheese dips, and even olive oil. Just be careful, some items are for adults only and when tasted, at first it doesn't seem bad, but in less than 3 seconds, one is turning for the cheese dips or begging for something to take the sting off. Even so, there is some awesome tasting items in the store and well worth going to. If teas, donuts, and hot salsa's aren't tempting, get some ice cream!!! No one walks out of the Village Café and Creamery with a frown, and there is also a cheese store and a coffee company to try.

 

Of course there are lots of shops, a favorite is the Scottish one where one can research their Scot-Irish Heritage, buy a kilt, and lots of other souvenirs, but one of the must go to places is Smokey Mountain Candy Shop. Throughout Gatlinburg, many candy shops allow visitors to watch Toffee being made and this one is no exception. While eating at the Pancake House or waiting in line to get in, enjoy the show, but most importantly go in and grab some chocolate. Holy cow, the fudge is totally worth going in there and makes a wonderful Christmas gift.

Shopping, other than food wise, includes candles, a sock shops, honey, Russian Dolls, pottery, hiking gear, silver jewelry and other decorative items, one of a kind pajamas, toys, and more. This is such a fun area and a must walk through spot for a day trip.

Moonshine

Not only is there lots of moonshine (really more whiskey than shine) shops here, there is a bunch of moonshine/whiskey shops and all allow the adults to taste their products. Be careful,. With the amount of tasting, it is easy to go too far and lots of folks were pretty tipsy, so plan on lots of walking if doing lots of tasting. Not only is there pecan, pumpkin liquor, apple pie, and other fall flavors, there is strawberry, lemon, sassafras, and so much more. One of the best parts about some of the shops is they offer sauces and other food items, including coffee. So, it is not only for the whiskey/moonshine lover, but go ahead and grab some chow-chow, salsa, BBQ or Steak Sauce and enjoy moonshine without the hangover, and enjoy the show the bar tenders give and some of the local country bands offer, for free!

Family Fun

Games, Rides, Games, and more games. Laser Tag, arcade games, shooting games, earthquake rides, classic car shop, and of course Ripley's and maybe catching a magic show. In a way, for kids, the sights and sounds is almost like walking into Dragon Alley and having trouble where to go or what to do first. Other than fun and games, the only other thing the kids will want to do is eat, and there are tons of candy shops, so that is not a problem. If staying in town is not appealing, go for a hike. Surrounded by the Smokey Mountains, this is the perfect place to hike and fall is the best time. Grab some snacks and go.

One place that is a must see with kids is, the Space Needle. At the top is a theater, games, Laser Tag, food, gift shop and more. The main attraction is definitely riding the glass elevator to the top, not only can it be a bit frightening, but kids love it.

Before leaving, get an old time family portrait from one of the many Old Time Photo spots.


No matter what season, this is a great place for family or for a weekend getaway. Happy Fall!!!
 

 

 

 



Kids Fall Leaf Wreath

Kids Craft: Fall Leaf Wreath

 

 

Perfect for fall, to hang in windows, on walls, or doorknobs throughout the season, as well as during Thanksgiving, this wreath is easy and fun to make. No matter if it is a boy or girl, kids enjoy crafting, especially during the holiday months (October thru December). Not only is this a great fall craft for children, it is also a great opportunity to take a few minutes adding some autumn to the home and spending time with the kids.

 

 

Materials:

 

• 24 pack of Fall Leaves (available at craft stores) or Fall Leaf Garland, leaves cut off
• 1 Plain White Economy plate
• All-Purpose Elmer's Glue
• Scissors
• Fall Colored Ribbon

Directions:

 

1. Make a hole in the middle of the plate and cut out the middle, leaving the rim.
2. Place the glue onto the plate, squeeze and spread around 1/4 of the plate. Layer Leaves, do the same thing for the rest of the plate.
3. Press the leaves to make sure they stick, let the glue dry for 10-20 minutes.
4. Tie Ribbon around the top of the wreath, double knot at the top of the ribbon and hang on the wall.

Not only a fun leaf craft for fall, but can also be done as a craft project for he kids during Thanksgiving Dinner, while food is being prepared. The kids could hang their wreaths before the meal or choose to give them to someone who they are Thankful for and say one reason they are Thankful for that person. Happy Fall!!!

Autumn Chili

Chili is the perfect food for those cold months. It keeps one warm and full. This is a great chili with yummy autumn flavor and good for an autumn dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. ground chunk, round, or beef
• 1 can red or dark red kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 to 2 cups diced or crushed tomatoes
• 1 bottle pumpkin ale
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Shredded Cheddar

Directions:

1. Cook the meat over medium heat and drain.
2. Add the beans, the tomatoes (in or not in the juice), brown sugar, and salt. Heat through for 5 minutes until slightly boiling, then add the ale and nutmeg. Cook until heated through (5-10 minutes).
3. Serve with garlic bread or tortilla chips and cheddar cheese.

This is quick and affordable to make. It really is a delicious chili and great with Blue Moon's Pumpkin Ale.

Baked Apples

This apple recipe is easy to make, and perfect for a holiday side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds golden delicious, braeburn, or MacIntosh, washed and cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 1/2 stick butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
• 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a baking pan.
3. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons brown sugar and the 1 tablespoon cinnamon into the melted butter, add the apples and toss to mix until apples are well coated.
4. Cook for 1 hour
5. Add the remaining butter, brown sugar, and numeg. Toss together well and serve.

Serving this beside a Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, a roast, or as an ice cream topping, adds something slightly tart and sweet to any meal.

Pumpkin Bread with Streusal Topping

This pumpkin bread recipe is great for entertaining or enjoying with a morning cup of coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 15 oz can pumpkin pie mix
• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 2-3 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Mix the egg, pumpkin pie mix, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons white sugar, and 1/2 stick butter in a large mixer on medium low speed for 1 minute (until everything is well blended).
4. Add the dry ingredients one cup at a time into the mixer. Mix on medium or medium low until everything is well blended. Fold in 1/2 cup walnuts.
5. Use 1/4 cup butter to grease a bread pan (preferrably glass). Pour the bread mix into the pan and cook for 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, mix the remaining walnuts, brown and white sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle on top of the bread and cook another 30 to 45 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean from center).
7. Melt the remaining butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds in a microwavable safe bowl.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully take it out of the pan and place on a cooling rack. Pour the melted butter on top. Wait 10-15 minutes to cut and serve.

This makes a great gift for Christmas as well.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake

 After using half a 30 oz can of pumpkin for a recipe the other day, I begin searching for a bread or cake recipe to put the rest of the pumpkin in. While flipping through the 2012 Rachael Ray Thanksgiving magazine, Brown Butter Pumpkin Layer Cake caught my eye. However, not all the ingredients were in stock at the home, meaning some improvisation was in order. Here is my version of her recipe, without the layering.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick of butter 
• 1 cup or 15 ounces) canned  pumpkin pie puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (why not?)
• pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• 8 oz. Cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 cups whipped cream (thawed)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a oblong (rectangular) baking dish with baking spray.
2. Place the stick of butter in a small or medium skillet or pot and heat on medium for 5-6 minutes until browned or nutty smelling (mine was brownish but not totally brown), stirring occasionally). 
3. While butter melts, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside. 
4. Place the pumpkin puree, white sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a mixer and mix on low or medium-low for 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are well blended. Add the dry ingredients and mix for 2 minutes and add the melted butter, mix another 1-2 minutes (spray the mixer with non-stick baking spray before mixing to prevent sticking).
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and cook for 25-30 minutes. Once cooked, place the dish on a cookie rack for cooling. Let cool completely (while it is cooling, clean the mixer).
6. Once the cake is cool enough to ice, spray the mixer and a spatula with baking spray. Place 1/2 the cream cheese and 1/2 the confectioners sugar in the mixer and mix on medium-low for 3 minutes (stopping once to get any sugar and cream cheese off the mixer if needed). Add 1 cup of the whipped cream and mix another 2-3 minutes on medium or medium low. 
7. Ice the cake. Repeat step 6 and finish icing the cake.

Not only is this recipe easy, it is delicious and absolutely a fall must have. Enjoy!

Apple Butter

This is an easy recipe and the result is delicious. No more store bought apple butter, make it at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium to large apples, 2 each of different varieties, finely chopped and washed
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider
• pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Mix apples, cider, salt, and sugar into a pot over medium high heat, bring to a boil.
2. Let boil for 5 minutes, reduce heat to medium low for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 250. 
4. Place mix into a baking dish and bake 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
5. Let cool completely.
6. Store in a container for a week.

This is a great recipe, best apple butter. If desired, add a tablespoon of water to make it less thick, but for me this is great. 
ENJOY! 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Everyone loves a good holiday latte, but sometimes it is just too expensive. Instead of going out for this seasonal treat, try making it at home. This is a simple recipe, no fancy equipment needed and is absolutely out of this world delicious!!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup brewed regular or decaf coffee (more if desired, depends on one's taste)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup pumpkin pie puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Nutmeg for sprinkling
• Whipped Cream

 
Directions:

1. Bring milk to a boil over medium high heat, in a pot.
2. Turn the heat down to low, add coffee, sugar, pumpkin pie puree, and pumpkin spice. Stir thoroughly until everything is blended.
3. Pour into a coffee cup, top with whipped cream and sprinkled nutmeg.
4. Drink any extra.

This would be perfect for an Autumn party or a holiday dinner. If desired, let chill in the fridge over night, pour into a cup in the morning and stir well, heat for about 30 seconds, stir again and pour over ice cubes, and top with whipped cream and nutmeg. YUM!!! Happy Eats!
 

Sweet Potato Salad

The coming of fall and the holidays often means putting spring and summer recipes to the side for another 6 months, but just because cooler weather is on the way does not mean favorite recipes have to go into a book. By adding some favorite Autumn flavors and a few spices, summer favorites can become tailgate or holiday main dishes and side dishes. One vegetable that seems to appear on tables throughout this time of year is the sweet potato. This potato is so versatile and pairs well with white and golden potatoes, as well as crisp golden apples. Here is a mouth melting potato salad pairing fall favorites with white potatoes. 

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs white potatoes, washed and sliced into wedges or cubes
• 1 lb sweet potatoes, washed and sliced into wedges or cubes
• 1 medium golden delicious apple, washed and sliced into wedges or chopped (optional)
• 1 medium honey crisp or Fuji apple, washed and sliced into wedges or chopped (optional)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper   

Directions:

 

1. Cut and wash the white and sweet potatoes. Boil for 12-15 minutes. Let cool for about thirty minutes.
2. While the potatoes cool, mix the sauce. Combine the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar in a medium to large bowl, stir until blended. Add the salt, pepper, garlic salt, sugar, and rosemary and stir.
3. Toss the potatoes with the sauce mix. Add the cut apples and toss until sauce is mixed in well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for four hours or over night.

This sweet and tangy sauce brings out the flavor of the apples mixed with potatoes. The best is, this is great with the sweet or white potatoes by themselves or with or without apples, making it versatile and in most cases inexpensive and quick. Happy Fall Ya'll!!!

Baked Chicken with Apples and Collard Greens

Chicken makes for a fast and easy week night meal, add some sweet apples, home cooked collards, and some rosemary garlic bread and this makes for a fantastic fall and winter meal. 

Baked Chicken and Apples

Ingredients:

 

• 1 lb. Chicken Tenderloins
• 3 medium golden delicious apples
• 3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan until bubbly (3-4 minutes).
2. While the oil heats, combine seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Rub the salt mixture onto the tenderloins and cook 5-7 minutes on each side, till an internal temperature of 165 is reached.
4. Place chicken on a serving plate, pour out about half of the olive oil, add the apples to the pan.
5. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons brown sugar, the nutmeg and cinnamon over the apples. Cook until tender.
6. Pour the apple mix over the chicken or in a bowl, serve along side the chicken.

Collard Greens

Ingredients: 

• 3-4 lbs. collard greens, washed and cut into pieces/strips
• 1/4  cup crushed cooked bacon 
• 1 stick of butter
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper  

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. 
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
3. Add the collards in batches, place the lid on it  and cook down, until spinach like. Do this until all the collards are cooked.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir, cook for about 5 more minutes, pour into serving dish and enjoy.

This is great for a family meal and easy and inexpensive. Happy Eating. 

Halloween Chex Mix:

Candy Corn Balls & Sweet and Salty Chex Mix

Tis the season to buy chex cereals and create favorite seasonal mixes. It all started with one delicious salty, nutty mixture and has expanded to an endless array of mixes. With all the different chex cereal options and inspiration from celebrity chefs, as well as the brands own recipes, people are coming up with all sorts of ways to eat this favorite finger food. These two recipes are no different, inspired by a holiday, both recipes use only one type of chex mix (which can be switched for another) and one uses as little as 3 ingredients, making for a quick, easy, and budget friendly treat!

Candy Corn Balls

Ingredients:

• 4 cups honey chex mix (could substitute corn, rice, or apple cinnamon chex)
• 8-12 oz. white chocolate morsels
•  1 1/2 cup candy corn

Directions:

1. Place candy corn and chex mix in a medium or large bowl.
2. Place parchment wax paper on a cookie sheet.
3. Melt the white chocolate in the microwave about a minute, stir, microwave again for 30 seconds or until able to stir the chocolate and have it melt.
4. Spray hands with nonstick spray and work quickly.
5. Drizzle the chocolate into the bowl, and shape balls (if the cereal crunches, no worries, it'll still taste great). Place onto the wax sheet. Depending on the size, this makes 8-18 balls.
6. Let them set for 30 minutes, then place on a serving plate or in individual baggies.

These make great party gifts and perfect for placing on top of plates as a treat at Halloween parties. Using a Ziploc sandwich bag, spray with non stick spray on the inside, thoroughly. Place the ball into the bag, press out the excess air and twist the top. Tie with a Halloween ribbon (whole roles for less than $1.50 at Michael's), and cut the Ziploc part of the baggie off.

This recipe can be added to and inside of balls, just spread onto the wax paper, drizzled with the chocolate, let set for 30 minutes and then place in a large bowl and serve.

Sweet & Salty Chex Mix

Ingredients:

• 4 cups honey, corn, or rice Chex cereal
• 1 stick of butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Cinnamon
• 3 Tablespoons sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°.
2. Melt butter in a 9x13 baking dish.
3. Toss Chex cereal, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of the salt in a large bowl. Pour into the butter, stir to coat and cook 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
4. Sprinkle remaining sea salt over the mix, stir and pour into a serving bowl.

This is so easy and perfect for fall, great for any gathering. Happy Eats!!! Enjoy.
  

  

Apple Cider Beets

Beets are so good in a salad or paired with a good seasoned chicken and pork dinner. This recipe goes wonderful with the Autumn Waldorf Salad, on the side or mixed in.

Ingredients:

• 2 10.5 oz. cans sliced beets
• 1 can Beet Juice
• 1 can Apple Cider
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 Tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Drain one can of beets.
2. Pour the drained and non-drained can of beets into a pot.
3. Fill one beet can with apple cider and pour into pot.
4. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Turn the heat to low.
5. Add the sugar, orange juice, and salt. Stir and let heat on low for 5 minutes.
6. Use a pasta scoop or a spoon with holes and place beets in a serving dish.
7. Spoon 1/4 cup of the liquid on top of them and top off with orange zest and Serve.

Perfect for a quick fall side dish. Enjoy and Happy Fall!!