Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Welcome Fall: Bring on the Pumpkin!

One of my favorite things about fall is PUMPKIN! As soon as I start seeing Pumpkin Latte on the menu at Starbucks, I know autumn is in the air. Although, I must admit (listen up, Starbucks!) I absolutely, positively, without hesitation, will NOT drink a pumpkin latte in August! It is a treat reserved for fall and that is how it will stay!

Sheesh - glad I got that out of the way. Now that fall is officially upon us, I'm all about pumpkin. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin flavored chocolate malt balls. I'll be loving the pumpkin puree now through Thanksgiving. And with that, here are a few of my latest favorite pumpkin finds.

Nutella Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, from Saving with Shellie. Three of my favorite things - need I say more???



Autumn Squash Soup, from Spoonful of Flavor. This soup has all the right mix of flavors, spicy and sweet. Great for a cool fall night with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.


Pumpkin Enchiladas, from Steph's Bite by Bite. I order pumpkin enchiladas at least once every year from our favorite Mexican restaurant. I confess I've never made them myself, but this recipe sounds very doable. Hhmm, might have to give it a try!


Sparkling Pumpkin Cider Beertail, from brit.co. And I thought simply drinking pumpkin beer was festive; this sounds outrageous! Can't wait to try it!


And lastly, in the area of design with pumpkins, I give you one elegant and one goofy - for all your party needs!


       

Have a happy day!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Favorite Recipe: Pasta with Sausage, Olives, Sun dried Tomatoes, and Cream

I discovered this recipe a few years ago (wow, 6 to be exact) in a Fine Cooking publication, specifically on dinner party menus. It quickly became a favorite and I have made it for several occasions since, both casual and a little more formal. It's a great pasta dish with a wonderful mix of flavors. Serve it with a salad, some good Italian bread and a lighter red wine.

Pasta with Sausage, Olives, Sun dried Tomatoes, and Cream

Ingredients:
  • 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1-1/4 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed (I use mild sausage, just a personal preference)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine 
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup (about 6 oz.) oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 lb. farfalle pasta
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions: 

  1. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into bite-size pieces with a spoon, until just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Spoon off the fat if it's excessive. Add the wine, increase the heat to medium high, and cook, scraping up any browned bits in the pan, until most of the wine is evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the olives and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the cream, increase the heat to high, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly, 2 to 5 minutes. Stir in 2 Tbs. of the parsley and 2 Tbs. of the Parmigiano. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.
  3. Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water and then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to its pot, add the sauce and the reserved cooking water, and set the pot over high heat. Gently toss the pasta for 30 to 60 seconds and season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among warm bowls and sprinkle with the remaining 2 Tbs. Parmigiano and 2 Tbs. parsley.
Have a happy day!

Photo taken from FineCooking.com

Monday, September 8, 2014

Thoughtful Presence Giveaway: Baby Girl Gift Set

Do you know someone with a baby on the way?
Are you in the midst of planning for a baby shower?
Any little ones you know having a 1st birthday soon?

Well, September is Baby Month at Thoughtful Presence and we're celebrating with a great sale and baby girl gift set giveaway! All month long we're offering 20% savings on all baby gift baskets, and you can enter to win this adorable Baby Girl Gift Set.

We love baby occasions and baby gifts are some of our favorites to select. So whether you're in need of a gift now or anytime in the next 9 months, you'll want to check out our collection of baby gift baskets and see what all the fuss is about!

Oh, and while you're here,

 Baby Girl Gift Set Giveaway



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

5 Homemade Gifts for Grandparents


Sunday, September 7th is National Grandparents' Day. Grandparents create the most special memories, unlike any other parent or family member. They love unconditionally, teach with patience and wisdom, laugh at all of your jokes, and make you feel like no one on earth is more special than you. To honor them this Grandparents' Day, here a some creative ideas for homemade gifts from you and your kids. You know grandparents like homemade gifts the best, hands down!

Basket of Love from Stephanie at Somewhat Simple. This is a gift that can be created by one or all for grandma, grandpa, or both.

Photo taken from Somewhat Simple.


Handprint Apron from Simply Kierste. Love the handprints on this black and white design. You can keep the apron simple, or embellish it a bit like Kierste did.

Photo taken from Simply Kierste.


Handmade Cards - Making your own greeting cards is timeless. We've all made them and received them. They can be as simple or elaborate as your creative mind takes you. Mostly they just need to be filled with love. These are some super cute ideas from GisforGift.com.

Photo taken from G is for Gift


Vacation Memories Map - If you've taken a vacation with your grandparents, create this map collage from mom.me with a special memory of the trip written by you or your child.

Photo taken from mom.me

Grandma or Grandpa picture - A personalized tribute to grandma or grandpa is inexpensive but will hold lifetime value. This is easy to create from 1825.
 
Photo taken from 1825.com

Have a happy day!