That's my jam!

I've never been one for jam, jelly, preserves, etc. (I don't even know the difference in the titles.)  That is, until I found this delicious treat.  It's The Great San Saba River Pecan Company Peach, Pecan, & Amaretto Preserves.  I first tried it in Texas when visiting my grandparents and I fell in love.  It's great to slather on toast, ice cream, biscuits, or even as a filling in croissants.  My grandma just sent it over as my Halloween treat this week and we've definitely been putting it to good use!

Get your fix here!

Geisha Girl

I'll let the photos speak for themselves...

Happy Halloween!

DIY Dog Costume

There are lots of pre-made costumes out there for pups.  I could have easily put Coco in a lamb or lobster costume and called it a day.  However, I wanted to have some fun (read: I had no internet and needed something to do).  I was thinking about something that didn't require a real costume and that I could make with the resources I had at home.  Then it came to me: Pound Puppies!  Do you remember those? I used to have a few and loved them!

Here's what you need:

One large box (comparable to dog size)
Scissors
Tape
Dog accessories

First, tape the top to the bottom, if you're using a shoe box.  If you're using a large box, make sure the top flaps are closed.  Cut wide opening in top/front of the box to mimic an actual toy box.  I added hearts to mine with the leftover cardboard, but this is optional.  I then made the Pound Puppies sign and taped the accessories on the top back.  Put your pup in the box and you're done!  Please note: this costume is best for older or well-trained dogs.  A tiny, naughty puppy is only ideal for a few photo ops.

Spooky Treats.

I am very lucky to have grown up in the Midwest.  We had big backyards to play in, safe neighborhoods to roam until dusk, clear blue skies, and stars that you can actually see.  Best of all, a dessert with whipped cream, cream cheese, butter, and cookies is totally acceptable, if not welcomed.  

I'm now able to laugh at all of our "hillbilly" concoctions with weird names and a complete excess of butter (among other unhealthy ingredients).  I'll be sure to share tons with you over time, I'm sure, but for now I'm just going to focus on a couple.  Let's talk dirt pudding!

1/2 cup butter

1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.)

3/4 cup sugar

1 pkg. instant pudding (3.5 oz, chocolate or vanilla)

2 cups milk

1 pkg. whipped cream (12 oz.)

1 pkg. Oreos, crushed

Mix the first three ingredients together.  In a separate bowl, mix the next three.  Combine the two and mix.  Layer the mixture and the crushed Oreos. Chill until ready to serve.

Want to make it spooky for Halloween?  Add some gummy worms and/or gravestones.  

Next up is bacon wrapped dates.  WARNING: These are very addictive.  It's a sweet and salty mix with some crunch from the bacon added to the caramelization of the dates.  I know anything is better with bacon, but this combo is out of this world delicious.

This is very easy.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around one pitted date.  Make sure the pit is actually out so you don't have any unpleasant surprises.  If you like, you can stuff it with various cheeses and/or nuts, but I like it just the way it is.  Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy.  Enjoy!

Want to make it spooky for Halloween?  Good thing you don't need to do much!  Just label them as bacon wrapped cockroaches and you'll be sure to scare the guests!

Pumpkin Extravaganza!

Whenever a holiday comes around, I get all Martha Stewart-ish.  I turn traditional and nostalgic, start baking seasonal treats, and think of a billion crafty ideas.  If only I had time for them all....le sigh.  Last night was a different story.  I miraculously got my homework done in time to start on Halloween fun times.  On the agenda: pumpkin double-layer cheesecake and pumpkin carving.

A few quick notes:

1. I like to make my own crust, usually.  Honest, I do!  

2. No, I didn't use fresh pumpkin puree.  We don't have a blender.

3. My baking secret: Always add more sugar.

Fun Facts:
1. Our Jack-O-Lantern breathes fire. Well...kind of.
2. Bf has never carved a pumpkin before.  (He did the right side.)
3. The only thing more fun than carving the pumpkin is roasting (and eating) the seeds.

Are you prepared for Halloween yet?