Stylish Favorites 11.2. 2014

{Homemade pear preserves from mom’s recipe file always say fall and the house smells fabulous with the spices permeating the air}

Autumn Favorites
You have to think creatively, when you’re curious and right now I am interested in all aspects of fall. For me it has to be the most elegant of seasons with leaves changing colors, falling to the ground and blowing in whirls like mini tornadoes. The smell of smoke wafting throughout the air from fireplaces and nothing says autumn like steaks cooking over an open fire. Homes are being tastefully decorated and recipes passed down from prior generations are being updated for the coming holidays.

Daylight Savings Time
There are many precious gifts in life, but the gift of time has to be the most coveted. When daylight savings time occurs there is nothing like settling in with hot apple cider, naps and still have enough time in the day to enjoy the evening before bedtime.

Pumpkins and Pies
Pumpkins grown in the gardens at Heath have been shared with neighbors and friends for holiday decorations. And, of course to be used in recipes for pies and a variety of breads.

Crustaceans
The last batch  of crabs caught by my brother Paul and his friends on their boating trip to Long Neck, Delaware earlier this month. The steamed crabs were served with corn and hush puppies as an easy evening meal and tasted absolutely delicious!!

Recipe for Moms Pear Preserves
8 quarts of one-inch cubed Bosc pears and 7 cups of sugar with whole cloves
Lay cubed pears in layers in an enamel pan, sprinkling each layer with sugar and whole cloves. Cover pan; let stand overnight. Drain off syrup and heat to boiling. Add pears carefully with a spoon. Boil rapidly about 30 minutes on medium high heat. Reduce heat, simmer slowly until pears are transparent and have a rich color from the syrup. Pack into hot sterilized jars, seal. About 8 pints.

Snuggle stylishly,
K