October Edition- Pumpkins & Dahlias

{The dahlias are peaking, and climbing to over 6-ft., while intertwining with the pumpkins the garden is bursting with blossoms!!

Autumn is that time of year, in which one may draw inspiration from the beauty of the changing season. Starting with the luxurious earth tones of fall foliage; the smell of wood burning from fireplaces, picking a perfect pumpkin for baking, carving or display, followed by crisp cool nights and starry skies. There’s nothing like moon-gazing under a completely clear night with no humidity or city lights.

And, as winter approaches the sun stays up for less time each day, and that’s when I find myself drawn to the kitchen creating or re-working comforting soups and stews for chilly evenings.

K

 

 

Kathleen6 Comments

Autumn Favorites

 imageWelcome to autumn, it’s that time of year where the nights are cooler, the days shorter and the rich colors of the season are upon us. I absolutely love the earthy tones of fall especially, in the gorgeous dahlias grown at Heath.

img_3971 img_1061Storing pear preserves for the winter is an absolute must, they are a delicious treat to serve on the weekends with homemade biscuits. And, I have re-tested my mom’s sweet potato pie recipe by adding Grand Marnier to two of the pies and Limoncello to the others along with a splashes of vanilla.

img_3714My taste for the eclectic and unusual extends to choosing tasteful pumpkins that will be placed on the front porch for Halloween. This heirloom variety is the flattened Ghirardelli grown by farmers in our area and some will state these may be the best pumpkin to use for baking pies.

Stay stylish,
K

Continue reading “Autumn Favorites” →

Kathleen4 Comments

Stylish Favorites 11.2. 2014

IMG_3971{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

Kathleen3 Comments