Craft & Party: Pumpkin Carving & Decorating

Every year our Grandma 'Garden' hosts a pumpkin carving day at her house.
She provides the pumpkins and each family brings a snack or dish to share.

This year the girls decided to dress up our pumpkins and skip the messy-ness of carving!!

Here's the pumpkin Connie made:

If you want to give it a shot here's what you'll need:

• Black Matte Spray Paint
• Ribbon
• Netting or Lace
• Push Pins

Step 1. Spray paint your pumpkin. Wrap the stem if you don't want it black too.
We spray painted them in a box so we didn't get paint everywhere.

Step 2. After the pumpkin is dry - use the end of a peeler or other tool to carve a design if you'd like.

Step 3. Wrap the pumpkin in lace or netting, pinning it in place as you go.

Step 4. Next, add ribbon and other embellishments.

Step 5. Make & add a bow as a final touch, if you feel so inclined.

Ta da!

 

 

The boys also did some regular old pumpkin carving, well kind of.

 

Here are the pumpkins Jenn & her boyfriend Matt carved all lit up! Jenn's had a candy corn hangover. Matt carved a spooky Jack-o-lantern!

 

 

Happy Halloween!!

 

XOXO,

 

Double Decker Sister Cooks

 

Connie & Jenn

 

Food: Fall Pumpkin Theme

Hello All! For our "Pumpkin Theme" blog we chose to make two great dinners this week using pumpkin. The first one is Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. It may not sound good to you but once you make it you will know just how good it is.

 

Pumpkin Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 (12-ounce) cans 2% evaporated milk
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1 lb. dry pasta (I used large elbow macaroni)
• 16 oz. shredded cheese of your choice
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with oil spray.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, and then return the pasta back to the pot.

• While the pasta is cooking, Mix together the evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne in a another bowl until combined. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, pour the evaporated milk mixture into the pot with the pasta and stir until mixed. Continue cooking over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens.

• Remove pan from heat and stir in about 12 oz. of the shredded cheese and the Parmesan until melted and evenly-distributed.
• If you would like to bake the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs, continue onto these final steps. Or you can serve the macaroni at this point from the stove top.

 

• Pour about half of the pasta into the prepared baking pan. Then sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese. Pour the remainder of the pasta to make a second layer, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are toasted.Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin

 

2.0

**Remove and serve immediately**

I like mine spicy so i added a dash of hot sauce as well.

http://gimmesomeoven.co

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The second dish is a delish pumpkin squash soup. To add something extra special we served the soup in a mini pumpkin.  See recipe below.

 

Pumpkin Squash Soup

Ingredients:

•        2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
•        1 cup(s) chopped onion
•        2 1/2 pound(s) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 6 cups)
•        1 med. pumpkin  peeled, seeded and diced/cubed
•        3 cup(s) low-sodium chicken broth
•        1 tablespoon shredded cheese
•        1 leaf cilantro
•        1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
•        1/2 teaspoon(s) chopped fresh thyme
•        1/4 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the squash and pumpkin and sauté for 5 more minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In small batches, carefully puree the soup in a blender or food processor until very smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

 

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p.s. I thought I would share a beautiful view of  the sky and clouds looking beautiful this morning out my window.

-J.D.

(c) 2012 Gimme Some Oven. All rights reserve

 

Until we blog again,

 

 

XOXO - Connie & Jenn

Food & Party: Pumpkin Carving Party

Friday night (10/19/12) I went to a Pumpkin Carving party. My friend Jen & I went to the PB Pumpkin Patch before to pick up our pumpkins. I couldn't believe pumpkins are $12 now! Inflation? Even so, I found the perfect sized pumpkin.

 

 

At the party we ate, drank and carved pumpkins. It was a good time with friends. I brought an appetizer to the party. The recipe is below.

 

My pumpkin found a girlfriend at the party...

 

 

A little tip: Today I rubbed the inside of my pumpkin w/ petroleum jelly to keep mold and dehydration away. I don't want a moldy Jack. It's a good little trick. You can also spray the inside daily with a bleach and water mixture.

 

PUMPKIN FLUFF DIP

 

 

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) container fat-free cool whip

1/2 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

1/2 (5oz) box of Jell-o fat - free vanilla pudding

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

** for the spices you may add as much or little as you like**

 

 

Directions:

In a medium bowl mix together all ingredients. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. This recipe is so easy to make. If you like pumpkin pie you will love this appetizer.

 

 

 

Until I blog again, Xoxo, Jenn

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Connie also made this Pumpkin Dip to bring to a party. She served hers in a pumpkin with apples and Nilla wafers.

 

 

Gossip Girls Night In

A friend and I started getting together on Mondays to catch up and watch Gossip Girl together. We also make dinner & have wine (of course!) This week we had Gorgonzola Mashers & Cream of Mushroom Crock Pot Chicken. It was delish!!

Gorgonzola Mashers
About 5 medium potatoes, quartered (red or Yukon or mix of both)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fat free milk, cream or fat-free half & half
5 oz. Gorgonzola cheese
2 cups spinach
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp oil
1 tsp. garlic salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Add one inch water in pot with steamer basket. Place potatoes in steamer basket, cover and steam for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well, then return to pot or mixer and mash to your liking, chunky or smooth.
 

2. While potatoes are steaming, heat oil in small pan. Add garlic and cook till golden brown.
3. Stir milk/cream, cheese, garlic and spinach into potatoes. ENJOY!

 

Cream of Mushroom Crock Pot Chicken

Growing up my mom often made oven baked cream of mushroom chicken. I decided to make the same thing in the crockpot and add a little someth'n someth'n.

4 chicken breasts, mine were defrosted (in the fridge) but still a tad bit frozen
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
Freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp or so Oregano
1/2 cup Panco bread crumbs
1 cup fried fried onions
Oil spray

1. Spray oil on all sides crock pot or use disposable crock pot liner (makes for easy clean up later).
Place chicken on bottom of crock pot.
Sprinkle pepper and oregano on chicken.
Spread cream of mushroom soup over chicken.
Lastly, top with bread crumbs and french fried onions.
2. Cook on low 8 hrs.

Easiest dinner ever & super yummy! The cream of mushroom sauce from the chicken went really well with the mashed potatoes. I've also made the mashed potatoes as a side with steak.

Can't wait to have another Gossip Girl night tomorrow. We're having Slow Cooker Greek Chicken! Mmmmm

Until Next Time.

XOXO,

Connie

 

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Jenn also made Cream of Mushroom Crock Pot Chicken this week using the above recipe but added spinach instead of fried onions. She also added a side of Baked Kale Chips. It came out great.

 

 

Baked Kale Chips

 

1 cup Kale

1 tbsp. parmesan cheese

dash of garlic salt

olive oil

 

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Break kale up and spread kale evenly on baking tray. Place in oven with a drizle of olive oil, parmesan cheese & garlic salt. Let cook for 8-12 minutes or until crispy. Let cool & serve.

Travel: Palm Springs

I just got back from the HOT desert today... This week I had to work in the Palm Springs area so I went on a little road trip. It's about 2 hours and 30 minutes away ,which isn't a bad drive. I was working along the way but I saved some time for fun. On the way there are a few places to stop.

The 1st place to stop is the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon. The stores are located off I-10. It's about 20 miles away from Palm Springs. If you love a good sale they have all the top designer shops!

 

 

The 2nd place to stop is at the Cabazon Dinosaurs. These dino's are right off of I-10. If you have children this is a must. A fun fact is that these dinosaurs have been in a few movies as well as in the background of Brad Paisley’s music video, "Without Love." Possibly another reason to make you wanna stop.

There are many Casinos to visit once you reach Palm Springs. If you want to stop before reaching your destination Casino Morongo in Cabazon, is a great choice... if your feeling lucky!

 

Along your drive you will also notice many windmills.

I stayed at the Miracle Springs Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs. It was a great choice for a business trip. It's a somewhat large hotel about 100 rooms. With indoor and outdoor dining. The Resort also has 8 natural mineral water pools and hot tubs, a hot sauna and steam room and a Spa with many services. Below is a picture of the view I had from my balcony for a few days. Not bad.

 

One of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to laying out by the pool relaxing with a cocktail and swimming in mineral pools. While I was in town the weather was HOT like 95 degrees hot. Which is crazy because it's mid-October.  Below is a picture of me soakin' up the rays each day.

 

 

Another favorite is getting a spa treatment. There are so many great spas in the Palm Springs area. The Miracle Springs Resort & Spa has a nice spa with a LARGE selection of treatments. From Facials, Clay Body Masques, Mineral Wraps to Massages, Manicures and Pedicures they have it all. This time I got a Swedish Massage. It was wonderful.

 

 A fun thing to do with friends is champagne brunch or ordering room service if your alone. While on my business trip I ordered a Swiss cheese, ham and bell pepper omelet with breakfast potatoes on the side. It was really good. Which inspired me to make my own at home! Below is the recipe.

 

 

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Swiss Cheese, Ham and Bell Pepper Omelet

 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 cup mixed bell peppers
• 2 slices shaved ham, torn roughly
• 1/4 cup grated low fat swiss cheese
• 1 slice swiss cheese

Directions: Crack the eggs in a bowl with the milk and mix. Set aside (Don’t let the mixture sit for too long).

Spray a small non-stick frying pan with extra virgin olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and cook for 1-2 minutes or until lightly darkened. Remove from pan and wipe pan clean. Spray pan again and return to the heat.

Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes. Put the ham, bell peppers and cheese on only half the omelet, then fold over the other half and “hide” the filling. Add swiss cheese slice to top and serve immediately..

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Rosemary Breakfast Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound potatoes, skins on and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Handful of rosemary sprigs, (We’re lucky to have them in our garden)
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. seasoning or garlic salt

Directions: Blanch (put in boiling water for a few seconds in order to loosen the skin or to kill enzymes) the potatoes. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet, add potatoes and salt to pan and uncovered for about 20 min. at medium heat. Stir occasionally, until browned. Turn heat to medium-high and rosemary, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes and serve.

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While in the mineral spa a lovely couple from Miami whom have been married for 48 years said if they could only recommend one thing to do while in Palm Springs it would be the sky tram. They Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is West of Palm Springs at 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262. They say it is worth the $ for the spectacular views!  Visit the website for more details. http://pstramway.com/

 

If your in town during spring (season starts March 2013) or summer a fun thing to do is visit Knott's Soak City. We have one in San Diego as well. It's fun for the young or young at heart!

 

 

There are many museums to check out in Palm Springs such as, Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabot's Pueblo Museum and The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden... if that is your thing. One museum that I checked out is the Palm Springs Air Museum. My grandfather was in the air force and after walking in I knew this is something he would love.

 

 

Of course while in the desert you'll need a night out! One of my favorite places to unwind is Azul Mexican Bar & Grill in downtown Palm Springs. Good food and great atmosphere!

Until I blog again, Xoxo, Jenn

Food & Party: Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach

This past weekend was the annual O.B. (Ocean Beach) Oktoberfest, San Diego, CA. The event started Friday October 12th, 2012 and went into Saturday October 13th, 2012.

http://www.oboktoberfest.com/

Friday night I had a few friends over for Crockpot Hard Apple Cider before the Oktoberfest. I made the hard cider around 2pm and cooked it all day in the crock pot. It made my apartment smell wonderful. Once my friends came over and tried the hard cider, they loved it. It was the perfect drink to warm us up!

Crockpot Hard Apple Cider

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider

1/2 cup rum or brandy

1 cinnamon stick broken up or a tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice and 1 tsp. nutmeg

2 tbsp. honey

peel of 1/2 lemon (or mulling spice tea bag)

Directions

Mix apple cider, brandy, spices & honey into the crockpot. Peel lemon zest from 1/2 of lemon peel (or mulling spice tea bag) and place into the crockpot. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.

  

The finished product - a delightful crowd pleasing rum cocktail.

When we arrived at OB Oktoberfest the band Hitman Honey (an 80's tribute band) was on stage. Our group knew all the songs and had a great time singing along while enjoying the live music. Not to mention, the beer garden was a great spot for people watching! Which is one of my favorite past times...

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Saturday afternoon I had a mini brunch with a few friends over before going to Oktoberfest. I made Pumpkin Muffins, Apple Pear Sparkling Cider Champagne and Blood Orange Mimosas.

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (super moist)

1 (15oz) can of pumpkin

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix, can of pumpkin and spices in a medium sized bowl. Add mixture into each lined muffin tray.  Cook for 20min. depending on size of muffins. Let cool & enjoy! Another option: Add cream cheese frosting or a little cinnamon & sugar on top.

The champagne drinks and mimosas are very easy to make just add the juice mixer of your choice.

The champagne brunch was a perfect start to our day. Below is a picture of us enjoying the festival.

Saturday evening we went left Oktoberfest to go to the beach for the AMAZING sunset. I am so grateful to live near the beach!

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Connie also made the pumpkin muffins recently for Bunco and everyone loves them!
She likes to use Spice Cake Mix & the can of pumpkin.
Connie said, "I told my friends the easy two ingredient recipe at Bunco and already 3 people have made it."
They are so easy to make and delicious!!
 

Until I blog again, Xoxo, Jenn