My Week

Saturday, October 1, 2011 |
It's been a crazy busy week but I'm really enjoying the ever so slight hint of autumn in the air. I'm really stressing the word "slight" as it's been very hot and humid here in my little part of the world.

008


Dressing for school has been a challenge. I don't own many {read any} clothes designed for fall in the south. My fall wardrobe features heavy cottons, down, and wool. Since going naked isn't an option, I've had to get creative instead of cute. Not fun.



Anyway ...



My week in review has managed to bring about one of my favorite ingredients .... PUMPKIN!

Our neighbor recently lost his father. His life was celebrated as he enjoyed 94 amazing years of life full of adventure. It's so cute to hear his grandsons speak of him with such love and admiration.


Picnik collage

After all the family had left, and their lives had quieted down a tad, {as much as it can with little boys and all their activities} I dropped off a dinner basket on their porch. I made my families lasagna, my friend Lori's amazing bread, and easy peasy, but oh so yummy, chocolate yam cupcakes. Yes, you read that correctly ~ yam. Pumpkin is at an all time shortage in my stores so I've resorted to using yams. You cannot tell the difference. Seriously! Give it a try {Susan :)} and you'll be delighted.

*Recipe listed at that the bottom*

Picnik collage

On Sunday, before church, I warmed up the over and made pumpkin cinnamon rolls. These were good but didn't have as much pumpkin flavor as I had hoped for so I'll keep looking for a tastier recipe.


Picnik collage

While strolling through Trader Joe's I spied one of my favorite treats. Figs! They don't make an appearance often here in the north but when they do, I take full advantage.

I'm making a fig and brie appetizer this evening to take to a friend's home for dinner. I'll let you know how it turns out. If it passes our strict panel of judges (ha), I'll share the recipe with you.

*anything with brie passes with flying colors!*

Chocolate Yam Cupcakes with Yam Cream Cheese frosting

Cupcakes
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup mashed yams {from a can}
1 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cream cheese frosting
8 oz. cream cheese {I use the low fat}
1/2 cup mashed yams
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1tsp. cinnamon

Cupcakes:
Mix all the ingredients together and beat for about 2 minutes on low.

Spoon into desired cupcake tin of choice {I like the mini}

Bake for 12 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Remove to wire rack and let cool.

Frosting:
Beat all the ingredients together until creamy.

Pipe onto cupcakes

Sprinkle with a little autumn sugar

Enjoy!


Happy October!



Leave A Comment

18 comments:

Karena said...

Oh I am so sorry about the loss of a friend and neighbor.

The food offerings look so delish. Off to Trader Joe's for figs!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

I always love all your special touches around the house. Stunning turine for your mini white pumpkins. Have a great weekend. Hope you find a quiet moment you can share with a glass of vino. :)

Suburban Princess said...

I always head about your pumpkin shortages...I should start selling it on my blog lol! I have lots of it in my pantry and there's always lots in the grocery stores.

Kacey said...

Having just lost our dear grandfather about 6 weeks ago, I can assure you that the meal you took your neighbors was probably SO appreciated. What a wonderful neighbor you are!

and that choco/yam recipe looks delish...can't wait to try it!! I am a lover of figs too but have never braved cooking them at home. You might need to share that recipe too! :) Happy Fall!!

Susan R said...

Good gracious! Those pumpkin cinnamon rools look so good and I need to make that lasagna. I'm always hit-n-miss with my lasagna.
What a nice thought to bring a dinner basket for the family.
I don't think Fall knows it's supposed to be here yet because it was 88 degrees today. All the shops are showing Fall and Winter clothing, the grocery is starting to carry Fall items, but the weather is just off. It doesn't feel right.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jo,

So sorry to hear the loss of your neighbour's Father and what a great age. They would have appreciated all the delicious food you took over and how thoughtful you are.

Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Kathy said...

Everything looks so delicious! I've been enjoying the fall flavors as well. This time of year just beckons me to start baking...have a great weekend!

Lulu and Co. said...

Let me know about the fig recipe ... Brie appetizers are always my favorite.... Give me Brie and wine for dinner anytime and Im in bliss! I will definitely give the yams a try...thanks for the tip,
xo,
Lulu

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

You are a sweet and kind neighbor. I'm sure that delicious food basket was much appreciated. Yummy!

Sue said...

I really enjoy pumpkin bread, Jo! So much more flavor than banana. Love the moistness.... I haven't had figs for ages. I'll check out the grocer soon. Thanks for the TJ's tip. Come by and enter my give-away if you have time! :-) Sue

French Basketeer.com said...

Did I miss something...are you in the South now?? I love pumpkin too! Will try out the recipe as the cupcakes look so good!! xxoo A

Magnolia Blues said...

I'm sorry to hear about your neighbor losing his father. It sounds as if he was loved by all. That was so sweet of you to drop off the goodies. I'm sure they were very delighted to get such a treat.

I love figs too! I just found a recipe for a fig cake. I'll pull it out this week and share with you. Those appetizers sound delish.

Hugs,
Gigi

Dee Stephens said...

Pumpkin is extinct here too! I've thought about the yams but wasn't sure!
I want to know about the figs and brie.
Tell tell!

Lori said...

You're awesome and I wish we lived next door to each other! :)
You always make everything look so special and pretty ~ I hope you are enjoying the Fall and all the fun of the season. I just bought the HUGE box of figs that Tr@der Joe's had last week, took pictures of course ('cause they're so pretty:) and they were gone in a day!
xx

Casey said...

I really have to stop reading your blog. I'm always so hungry after seeing your yummy pics!!

Love the pumpkins!!

NanaDiana said...

Just found you by blog jumping. It sounds like your neighbor had a wonderful life...and I'll be the family appreciated your kindness!

I am soooo gonna try these cupcakes. My kids will love them. I am also your newest follower..that may be good OR bad news!;>) xo Diana

Lauren said...

Oh No! An early winter is NO FUN! Hope your crazy weather turns around a bit!

Unknown said...

wow snow already! here in LA it was over 80 degrees today...I wish it would get a little fall/wintery!

whitney
seeshopeatdo.com

Newer Posts Older Posts Home