Thursday, October 29, 2015

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

These are soooooo good!!!!


















Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

1 C. canned pumpkin
2 eggs
1/2 C. water
1/2 C. butter, melted (let it sit for a couple minutes so it's not hot)
1 3/4 C. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 C. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/4 C. chocolate chips

In a large bowl (I used my KitchenAid) mix together pumpkin, eggs, water & melted butter until combined.  In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger & cloves.  Add these dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture just until combined.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

I used cupcake liners for these.  They don't raise much so I filled about 2/3 full.  I also sprinkled about 4 chocolate chips on top of each prior to baking.  Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 30 minutes - use the toothpick to test.  

This made approx 24 cupcakes.


Mixing the wet ingredients --

Adding in the dry ingredients & then the chocolate chips --















Ready to bake --















Finished --















Enjoy!!!















Lucy loves everything about the holidays!  She's a seasonal addict like me!!  The cooking/baking excites her because she thinks it might involve a treat!  She loves when we bring in the new decorations because there are new scents to drive her crazy!!  Lucy loves to explore these totes once they are opened and hopes there is room for her to jump in and explore better.  Plus some of these decorations are downright tempting for her to play.  But, each year she is better & better at tolerating/ignoring them!  Plus I've learned to keep temptation up high!!  Keep those holidays coming!!!



















I'm linking these delicious muffins to Rattlebridge Farms Foodie Friday.  Just click here for plenty of inspiration.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY

I'm trying something new & linking up to WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY with some of my favorite bloggers!
Before you read what is happening with me -- run to check out these gals blogs - Shay - Sheaffer - Mel.

WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK -- New recipes have been tried & all were winners!!!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
















Pepperoni Squares















Goulash

Look for these recipes to be on this blog soon.

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT -- I usually try not to look back and only look onward, but I love thinking about any vacation or even a long weekend and the fun/food/shopping that happened.  I'll be posting soon about a long weekend that I enjoyed with Mr. Cardigan that was only about 1-2 hrs. from home.

WHAT I'M LOVING -- This is the time of year that I love because I'm a SEASONAL ADDICT!!!  I absolutely love the decorating/cooking/baking/traditions for these last quarter holidays!!!  















WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO -- A new tradition for us this fall football season is making tailgate food on Sunday afternoon.  A few oldies are being thrown in with a lot of new recipes.  One tailgate food during each game (& I am enjoying the leftovers for lunch at work!).  A big hit were Taco Crescents.















Spent a day in Amish country Ohio with my daughter on a beautiful fall day!!  Lunch at Rebecca's Bistro, chocolate covered strawberries from Coblentz, my favorite fry pies & a little snow birdie from Walnut Creek Cheese & a stop at a fabulous year round Christmas store - 'Tis the Season.


WHAT I'M DREADING -- if you've seen how much I decorate seasonally - then hands down -- I'm dreading putting away all this Fall/Halloween decorations.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON -- I'll be hosting my 2nd Ornament Exchange (after years & years of having a Cookie Exchange) and the invitations should go out in a couple weeks.  Lots of prep work to do.  This was the photo I used on last year's invitation (I cartooned myself!!) -



















WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT -- Basketball Season - both high school (my younger grandson plays) and the Cleveland Cavaliers!!!!  I will be consumed with basketball for many months ahead!!

WHAT I'M READING/WATCHING -- I will be reading more during the winter months in cold/snowy Ohio.  I have a series to read - The Knitting Club - and will let you know further down the road on it.  TV shows are another thing -- I enjoy the mysteries of NCIS & NCIS New Orleans, Hawaii Five O, How To Get Away With Murder, Scream Queens, CSI Cyber, and throw in Big Bang Theory for laughs.  I'm so glad our cable has OnDemand so I can watch later in the week/weekend since many are on the tv after my bedtime!!

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO -- nothing now -- but watch out Nov. 1st - the Christmas music will be blaring!!!

WHAT I'M WEARING --  I always wear lots of jewelry and with the cold weather am matching scarves with my jackets.  But, I am crushing on the Pixie Ankle Pants from Old Navy!!!  I think I have 6 pair so far!!



















WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND -- It's Trick or Treating in our area.  This is what we will be handing out -



















WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH -- more holiday stuff!!!  Getting out the Christmas decorations & seeing family for Thanksgiving!!

WHAT ELSE IS NEW -- Besides my obsession with Old Navy Pixie Ankle Pants and Tailgate Food on Football Sundays (Go Browns!!!) -- resurrecting this blog is new.  It has been an effort!  I am sometimes rushing to get posts on here and not doing my best.  I need to get in the swing of things and more of a rhythm.  It will get better!!!

BONUS QUESTION -- FAVORITE THANKSGIVING RECIPE
More of a favorite thing to make with the leftover turkey.

HOT TURKEY SALAD

2 c. cubed turkey or chicken
1 c. chopped celery
1 tbsp. chopped onions
1 c. mayonnaise/Miracle Whip
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. crushed potato chips

Mix all ingredients, except potato chips.  Place in casserole dish with the potato chips on top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

(I double this recipe so I have plenty to take for lunch, too.)

Monday, October 26, 2015

Pumpkins, Witches & More!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Come & tour my Halloween decorations for 2015.  You'll see them among the Fall decos that were previously posted here.

Dining Area --





















































Even in the Bathroom --






















Kitchen Area --



























Living Area --































Lucy is practicing her growl for trick or treat night!  She wants to be a lion!!



















I am linking to Cozy Little House Tweak It Tuesday.  Just click here to be amazed!!!!!