Bunny Cakes

Bright & Cheery Thanksgiving Table

This year for Thanksgiving we went with a fuschia colored table cloth and a muted cream table runner.  The bright centerpiece made with fuschia roses, mini pumpkins and fall leaves (from our yard) complemented up on the cheery table cloth.  We weren't sure if the mini pumpkins were going to work, but they turned out to fit in nicely and I was happy to have one final use for the pumpkins before they got tossed.  We just used wooden skewers to hold the pumpkins in place.  Check out the results below:

The boys wore turkey headdresses from Joann's to help celebrate the day....

 

And it turned out that I didn't need to worry about the pumpkin shortage, but instead faced a toffee bit shortage.  It seemed that everyone and their grandmother had planned on trying out Martha's Blue Ribbon Pie recipe and I couldn't find any toffee bits anywhere.  Luckily Hubby picked up some mini Heath bars that were easy enough to chop up so I could still make the pie.  It turned out OK, but I am sure my version would not have won any ribbons.

 

 -K

Happy Turkey Day

 

{Drawing by Jax}

Jax's turkey above was inspired by the Joy of Cooking.  The boys and I hid their turkey drawings under everyone's plate so they got a nice surprise when it was time for dessert.

-K

Blue Ribbon Pie & Other Thanksgiving Desserts

This year for Thanksgiving I am planning on contributing three desserts: Pumpkin Roll, a Turkey Cake and the winning pie from Martha's First Ever Pie Contest--an English Toffee Pecan Pie.

 

The Pumpkin Roll is a family favorite (it is the first dessert the boys go for) and makes the best morning-after-Thanksgiving breakfast.  I am actually hoping to make four rolls to distribute to the various Thanksgiving dinners that A and I go to.  However, due to this year's pumpkin shortage that may prove to be a challenge.  The shortage explains why it was so difficult to find canned pumpkin earlier this Fall.  If it was bad then, I can't imagine it will be any easier now, so if you are planning on making any pumpkin recipes it would be best to get your canned pumpkin very soon (not to make you panic).

The Turkey Cake will be made using a turkey bundt cake mold I picked up last year.  This is the dessert I am least committed to, so if I am feeling overwhelmed I might bail on it (its nice to have that freedom).  I have a Chocolate Mocha Bundt cake mix and a Cherry Vanilla that I am decided between.  We'll see, like I said I am not too committed.

And finally on to the *Blue Ribbon Winner* from Martha's Pie Contest...the English Toffee Pecan Pie.  After seeing how easy and delicious the winning pie looked I have decided to give it a go.  The recipe can be found here and the video can be found here.  The sweet lady who made the pie has been making pies for over 60 years and her pies have earned over 1,000 blue ribbons.  She was actually asked by the American Pie Council to attend Martha's contest.  Don't tell Martha, but I will probably use store bought pie crust. 

-K

Stoneware Cake Mold

 

I can't believe Thanksgiving is only a week away!  Check out this lovely Wreath Stoneware Mold from Williams-Sonoma.  The Molded Cranberry Sauce would look stunning on any Thanksgiving table!  I don't know what else you can make with stoneware molds, but I am suddenly interested.

 

 -K

Fondness of Teak Furniture

My father was very fond of *Teak Furniture*.  I can't help but think of him whenever I see teak.  Unfortunately it is so rarely found these days.  However, last weekend I got lucky, really lucky.  I was out shopping at a second hand furniture store with A (my sister) and Crafty Friend Karen when I came across a teak secretary desk/bookshelf.  The piece was a little dusty and had a few pen marks, but my father had taught me how to care for teak (steel wool and teak oil) so I knew I could easily clean it up.

Two days later the desk/bookshelf was delivered to my house.  Hubby was there to receive it and surprisingly he voiced his approval instead of inquiring of the price.  When I got home from work I ran into the study to admire it.  It was perfect!  The study already contained a teak desk and a wall of teak bookshelves which I had inherited from my father, so the new piece was the perfect accompaniment.  That night I scrubbed it and oiled it, so that it was back to its former glory.

For me it has become a new gem in my home.  I feel like my father is smiling down on me and nodding his head in approval.  I also feel like I have carried on the torch for the fondness of teak (it sounds silly, but I am proud of it).  It is five years today since my father has passed and I am thankful for all the ways I have to keep his memory alive.  I miss you Dad.  I treasure my memories of you and the parts of me that are you.

-K

If You're Wondering...

I have become obsessed with the *New Weezer Song* (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To.  I need to hear it at least a couple of times a day.  To and from work is a must.  I found this great AOL Sessions version with Sara Bareilles...please enjoy & share my obsession:

-K

Fall Planting

This weekend I logged over 6 hours of weeding and general garden maintenance.  I haven't done anything gardening related since being diagnosed with Lyme's Disease in early July, but the lovely weather and insidious weeds lured me out.  Once I had finished weeding I couldn't stop there, so I headed to our local nursery to pick through the last remaining plants.  Luckily I found what I was looking for--purple pansies and decorative cabbage...perfect for bringing some color & cheer to the patio!

-K

Vampire Love

If you remember my Twilight Fever post from early September on the boys' Halloween costumes, then you will remember I was trying to convince the boys to be twin Edward Cullens (aka handsome Robert Pattinson Vampires).  Well I am happy to report the boys decided to be Vampires for Halloween.  It was mostly because they couldn't find anything else they wanted to be and less because of my (fading) All-Powerful-Mommy-Influence.  I followed Martha's instructions for making the capes and added an embroidered patch to personalize each cape.  Overall the cape project was pretty easy and I would highly recommend giving it a try (you only have to sew two straight lines per cape).  I had a lot of fun doing their hair...check out my twin vampires:

And of course this post wouldn't be complete without my other Vampire Love fresh from the Vanity Fair photo shoot...

Photo by Bruce Weber

-K