what's for dinner? post thanksgiving

got turkey?
this here is the ultimate comfort food, and a great way to use up that leftover turkey...
turkey stew with biscuits.
the recipe is found here. just substitute the chicken for turkey and add any other delicious tid bits you might have left from your thanksgiving feast.

thanksgiving day

our thanksgiving picnic went off without a hitch.
i think it was even more beautiful than last year.
i truly believe we live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, but that's just me.
i am so grateful to live in such a place.
i am so grateful to be able to share it with scott and these three sons of mine.
i am so grateful for my generous and tolerant mother who has opened up her home to us.
one of these days we will be able to repay her.

pumpkin recipes

pumpkin is one my favorite things in the world to cook with. i'm starting to feel like the season for pumpkin dishes is slipping away.....so sad.

so for now, i've been picking up a can of pumpkin puree every time i step foot in a grocery store. did you hear? there's a shortage! i love the canned kind. it's so convenient in a busy time of life. there was one time in my life when i had the time to peel, cook, and puree my own fresh pumpkin. and it did make one delicious pumpkin pie. i will never forget that pie.
so before the pumpkin season is over, i wanted to share a few of my favorite pumpkin recipes.

pumpkin whoopies
{these are amazing! wrap them each in a piece of wax paper, twist the ends, like a piece of candy, and store in the fridge for a quick little snack.}

pumpkin penne pasta
{i saw this on rr's 30 min. meals, and have been dying to try it.}

pumpkin bread
{a long time favorite, and have made muffin versions, reducing the time to 20 minutes.}

what are some of your favorite ways to cook with pumpkin?

inspiration

{photo: house and garden mag nov. 2007}

the closer we get to actually getting the house on vard, the more obsessed i get with the changes i plan to make.
here is my latest inspiration....gwyneth paltrow's kitchen in her hampton's home.
the rest of her home is just as inspiring.
even the powder room, which i love!
{photo: house and garden mag nov. 2007}
we'll see how it all comes together.
check in again to see more ideas and updates on our hopeful home remodel.

hiphugger

speaking of new bags.....

i've been working for a local handbag designer as a seamstress for the past few months.
marcia (the mastermind) designs and cuts the bags out of repurposed/recycled materials.
i (and other talented seamstresses) sew them up, then she attaches a super hip recycled leather belt as the strap.
i was in slo today, so i decided to check 'em out. they are sold in a chic little boutique called ambiance on higuera st. i walk in and see this gorgeous display of hiphuggers.
it was so cool to see some of the bags that i actually helped build.

so here's the scoop......

if you live in the area, marcia's hosting a blow-out/benefit at her studio

sunday, june 7th noon-5

rummage through the "less than perfects" and purchase for 75% off retail

and.....

bring a blanket to donate to the local hospital and enter to win a one of a kind
hiphugger handbag.

go here for more details.

my new bag

look at this cute little bag i picked up today at the
avila valley barn.
it was only$2.95.
you should pick one up next time you're there.
and fill it with some fresh corn on the cob and "lunch box" peaches.

foodies

this is my little brother jimmy.....

he's a father to three beauties...
ava, lizzy, and mia.

he's a great dad.
he even tries to teach them about the art of a delicious meal.

ava gets it...like when she dug into this beef rib at the farmer's market last thursday night.

this is jimmy's beautiful wife chantal....

she is an amazing mother.

while they were visiting us this past week, we got to celebrate chantal's birthday.
jimmy created a meal of some of chantal's favorite foods.
we are so lucky that jimmy is not only a fantastic cook, but that chantal loves greek food.

like this....grilled polenta with orange honey infused greek yogurt with fresh strawberries and pistachios.
the rest of the menu went like this....
hummus and flatbread
greek olives and feta
grilled prawns with oregano
grilled zucchini squash with greek olives and mint
garlic and herb couscous

i think we all felt like we had died and gone to mediterranean heaven.

i've heard so much about the pink champagne cake from the madonna inn bakery, so we had to try it.

i'm certain the girls were more excited than anyone.

some of the other foodie places we visited.....
la tapatia for pork tacos and flan
guiseppe's for seafood, pasta and italian pastry
alphie's for fish tacos and prime rib sandwich
thursday night farmer's market for grilled corn, ribs and asian bbq
avila valley barn for slo maid ice cream and strawberry-rhubarb pie
a mexican bakery for sweet bread
and gramma ann's kitchen for pancakes and more fresh strawberries and cream.

the end