A Fall Hike

We went for a hike with our havurah and enjoyed the great weather.

These are some of the boys from our group.

Jacob took the tri-pod/walking stick so we could take this picture.  

After our hike we met at a park and had a picnic lunch.  It was a great fall hike.

Pre-Thanksgiving Part 2

There is nothing better than food and friends and we were happy to share both tonight.

You know you are cool when you toast with milk and Dr. Pepper.

We put the BBQ King in charge of the turkey breast.  It came out moist and juicy.

Streuseled Sweet Potato Casserole from Cooking Light.   It was a sweet treat and delicious. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/streuseled-sweet-potato-casserole-10000000385230/

Winter Greens Gratin from Bon Appetit.  This one exceeded everyone's expectations.  I would definitely make this one again.  http://www.bonappetit.com/?p=43413&post_type=recipe

Holiday Pie from the LA Times.  My recipe is so old that I can't find the link on their website.

Layers of cream cheese and cranberries.  Yum!

Thanks to Jacob who took the time to take pictures of the dinner.  Let's eat!

Pre-Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I couldn't wait for the big day to try out some new recipes. 

 Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie got thumbs up from everyone but we will still stick to traditional Pumpkin Pie for the big day.  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/apple-butter-pumpkin-pie/.  I only put nuts on half since Jacob dislikes all nuts.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Shallot and Parmesan Topping.  These also were a big hit.  The topping was great.  http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/7488-twice-baked-sweet-potatoes-with-shallot-and-parmesan-topping.  I am hosting Pre-Thanksgiving part 2 this coming weekend.  Stay tuned for more recipes.

Halloween 2013

Happy Halloween

Halloween art.  I love Jacob's drawings.

This year's costume in construction.  It took 2 weeks to finish.

These Jack-o-Lantern oranges have been on my to do list for years.  Finally had time to make them this year.

Getting ready for trick or treating.

Jacob had to rely on the kindness of strangers as he could not bend his arms or legs.

It was a great Halloween this year.  Jacob's costume was a big hit and he was happy.  I am looking forward to the next holiday.

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

Plum Poppy Seed Muffins

When I picked up The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, I wanted to make everything inside.  The book starts out with breakfast, so I am going to bake my way through the book.  So far the first recipe was a hit.  

The Time Machine

Jacob read The Time Machine by H.G. Wells for school this year.  Part of their project was to make a time machine.  This is what Jacob came up with.  I neglected to take a picture of it before it went to school, it now has some ware and tear.  In true Jacob style he wanted to include a working part.  He and Michael put in a battery powered switch that turned the wheel in the back. 

Happy Birthday Thea

We celebrated Thea's birthday at 3 Squares Cafe in Venice.

We enjoyed the Oktoberfest menu with items ending in wurst.

Thea asked for and enjoyed her spice cake.  Looks like Jacob was having a good time too.

Happy Belated Birthday, Thea.