Fall Festival 2011

*Contented Sigh*

Happy Autumn!  I know I've managed to sneak that into every post during the past few weeks, but really, Autumn is such a happy time.  I can't help but wish the happiness on others.  :)

This past weekend was the Fall Festival at Elk Mountain Ski Resort.  Unless I'm deathly ill or there's an emergency, I always make it to the Fall Festival.  They have craft booths, bands, family activites, etc, etc, but the main event (for me) is the ride on the ski lift.  We wander in and out of the tents, it's true, but after I'm done with that ride, I'm ready to leave any time.  Usually, I come with an Autumn 'kit', which includes blankets, hot chocolate, warm sweaters and coats, gloves/hats/scarves, and a camera, but summer paid us a late visit this year, and the day was actually hot.  Even at the very top of the mountain, where everyone takes pictures and usually shivers, it was comfortable without a sweater.  The ride down on the lift is especially wonderful as you view the horizon, so I'm always surprised how many people opt to walk down the ski slopes instead.  But to each their own. 

I loved this little girl dashing down the mountain in her long, flowing skirt.

The view from the top of the world...

The view going back down.

Later, Jayson and I stopped for some ice cream to top off the perfect day.

 

Happy Autumn!!  <3

~ Sarah

Pumpkin Pudding

Happy Thursday!!

Well, I have had a rather busy week, what with my little SUV breaking down, discovering it needs to be replaced (*sniffles*), and shopping for a brand-spanking-new vehicle.  (Big shout out to my friend, Amy, who has been chauffering my stranded little behind all over, and to my father-in-law, who rescued me in the first place as I sat with blinking lights in front of the mausoleum during rush hour.)

Despite all of this, I have NOT been too busy for a new recipe.  :-)  I love pumpkin, but, as stated before, baking doesn't seem to be my calling or gift.  That being the case, I wanted to make something pumpkiny but cold.  And I found it: pumpkin pudding.  I started with some general suggestions I found online, but once I tested it things started to get a little ad-libbed.

What you will need:

1. 1 can of pumpkin
2. 1 box of vanilla pudding mix
3. pumpkin pie spice
4. milk (evaporated or regular -- I used 2% because, well, I have no car and can't go to the store.)

What I also used:

1. Pampered Chef's Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle
2. Pecans (mmm!!!!)
3. Ground cloves

Mix the pudding, pumpkin, and 2 cups of milk together, along with some pumpkin pie spice to taste.  If you are using additional ingredients, add them to taste, too.

My personal assistant and I agreed that it was certainly a delicious recipe, and, what's more, SUPER easy!!  Love it!

My personal assistant. 

Plan for the evening: grab a blanket, snuggle into a comfy deck chair, and eat pumpkin pudding!

~ Sarah