Red and Blue

I have really been loving all of the RED-and-BLUE themed holiday things I've run across lately. I think it adds a nice twist to more traditional color schemes.

Here are a few of my favorites:

{We had this more fall-ish centerpiece at our house on Thanksgiving}

{Red and blue holiday cards are everywhere this year!}

{I just love this snowman themed kids' party}

I guess it's not just for the 4th of July anymore!

Meatless Mondays: Pumpkin Cornbread

Last week I mentioned that the new favorite snack around my house is the {muffin}, and this recipe was a truly great find. These are hearty, sustaining, even long-winded. They are whole grain, for a boost of protein and fiber to make you feel full, and the subtle honey flavor makes them absolutely scrumptious. Just like the little cakes Alice eats in Alice in Wonderland! They taste best the first day, or frozen immediately after cooling and re-heated later. Yum!

Pumpkin Cornbread
Adapted from Simply Vegetarian

• 1/2 c. soft butter
• 3/4 c. honey
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 15 oz. can pumpkin
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or regular whole wheat flour)
• 1 c. cornmeal
• 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. allspice
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and butter a 12-cup muffin tray. Cream the butter and honey in a bowl. Add the eggs, pumpkin, and milk, then mix well. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix thoroughly. Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full, then bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

Favorite Gifts for People with an Appetite

{For the baker ~ artisan extracts from Sonoma Syrup Co.}

{For the coffee drinker ~ Ethiopian coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee Company}

{For the snacker ~ an olive oil dipping set from St. Helena Olive Oil Co.}

{For chefs of all sizes ~ a lovely apron from Etsy.com}

Meatless Mondays: Pack it in

Back when I was pregnant with my daughter I started to keep track of how much protein I ate just to be sure I was getting enough for the both of us. I quickly realized that it's hard to eat enough protein in just one or two vegetarian main dishes. But there are many foods that you wouldn't ordinarily think of that have a good dose of protein. Whole grains are one of the easiest "alternative" sources. Once I started counting every whole grain slice of bread and every spoonful of brown rice, the protein really added up quickly.

If you want to feel full during a day of meatless eating, then pack in the protein. Afterall, every ounce of nutrition counts. And what better way to enjoy some nutrition than in a muffin. That's right, a muffin. My daughter loves them, so I try to find recipes withextra protein or vitamins without too much sugar. She and I both have them for afternoon snacks. Or breakfast. Or a midnight snack. Or dessert. You get the idea ~ when you look this similar to a cupcake, what's not to love?

I can't wait to share some recipes soon.

Everybody loves pumpkin!

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. This 8-month old Siberian tiger cub did!

What's in the center?

Have you given any thought to a centerpiece for your holiday feast? These caught my eye last night:

{The Dainty Apple}

{The Icy Pumpkin}

{Glam Fruit and Rose}

I love using natural elements in centerpieces. This is what our table looked like last year thanks to my cousin:



I confess, after all this poking around on the web, this year will probably be a minimalist year!

Meatless Mondays: Thanksgiving Favorites

Hi All! I know it's been a while, but it's only fitting that Thanksgiving should bring me (ahem) back to the table.

I'm happy to report that Thanksgiving is a holiday for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. I discovered some of my favorite recipes while planning Thanksgiving menus. I think the best vegetarian main course are those that the meat-eaters are likely to dig into, too. Here are a few of my faves:

• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Butternut Squash Lasagna
• Any kind of pot pie ~ this one looks great!

Enjoy, and I plan to see you back here real soon!