Monthly Archives: October 2013

Pumpkin Patch Treats

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Pumpkin-PatchEverywhere you turn this time of year, there seems to be a new pumpkin treat or the return of an old favorite (Starbucks PSL, anyone?).  We can’t seem to get enough pumpkin flavor in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.  I felt it only fair that I share my mother’s (dangerously delicious) pumpkin roll recipe.  It’s a family favorite, and even those who can manage to skip the pumpkin pie simply cannot pass on this special dessert!  Check out the recipe below.

And if that’s not enough pumpkin for you, see below for the special treats from Williams-Sonoma’s “All Things Pumpkin” section, including Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle!  And why not plan a trip to a real pumpkin patch on the Grand Canyon Railway’s Pumpkin Patch Train?  It’s a beautiful time of year to enjoy the outdoors in Northern Arizona–see the link the follows.

PUMPKIN ROLL

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Preheat oven to 375°

Filling:
(Make ahead and set aside)
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp soft butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Beat cream cheese until smooth
Add remaining ingredients and beat until smooth

Pumpkin Roll:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup solid pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup flour
1 package pecan pieces (about 3/4 cup)
Mix together everything EXCEPT pecans
Grease 10×15 cookie sheet
Cover greased cookie sheet with wax paper
Grease wax paper
Spread mixture on cookie sheet
Sprinkle pecans on top
Bake 10 minutes
Let cool for no more than 5 minutes
Sprinkle some powdered sugar on a clean linen towel
Turn cake upside down on towel (pecan side down)
Remove wax paper
Roll up the cake and the towel together, seam-side down
Let cool for no more than 20 minutes
Unroll cake and spread filling on cake
Roll up cake only, seam-side down, and cool completely

Wrap in plastic wrap or foil. Can be frozen.
Slice to serve–Enjoy!

WILLIAMS-SONOMA PUMPKIN TREATS

All at http://www.williams-sonoma.com.

Pecan Pumpkin Butter

Pecan Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin Brittle

Pumpkin Paws, Pumpkin Caramels,
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
and Pumpkin Seed Brittle

PUMPKIN PATCH TRAIN RIDE

http://www.thetrain.com/special-events/the-pumpkin-patch/
Pumpkin Patch Train 2

 

 

Positively Illuminating!

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Lamps Plus 1

The myriad of lighting
choices can be somewhat
overwhelming!

The simple task of purchasing a light bulb these days can be daunting.  Light bulb packaging now indicates “lumens” in addition to the age-old standard  of “wattage” which we’ve always used to determine our choice.  This actually turns out to be helpful because wattage only determines the bulb’s use of energy, not how bright it is–the lumen measurement.  And, of course, there are different types of bulbs for recessed lighting, chandeliers, lamps, wall sconces, overhead and outdoor lighting, etc.,depending upon what the light will be used for.

There are three basic types of lighting: ambient, which is considered “general” lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.  Choosing the right type of light for each area of your home, indoors and out, is the first step–before you even try to navigate through the light bulb section!  Never fear, help is near!

When I require assistance with choosing the right lighting for a project, I turn to the lighting specialists at Lamps Plus in Scottsdale.  They have a wealth of experience and are able to recommend the correct type of lighting for every area of your home, as well as step you through all the light bulb choices available on the market today. Sign up on-line at http://www.lampsplus.com/ to attend one of their free lighting seminars, and you will receive a $10 coupon toward in-store merchandise. I attended a seminar and was amazed at how much there is to know about getting the right light in the right area with the right bulb!  Eliminating glare, heat, eye strain, and even improving the overall color in the room are just a few of the factors in properly lighting a home.  There are dramatic differences which can be demonstrated in their lighting studio.

Check out the link “Coupons for free bulbs and more” to find some great deals! It’s a great place to shop for all your lighting needs. Lamps Plus also offers a wide array of gorgeous lamp shades, unique home accents, and even some home furnishing items.

If you are interested in learning more about lighting trends and resources, Lamps Plus offers a free copy of the 2013 Lighting magazine, presented by the American Lighting Association (ALA) and Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications (a $6.99 value).  You can also request a free copy of this publication at the ALA website, http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/Free-Magazine.aspx (where the magazine is available to read on-line as well).

Thanks to the specialists at Lamps Plus, lighting is no longer confusing–it’s “positively illuminating”!

Welcome Fall!

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Fall Front Door

Casa Serafina’s Fall
Front Door

In this part of the country, it can be a bit of a challenge to get into a Fall frame of mind. Temperatures are often still on the high side and, without a colored leaf in sight, the feel of the season can be lost.  Here is my encouragement: “Don’t skip Autumn!”  While you certainly don’t need to stack straw bales and pumpkins on the porch or put a scarecrow out at the mailbox, a simple Fall wreath on the front door or an arrangement of dried flowers and branches can make a great statement and give you a little more of that Fall feeling. At Casa Serafina, there are always some special things placed around to give a “nod” of appreciation to this favorite season. The front door is decorated and a few dried florals with mini-pumpkins and gourds add touches of  beautiful Autumn colors. It helps set the mood as we head toward Thanksgiving.

 

Fall Patio Arrangement

Autumn Arrangement
for Patio Dining

Fall Branches

Fall Branches in
Golden
Earthenware Vase

 

 

 

Plant Succulents In a Pumpkin Vase

Plant Succulents
In a Pumpkin Vase

 

 

 

acorns

Collected Acorns in
a Leaf-Lined Dish

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you need further inspiration, plan a trip to a part of the country or state where the season’s colors abound to collect your own Autumn foliage. This easy-to-make  twig vase will dress up the Thanksgiving table (and even carry you through Christmas with some pine tucked inside).  It can be made in varying shapes and sizes and filled with the foliage you collect.  It’s a great family and/or friends project.  Break out the Pumpkin Bread and the Spiced Cider!  Welcome Fall!