Another quick idea for stocking stuffers: Hot Chocolate on a Stick (you can do lots of flavors but I happen to make Cinnamon, Coconut and Irish Cream). When I was in Germany recently, just about every chocolate shop seemed to have these and they seemed like a cut idea. Note that the chocolate can be a little tough and can seize up on you if get it too hot, so be careful!
So what does one do on the morning after Halloween? One sneaks over to the neighbors, steals their pumpkin, hacks it to pieces, roasts and the purees it, and then makes … these lovely doughnuts. I guess that means I could call them Dead Jack-o-Lantern Donuts, but that’s not very appetizing sounding.
PS: the neighbor’s Jack-o-Latern is still on their porch. I may be a pumpkin murderer, but I’m not a thief!
Sunday Morning Breakfast: Seriously the easiest muffins ever. Bananas, pecans, a bit of oatmeal crumble. On the breakfast table, all warm and delightful, in under an hour (under 45 minutes if you hurry a bit).
So, in reference to the photo that looks like claws are coming to steal the muffins: my parents have this decorative metal lobster hanging on the porch railing, with the claws just above railing level. I thought that it was funny in a halloween like way, to have the clws coming up from the deal to steal my Banana Pecan Crunch Muffins. Nom. Happy Halloween. 🙂
It’s apple picking season in New England. Definitely an autumn activity. I didn’t go this year, but I did find some amazing little heirloom apples at the Farmer’s Market last weekend. I love little apples. Not necessarily crab apple sized, but 2-3 inches. Perfect for snacking and baking. You don’t need heirloom apples for this recipe (plain old granny smith will do), so don’t think that you have to find a farmer’s market near you to make them — though in general, I think that you should always go to farmer’s markets if you can. These blondies are a little fragile, so be careful when cutting.