Pumpkin Everything

Someone told me recently that every time they see a pumpkin they think of me. And that makes me VERY happy.

Tis' the season, my dears.

I just wanted to share two pumpkin-y recipes that fit perfectly together. If you like chocolate and you like cream cheese, then you have come to the right place.

Drum roll please...

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese
8 oz Organic cream cheese
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp Organic pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup of pumpkin puree

This recipe is totally adaptable. Use whatever you have on hand. Add a little and then taste test. If you feel the need to add more...by all means...GO FOR IT! Mix all ingredients together until equally distributed. I put mine in a glass mason jar and put in fridge. Should last at least two weeks, maybe even longer. Take some to a neighbor or friend. Share the Pumpkin Spice wealth.  As Macy would say, "Sharing is caring!"

And then you MUST put some of that yummy Pumpkin Spice cream cheese on a piece of this!!!

Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
This is the BEST! I have had huge success with this tasty treat. You could also slap a little bit of that homemade PB on a slice of this and you'll be my BFF 4 eva. It's THAT good. And what if you swap out the butter in this recipe for coconut oil? Heaven in yo mouth. I love using sprouted whole wheat in this, as well. I also just sprinkle a few chocolate chips on the top instead of using the 1 cup. And lastly, if you can't find dark cocoa, rest assured regular cocoa is just as yummy. The options here are limitless.

I want to hear what changes you made! I love trying new things!

Oh, you are in need of a pumpkin puree recipe to whip up these dishes, right? This one is top notch. Tested and Rebeka Does It approved.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree
The Pioneer Woman is awesome. And making pumpkin puree is easy peasy.

Happy Friday!

--Bek

Falling for Fall

I think it's no secret to those of you that know me...But incase you are new here, allow me to enlighten you...

I love fall.

Yes. As soon as the melting Texas heat subsides and the cooler mornings roll in my heart just lights up with immense gratitude. Tis' that time of year again...Fall. Fall and I have had a loving relationship for years. The relationship really got serious when I started staying home with my babes a few years ago. I suddenly had the time to appreciate this season for all its many magical blessings. Not only the cooler temps, but what fall means to me is thankfulness.

Summer here in Texas is stinking HOT. Like humid and sweat through your bra everyday, hot. Yeah. You know what I mean. And unless I get to lounge by the pool most days, that kinda heat just doesn't sound like that much fun to me.  So after a few months of all that sweaty fun, when fall finally comes a knockin' I am elated. I immediately start stalking the stores magazines for fall decor ideas and fall recipes. Some of my favs are Rachel Ray's Everyday (She. Is. Awesome.). Or Food Network Magazine. And a really great one is All You (great money saving tips in that one).  Pinterest is another creative outlet that feeds my love for all things Fall. Pin after pin of Fall recipes, decorations, ideas, and motivations.

Click here to browse my Fall For Fall Pinterest board.

Something else magical that Fall brought me was my Levi. Right smack in the middle of Fall is when I  became a mother for the first time. My dear, sweet Levi was born in November. After that long hot summer of a pregnancy, I could not have been more thankful to welcome my baby boy. Fall and I have a track record, you see?

So now I am off to gather ingredients and recipes for a few of my favorite Fall dishes and new ones that I hope become our family Fall staples. I have been dreaming of butternut squashes and pumpkins. What, you don't dream about gourds?!

Here's to you starting your own whirlwind romance with Fall.

--Bek