Last Post!

Well this will be my last post on Doodles and Dessert!

I've started a new blog linked to my portfolio site which you can check out here.
It's to be more graphic design and fine art related, so unfortunately you'll have to find dessert ideas elsewhere! 

I can't believe my first blog post was in July 2010!  It's been fun and a big challenge blogging on a regular basis - but a nice incentive to keep creative and of course to keep baking!

Take care all and hope to see you over on the new site!

P
:)

Weekend Wrap-Up: 40 Years

 Last weekend D & J hosted a lovely anniversary celebration for Phil's parents.  This year marks their 40th wedding anniversary and many of their friends and family joined together to celebrate this great couple and their love, commitment and friendship for one another.  J's momma did a lot of work with the food and decor - everything looked really beautiful and well thought out.  I took a few photos throughout the afternoon and thought I'd share a few:

Clever Alternative to the Usual Veggie Platter

Mason Jars, Candles & Pumpkins

Dining Room Table

Delicious Punch!

Sandwich Table

Sandwich Table Close-up

Dad & Phil

Playing the Newlywed Game

Some of the Answers Were Hilarious . . .

Couple's 'First' Dance

Dancin'

Joining In

All the Children Joined In

And Got Silly . . .

Mom & R

CAKE!

So Cute!

 Congratulations You Two & Happy Anniversary!  XO

Happy Hallowe'en! So I'm a little late. . .

Just before Hallow'en my family and I met at a farm none of us had visited before to pick up some last minute pumpkins and random goodies.  It was the farm's last day before closing for the season so there wasn't a whole lot to see or do at the time but that didn't stop us from running around the Barley Maze like children and enjoying a slice of (cold) pie at their cafe. 

Hallowe'en night this year was actually pretty terrible weather wise.  It poured and poured most of the night - we only had 3 trick-or-treaters this year! Disappointing!  Mostly because I was the one to gobble up the box of candy we purchased . . . I picked-up a couple monster hats from Value Village - not realizing that there were kid and adult-sized hats.  Must remember to read labels!  So needless to say mine was a wee bit tight . . .

Each year I carve a pumpkin (Phil opted out this time) and this year I thought I'd be super fancy thanks to Pinterest.  I couldn't find the linoleum cutters that were recommended and settled on a good quality x-acto type knife.  Things were going fairly well at first. I picked out a design I liked, had it all drawn on and started gouging the pumpkin.  About two hours into carving my pumpkin I lit a candle, turned off all the lights and was thoroughly disappointed.  I hadn't carved enough of the pumpkin flesh away to get a proper glow!  So back the counter I went and continued scraping pumpkin away bit by bit.  While I was scraping away, the power decided to go out.  Argh.  That didn't stop me!  I kept going with a candle in the pumpkin and a small but bright flashlight between my knees and I tried to finished my pumpkin project before midnight.

Unfortunately when I had finished, the pumpkin looked more like Jamie from MythBusters than an actual Owl.  However, after approximately four hours of carving, it be what it be.  So that is what we had glowing from our dining room window that night - A man with a large mustache and glasses:  

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy (very belated) Hallowe'en!
And Happy (very belated) Anniversary to G & G J!

Weekend Wrap-up & Dessert of the Day: Apple Turnovers

 This weekend wasn't overly eventful but enjoyable nonetheless.  The usual errands were run, farmers markets were visited, movies were watched and some work was accomplished.

Since I decided to sleep the entire morning away and it was pouring rain outside - a kitchen day it was!  I made pumpkin soup, a ton of vegetable stock, pancakes, apple turnovers, beet chips and a huge mess. 

I had pre-made pie dough in the freezer I wanted to use up as well as many many apples from apple picking last weekend, I made apple turnovers roughly using this recipe.  Most of them turned out a little wonky but these two looked okay enough to share.  With a couple I threw in some chocolate chips as well and boy was that a terrific idea!  The perfect treat for a rainy day.  

Dessert of the Day: Peanut Butter Fudge

If you're looking for a fast, delicious and impressive dessert - choose this one!
If you time it right you could make this during your regular dinner prep and have them ready to eat by the time you're done eating your (hopefully healthful and nutritious) dinner.

 I ate a few, then quickly threw the rest in the freezer - mostly to save myself from the deliciousness that is the homemade peanut butter cup. 
I haven't tried them from the freezer yet so hopefully I didn't destroy their goodness by doing so. 

Recipe here.

Weekend Wrap-up: Farmtastic Weekend

Silly Apple - He looks familiar . . .

This weekend was farmtastic!  The weather was amazing and I spent my time exploring the local farmers market with mom - scored some lovely organic beets and colourful swiss chard.  I also was lucky enough to spend time with both parents on Sunday, at my favourite farm (also here and here) doing some apple and pear picking.  In my opinion there's no better way to enjoy the last day of September than picking delicious apples and enjoying apple cider slushies. 

Asian Pear Photo Shoot

Random Pear Photoshoot

I believe these were the Honeycrisp - the others we picked were McIntosh, Spartan and Gala

Jonagold - not ready for pickin'

Weird Floaty Looking Apple . . .

Apple Picking is an Intense Adventure

Hiding Amongst His Favourite Apples!

What a Hull!

Arms Full

Pretty Pumpkin - I only purchased one pumpkin for soup, I intend on returning to the farm closer to Hallowe'en for my Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin so I had to leave this fella in the patch . . . sad

(Not) Juggling!

Winner!

White Pumpkin

Okie Dokie

My Loot from the Farm.  Ready to Become Apple Sauce (minus the pumpkin, cider and pears of course)!

Happy Autumn!

Tonight I realized I had yet to put up my 'autumn' garland.  I found a few more decorations in my bin so I decided to add some fall decorations around the house - mostly in the dining area.  I love fall decor but love my Hallowe'en decorations even more so I can't wait to pull them out next . . .