Autumn Around the House

Today, My Lady Caroline, who is one of my Twitter friends tweeted that she wished I was as chatty as I used to be on my blog.  Oops, I admit that I haven't been blogging a lot lately--no excuses.  I do spend a lot of time on Instagram now...it's so quick and easy.  Just post the photos and go!  So for those who don't follow me on Instagram, here's a peek at what's been going on at The Roost this fall.

We bought a small house to be near my Mama so that I can scoot back and forth whenever I'm needed to help with her caregiving.  I actually love this little house.  As I am aging, I find that it's important to me to be able to take care of what I have.  The smaller the size, the easier it is!

I'm still using the same Halloween wreath from last year.

I don't decorate with a ton of Halloween stuff like I used to...I just added a lot of orange this year.

Sprayed all my pumpkins gold.

Mary Elizabeth also received the gold spray paint treatment and is decked out with an orange bow--and pearls, of course!

I have cut back on the roosters everywhere, but I still keep a few on the front porch to greet our guests at the front door.  Don't know how long the mums will last.  The pumpkin...well it's kind of a posh pumpkin.  I bought it at James Farmer, Inc. in Perry...

Cocktail hour...more orange.

Tea Time...I love Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Rooibus tea with Pumpkin Spice English Muffins and apple butter.

More orange on the tabletop...

I carried breakfast to a meeting and used the darling Target "Cheeky" plates and to-go cups...

The Halloween tree is up on the porch, decorated witchy-style!

These are my treats this year for the special little trick-or-treaters...

I served Pimiento Cheese Balls at Happy Hour on Gameday last Saturday.  Yes, that's the day the Florida State Seminoles got beat by Georgia Tech.  Of course, I'll never serve these things again!  Bad luck.  I'm VERY superstitious!  But, moving on to the Syracuse game this week.  Go Noles!

Just in case you want to prepare them...I added cream cheese, some chopped cooked bacon, chopped jalapenos, and chopped pecans to Palmetto Cheese and then topped them off with pretzel sticks.

Hope everyone is enjoying Autumn.  Today it was 57 degrees, dark, and misting rain.  I was hoping for crisp, sunny days and cool nights.  I think it's time to get out the boots!  

Pumpkin Treat Pour Deux

Yes, my pumpkin obsession continues!  Tonight I made pumpkin milkshakes.  Goodness gracious these were so good!

My assistant in the kitchen, Jean Paul, is such a good sport and he's in full "Trick or Treat" mode!  Today I started putting together my treats and I hope to finish up tomorrow night.

Are y'all ready for Halloween night?  We'll be distributing the treats to the youngins from the front porch.  Of course, I always have "adult treats" as well...Merlot and Chardonnay.

This is truly my favorite time of the year.  In addition to the delicious flavors of the season, we are now enjoying a cold front for a few days so tonight was the first night I was able to wear a turtleneck.  I'm also wearing one of my favorite Halloween aprons from my "Prissy Apron Collection."

Recipe for Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes:

1 cup canned pumpkin pie mix
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 cups vanilla ice cream
Sprinkles
Karo Syrup

Combine pumpkin pie mix, milk, and vanilla in blender.  Blend until smooth.  Add ice cream; blend until smooth.  Dip the rim of glass into a bowl of Karo syrup.  Then dip the rim of glass into a bowl of sprinkles.

Dessert and Coffee ~ Pumpkin Style!

After visiting The Fresh Market grocers several times, my pumpkin obsession is in full force.  Last night it was a pumpkin fest for dessert.  The Fresh Market pumpkin nut bread is fabulous and freezes well.  I got several at the Buy One - Get One sale and put them in the freezer!

The best pumpkin nut bread...so moist and full of pumpkin flavor!

This loaf won't last long!

Now my husband said "absolutely NOT" to this pumpkin flavored ice cream.  He said the picture on the front looks gross.  Well then, there's more for moi, right?  I loved it!

To round out dessert time, I served The Fresh Market's Pumpkin Spice coffee.  This stuff is fabulous and sometimes I just open the bag and sniff the grounds!!!

I added whipped cream {non fat, of course} and a bit of pumpkin spice sprinkles and it was wonderful!

Oh my...good thing I lost 10 pounds over the summer!

What is the proper way to eat pumpkin nut bread and ice cream???
If you were just served the pumpkin nut bread, you would use a fork.  Of course, if you were served only the ice cream, you would use a spoon.  When there is a dessert fork and spoon placed on the table, you know you are in for a real treat!!  So the pumpkin nut bread and ice cream would be eaten with a fork and a spoon.  The fork is held in the left hand {prongs down} and the spoon in the right.  The fork only serves as a pusher.  Then you eat with the spoon.  When using a dessert spoon, remember to take small portions and only eat from the front of the spoon.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope y'all have a fabulous fall weekend.  The clock is ticking for Miss Lori...the winner of a sterling silver monogrammed ring from Carolina Clover.  Lori has until Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. to contact me...tick, tick, tick!

The Fresh Market Grocers--Pumpkin Obsessed!

I'm lucky that I live right smack in the middle of two Fresh Market Grocers!  This weekend I'll be hitting up the Pumpkin Festival Sampling Event.  The Fresh Market will be hosting this event at all their stores...special offers on pumpkin foods and samples!

I LOVE The Fresh Market for gourmet food products!

They get you in the pumpkin mood right at the front door!

It's a tradition for me to sip the "Coffee Samples" upon my arrival at the store.

Although I make my own Pumpkin Butter, I'm hoping to try The Fresh Market brand.  For those of you who don't make your own, this would make a great gift...placed on a plate together with some of The Fresh Market's Pumpkin Muffins or Pumpkin Nut Bread and wrapped with cello and an autumn-motif spreader.  Gift giving...Southern Style.

I think the Pumpkin Cider would make a nice hostess gift wrapped in a bottle bag and tied up with leaf garland.  Remember, presentation is everything!

I must buy this tea!  It sounds fabulous and I love that it's caffeine-free! Tea is healthy.  Pumpkin is healthy.  Win Win!

Of course, this Pumpkin Spice Coffee is my absolute fave!!!  I love this coffee and always get the caffeine-free.  Stock up now y'all...when it's gone, it's gone.

Pumpkin pie is a staple at my house during autumn.  Husband insist I keep one on hand at all times.

I'm so looking forward to getting more pumpkin goodies.  I was just there yesterday and bought the Pumpkin Ravioli and the Pumpkin Risotto.

Here's what I'm hoping to get tomorrow:

~Pumpkin scone mix...perfect for autumn tea time.
~Pumpkin salsa...must keep my entertaining pantry stocked with this.
~Pumpkin pretzels...A nice treat to serve in a silver dish.
~Pumpkin caramel sauce...How delish would this be over pancakes or cupcakes?!

I hope y'all have a fabulous, pumpkin obsessed weekend.

Pumpkin Pudding in Prissy Parfait Cups

Last night I prepared a simple Pumpkin Pudding and served it in some real prissy parfait cups.

Silver parfait cups with etched glass...


This pudding is a real sweet treat for Autumn and very simple to prepare.
The pecan topping adds just a bit more sweetness!
Recipe for Pumpkin Pudding Parfait:
1 cup milk {I used non-fat}
1 15-oz can pumpkin
2 small packages vanilla instant pudding
1 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 cups cool whip

~Topping~
Cinnamon sticks
1 tblsp melted butter
1/2 cup chop pecans
1/3 cup sugar

Pour the milk into a bowl and add the canned pumpkin, instant pudding, and pumpkin spice. Beat the mixture with a whisk until it is blended and thick. Fold in the whip cream. Spoon the mixture into parfait cups. Refrigerate.

Mix the melted butter, chopped pecans, and sugar together and sprinkle on top. Add a cinnamon stick as garnish to each cup.

I found this cute Autumn apron at Hobby Lobby. *Note to self: Stop buying the ruffle skirt aprons...they add 3 inches to each of my hips!

A little Autumn decorations to the kitchen hutch...

And the sideboard...
Thank you for stopping by today to visit with me!

Creamy Delta Bisque for Autumn Days

I'm still celebrating the arrival of Autumn by having some wonderful Creamy Delta Bisque Soup served in a sourdough bread bowl!

I must tell y'all that the other day I was craving Pumpkin Bisque and could not find my tried-and-true recipe. I pulled a recipe from the net and prepared it per the instructions. I knew when it was on the stove simmering that it wasn't "right," but I of course hoped that husband would not notice. I served it in a sourdough bread bowl {just the way he likes it} and Lord have mercy...he took one sip and said "This is horrible" and got up and threw it in the trashcan. Well, I have never! I took a sip of mine, and sure 'nough, it was disgusting...like light brown, creamy water. The worst soup I have ever tasted!

So this time I took no chances! I set husband's tray real pretty...

Then, I pulled out my Creamy Delta Bisque Soup mix from my Taste of Gourmet product line, added 5 cups of milk and 1 stick of butter to the powdered mix and 30 minutes later...a wonderful bisque. Even husband approved it!!!

Etiquette tip: Cream soup is eaten with a medium round spoon. Hold the spoon just like a pencil between your index and middle fingers with the thumb up. Spoon the soup away from you toward the center of the bowl. Don't fill the spoon completely full. Place the soup spoon on the plate in the 10:20 "I am finished" position in between sips and when you have finished. Never leave a soup spoon in a soup bowl.

Do not blow on your soup to cool it down and do not slurp your soup.


This rich, creamy soup is a favorite at The Crown Restaurant in Indianola, Mississippi. I prepared it just with milk and butter, but you can add shrimp, crab meat, ham, chicken, or asparagus.

It's a staple in my "Entertaining Pantry!" You can order a box of the Creamy Delta Bisque {two mixes per box} for $9.95 at my Taste of Gourmet site HERE.


Thank you for visiting with me today and enjoy the Fall y'all!

THE THANKSGIVING TREE

What a beautiful fall weekend we have had here in South Florida! I've been busy taking down Halloween decos and putting out a few Thanksgiving decos. I'm also bringing out the Christmas decos at the same time. Lord have mercy! I thought y'all might like to see some photos of the porch decorated for Thanksgiving...

I peeked out the window this morning and a daddy was telling his little girl what the sign said..."Happy Turkey Day!"
My UPS boy (better known as this shopping girl's best friend) told me that he took a photo of my sign and sent it to his mama in Georgia...so that she would know there were some real Southern people here in South Florida!

Last week the tree was decorated for Halloween. Poof! Now it's a Turkey Tree!!!

I definitely give thanks everyday for my faith, family, and friends!

Pumpkin fever on the tree...

Turkey ornaments, autumn garland, and autumn-toned ornaments...

Pumpkins hiding in the branches...

The crown...a BIG turkey! Gobble Gobble Gobble y'all...

The tree is gorgeous at night. I overheard one of my neighbors walking by the porch last night...she said to her friend "Oh, now she's got turkeys on it!"

A little treat after dinner with my friend Harvey who drove up from Broward County...Apple Cider Spritzers* and Paula Deen's Apple Butterscotch Mini Bundt Cakes.

Recipe for Miss Janice's Apple Cider Spritzers:

Pour equal amounts of apple cider and seltzer water on ice and enjoy!

You can buy Paula's Apple Butterscotch Mini Bundt Cakes and her other delicious baked goodies from the Bakery Deparment at WALMART! Yes ma'am, y'all know I'm one of the new people of Walmart:)

I'm off to have lunch with friends. Have a wonderful Sunday and thank you so much for visiting with me today! Just in case you missed my post on Friday, I'll leave you with a photo of the wreath I hung on the front door...it coordinates well with the tree!