Holiday Baking

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp smell in the air, the sounds of leaves crunching under frolicking feet, and the beautiful colors of leaves, pumpkins, and other fall decor. My favorite thing to do when the weather turns cool enough to open up the house (remember, I'm in Texas and we run our central air through September!), warm up the oven, and begin my Holiday baking. Though I love eating what I bake, I really enjoy baking for others. it's sort of and act of love and kindess for me. I mean, who doesn't love to eat? My husband is my personal taste tester - I certainly can't give out anything that may taste bad! About 15 years ago I decided to see what a pumpkin pie made with fresh, mashed pumpkin would taste like. Unfortunately I did not know pureed pumpkin has a finer textured than just mashed pumpkin, and my pie was a little stringing - way too much texture! Enter my taste tester who onjectively gave me some pointers, raving the whole time over my efforts. Over the years I certainly have learned my lessons!
Adding to my love of baking I've learned to appreciate Fall and holiday dishes, taking a fancy to fun shaped pie plates and serving dishes. I can use the same drapes, bedding, towels, wall and door hangings year round, but I love changing out my dishes with the seasons! Last year my husband and I ran across a pumpkin shaped pie plate perfect for my yearly pumpkin pies - I do mean the plural as I make several for my family to enjoy. Above is a photo of Lelia and I after baking the first pumpkin pie of this season and I felt brilliant for adding the triangle facial features.

I try using recipes that my kids can help out with. later I will upload a photo and recipe of my latest cookie endeaver. Nothing fancy, but my kids will be able to make it without my assistance, and I will be able to enjoy eating it!