Thursday, November 24, 2011

Give Thanks


Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Cheers!
Jenn

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

My Would-Be Thanksgiving Table

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am feeling very thankful for many things, especially my family and friends.  I am also quite thankful that I only have two more days of classes until Fall break and I get to go home to California for a week.  My little nephew is 7 months old now, and I can't wait to see him and how big he's gotten since I last saw him a few months ago.

Since I will be enjoying Turkey Day at my Aunt's house, I thought it would be fun to set my table as if I were hosting my own Thanksgiving dinner.


It's a pretty simple table.  I laid the foundation with some plain green place mats and my burlap table runner.

I inherited the most beautiful china from my Grandparents, but it's at my parents' house in California. So, I went with these plain white dishes, as my everyday dishes are white with a blue band.  I like the white, because it looks pretty with some of my milk glass pieces.


I mixed and matched my Goodwill silverplate flatware.



I got these napkins from Pottery Barn a few years ago.  I love that they are all different patterns.



I love the napkin rings, because they coordinate with my wire cake stand that I used as a centerpiece.


I used my favorite wine glasses, which I use for special occasions because I they are hand wash only! For water, I put out my French bee glasses.

I set out both of my milk glass hens.  I know they aren't turkeys, but I love them so much!



I also included this cute little turkey that I picked up at Target for $3.99!


He doesn't seem to mind the hens on the table!

I put some golden pine cone candles in milk glass candy dishes for a little sparkle.



I'm so pleased with how my table turned out.  It's simple and elegant.





And my oh my, I am already starting to get hungry for Thanksgiving dinner!

Cheers!
Jenn

Dare to DIY


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Pumpkin Bread


What could be better on a chilly morning than a nice slice of pumpkin bread and a hot cup of coffee?  I love to make pumpkin bread this time of year.  Aside from its deliciousness, it gives me an excuse to use my pumpkin loaf mold.


I bought this years ago from the Crate & Barrel Outlet.  I love the pumpkin design, the fluted sides and the rich, warm color.

I've been using this pumpkin bread recipe for years, and it is truly delectable.

1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup of water
3 cups of sugar
3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 tsp of baking soda
1 1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease & flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.  Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended.  Pour into the prepared pans.

Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven.  Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.


This pumpkin bread is moist and delicious and makes the entire house smell amazing.


This recipe makes a lot, but that's okay, because it's a real crowd pleaser!



You won't be sorry if you make this delightful fall treat!

Cheers!
Jenn