Pumpkin Caramel Affogato

This is one of those simple drinks that makes me feel like a genius. And trust me, make this for yourself and you will understand what I am tooting my horn loudly over here about. Or really, you will probably only feel that way after you add the bourbon...but still. Besides, this is perfect without the bourbon and as a simple dessert/after dinner drink

One of my husband's favorite drinks to order is an affogato. This normally consists of vanilla gelato or ice cream topped with espresso(sometimes coffee) The espresso melts the gelato and it melds into this yummy thick concoction. I do not drink coffee, but this got me the first time I tried some of his. 

And so it got me to thinking- how could I play around with this recipe that was just fine without any tampering...and I came up with a version that is perfect in this fall weather. Even if it has still been in the 90's this past week in North Carolina. October means pumpkins. No.Matter,What.

Ingredients

Caramel gelato

pumpkin coffee

1 tbsp bourbon(optional)

Place the gelato in a glass and pour the hot, brewed coffee over the gelato. It will start to melt down into a glass of pure yummy, this is where you can make it better and add a little bourbon. You will not be sorry. This I promise you.

And thanks to my bestie for taking some photographs of my pictures this weekend and for giving me lots of tips. If you want an amazing instagram to follow, check out Shining Brightly Photography

Linking up with Riverton Housewives Roundup,Busy Monday show me your plaid, sweet sharing monday, your whims wednesday  Inspiration network,  family home life sugar bee life, tell us tuesday.wonderful food wednesday, Happy Hour Friday

Mini Avocado Caprese Frittatas

I am always on the hunt for ideas for low carb meals for Wiki. As he is one of those people. I, on the other hand  am a carbatarian. Carbs visit me in my dreams. I have tried it out a few times and mainly I am only successful when I go the route of limiting my carbs to the morning. or afternoon. or evening. I When I sleep.

Anyways, frittatas are big in our house as they were a staple in Wiki's growing up. They are basically the easiest recipe to throw together and the combinations are endless. Basically, you get to make an omelette and not fail at the whole flipping process. Oh, that's just me. hmmm.

Anyways, I made a twist on the classic caprese, added avocado and voila, happiness in our house. I promise you cannot go wrong with these. Unless of course...you do go wrong in which case I have made no such promise.

Ingredients
8 eggs
1/4 cup milk/cream
1 small pkge cherry tomatoes(halved)
package small mozzarella bites
1/2 cup pesto(or you can use fresh basil)
1 large avocado(chopped)
shredded parmesan(optional)

In a muffin pan(spray with non stick spray liberally) place a few tomatoes, mozzarella pieces & avocados. Add about a tbsp of pesto to each cup. Whip the eggs and milk together and pour into each opening.

Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until slightly firm. 

You can bake ahead of time and have ready for breakfast for the week or these are perfect for a brunch gathering.



Linking up with Jessica, Ashley, your whims wednesday, all she cooks

OTT: Raleigh- Fig Wine Bar & Cafe

Of all the wine bars I have visited, this is my favorite. The fact that it is so close to my house is an added benefit. It's located in an old home converted to wine bar and coffee shop. The ambiance is my favorite. And the wrap around porch invites you in and hooks you.

The food and the wine is what keeps you coming back. 

They have these double layer red velvet cupcakes. Oh my word. So good. So very good.

They have the most amazing brunch on Sunday. and on Tuesday their wine machines are half off. All day. This is dangerous. The best kind of dangerous.

Dole Rita

I suppose I could go for a stretch and reference this drink as a cocktail...and obviously I am going to. I was visiting my mom for the weekend, and I got the classy ladies drink of choice: Lime A Rita And once I got back to my mom's I noticed that she had some juice in the fridge and thought I would try and see what it tasted like.

What it tasted like was delicious. Yes, something can taste like and be delicious simultaneously. 

Now, for the easiest drink you could ever throw together. And you will be so chic while sipping it. And by chic I mean not at all, but who gets caught up in pesky details.

I suppose this is where I give you directions as to how to make this...

Pour a small amount of the juice in the bottom of the glass and top with the Lime A Rita. It is basically a redneck mimosa. Now that I think about it, let's pretend that is the name of this lovely beverage. 

Enjoy.

Time For Whoopie

If you follow my other blog at all, you know my love of whoopie pies. I have made over 30 versions and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. I first made this version for a Halloween party last year and they are one of my favorites...by far. Think of an oatmeal cream pie taken to another level. 

I think that oatmeal and butterscotch just play off of each other so well. the flavor combination is a perfect marriage. Scotchies are a cookie that I have always loved, they remind me of my father. He loves oatmeal and butterscotch. 

These are really simple to make and will satisfy a crowd and are the perfect fall treat.

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix

1/3 cup veggie oil

2 eggs

1/4 cup water

1 cup Quaker Oatmeal (not instant)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 packet butterscotch pudding

1 cup whipping cream

4-6 oz cream cheese softened

(see notes below if you want cool whip version instead)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine cake mix, oil, eggs, water, oatmeal and brown sugar in bowl.   

Drop by 2 tablespoons onto lined cookie sheet (leave about an inch between each cookie)

Bake 8-9 minutes

Cool on pan 5 minutes, move to wire rack and cool 15 more minutes

Beat softened cream cheese on low for a min or until fluffy, add dry pudding packet & two tbsp of whipping cream, beat on low till pudding is fully incorporated into cream cheese and add remaining whipping cream, turn speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form. Let set in fridge for at least an hour before frosting. 

Take one cookie and place a tablespoon or so of frosting in the center.  Press another cookie on top (this will spread the icing out to the edge).

Notes*** the second time I made these, I couldn't find real oats so I used 2 packets of the quakers instant maple & brown sugar, I omitted the extra brown sugar. Both versions were pretty good, but the real oats give it more...depth(can a cookie have depth? haha)

and if you want the quick frosting version, just make the pudding w/1 cup cold milk and after about 20 min in the fridge, mix it with cool whip. Both are good. if I say so myself. and I do;)

Linking up with Ashley And Jessica and love bakes good cakes, and The Recipe Swap

Fall Goodness For Your Tummy

I am full throttle on my pumpkin loving. When I see anything fall related, I just get happy. It is my favorite time of the year. And I just love it. The slight chill in the air. Boots. Football. Tailgates. Bonfires. Hot Cocoa. Family gatherings.

I should stop now or I will go on forever. 

Five of my favorite fallish recipes that I made last year for my other blog.

1) Spicy Apple Pork Roast

see recipe here

2) Pumpkin No Bake Cheesecakes

See Recipe Here

3) Apple Cider Mimosa

See Recipe Here

4)Oatmeal Butterscotch Goodness Bars

See Recipe Here

5)Maple Spice Whoopie Pies

See Recipe Here

and this last one may have a bonus second recipe, a mudslide. 

Linking up with Five on Friday, Friday Favorites

The Winnie

This drink may lend itself a little more towards the summertime, but if you're in an area like we are, it will still be in the high 70's some days...well into October. and so, you can enjoy this at least another few weeks. Or you can be like me and enjoy it whenever you want;)

When we were up in New Hampshire a few weeks ago, we paid a visit to A Castle in the Clouds, and while there we stopped halfway to the top, at the Carriage House, and took in the gorgeous views and had a drink.

They had a rather extensive drink list and many I had tried before, ergo...I tried something a little different. They had this and I thought it sounded `refreshing. and it was.

They named this after the famed Lake  Winnipesaukee, or Winni as some of the locals refer to it. There are amazing views of the mountains and the lake from here.

When I got home, I decided to try and recreate it, but making one slight adaption...I added pineapple juice.

Enjoy.

2 oz  blue curaco

2 oz citrus vodka

1 oz oj

1 oz pineapple juice

spritz of sprite(optional)

Place all ingredients in shaker and shake vigorously for about ten seconds. Serve straight up or over ice. If you are a fan of bubbles(like me;) then top with sprite or club soda

This would also be super yummy as a margarita and subbing tequila for vodka! Yum.

Linking up with Thirsty Thursday