Suddenly Autumn

"The breezes taste Of apple peel. The air is full Of smells to feel- Ripe fruit, old footballs, Burning brush, New books, erasers, Chalk, and such. The bee, his hive, Well-honeyed hum, And Mother cuts Chrysanthemums. "

~ John Updike

 

It did seem to sneak up on me this year.  When did those leaves start changing?  Just last week they were green.

It's Wednesday and cooking time again.  Not that I don't cook in the summer, I just don't post much in the summer.  Lazybones!!  For those of you that are new here, my other passion is to try new recipes ...and unfortunately eat new recipes.  

This recipe I brought to my sister-in-law's birthday party (we'll never be 30 Anne!).  Everyone loved it and I don't mean just the girls.  It's not a "chick" recipe.  My husband, who doesn't like eggplant, and the kids....the ones who eat veggies, ate it.  They didn't even know eggplant was involved.  That's great.

Roasted Eggplant Dip

1 Medium Eggplant, peeled
2 Red Peppers seeded

1 Red Onion peeled

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, about 3 tbsp

Kosher salt, to taste, I used 1 tsp and added a little more after processing

Pepper, about 1/2 tsp

1 tbsp Tomato Paste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut the eggplant, bell pepper, and onion into 1-inch cubes. Toss them in a large bowl with the garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned and soft, tossing once during cooking.


Cool slightly.


Place the vegetables in a food processor, add the tomato paste, and pulse 3 or 4 times to blend. Taste for salt and pepper.

I served mine with pita chips....see how fancy it looks with one stuck right in the middle, I'm brilliant I tell you!  Cubed bread or tortilla chips would be good also.

Sweet Autumn....

Sweet Autumn Clematis is blooming it's heart out right now.

It smells heavenly.

 

My mom and I dug this old bird house out of the ground, which was behind my studio before I had a studio. 

Everything was there...the post plus 2 feet of cement.  It even had old chicken wire still attached for what might have been climbing on it back then.

I completely forgot about it.

We placed it where the tree fell in our yard a few years ago.

~Before~

~After~

Instant age and gratification. 

The vine was just a piddly little thing that seeded itself there.  You can see how small it was blooming on top of that old tree stump above.

Once that bird house went up, that vine took off.  It's very happy now.
  

and so are the bumble bees!!

Wishing you a lovely day.

Thursday Updates

It's drizzly and cool today....feeling like autumn overnight.  A pumpkin candle is burning, I'm baking some muffins and sewing orders.  I do enjoy these changing season days and the snuggly feeling it gives.

she is sold ~ thank you!

Today I wanted to share with you my offerings for the Primitive Gatherings.  A delight to make  ...especially the tiny mouse!  For more information click here.

Thanks so very much and have a lovely day.

Pretty Bunting

It seems that bunting is like totally in these days.  (oh the 80's, they are always with me)

I love to see it used in so many different ways.

vintage quilt scraps are just calling me to make one!

A DIY chalkboard bunting tutorial by The Scrap Shoppe

Halfpenny Home made theirs from old shirts...I love that button! 

A pretty idea for a country wedding using vintage handkerchiefs.

No not that kind of bunting...

This one's for my knitting girl Jessica.  She's a knitting fool!!

Pretty bunting in the garden by Primitive Angel Country Store

Sweet whimsy ~ "A Sort Of Fairytale's" tutorial for mini-bunting waiting to decorate a birthday cake.

 This was the simplest tutorial I found from The Pleated Poppy

For a more primitive look before assembling soak your triangles and string in strong instant coffee, shake or rub on lots of cinnamon and let dry.  Assemble and hang. 

So easy!

So festive!

Hugs & smiles,