Mmmm... Fall Foodie Traditions!

 

When I began living on my own, I started doing these little traditions I try to uphold each year. They get me in the spirit and their just FUN. I've become pretty traditional over the years.

 

The boy and I pick out a pumpkin each year. We share in carving it. I usually do half and he does the other half. Last year, we bought a pumpkin carving kit from one of the drug stores around town and it came with various patterns and tools to assist in making the carving process a tad easier. Using the tools make our hands tired! We imprint the pattern on by poking holes in the pumpkin and then we use a mini saw to cut out the parts. I must say though... it does turn out alot better then the alternative butcher knife hack job!

 

Here's the boy carving his part.

 

 

 

Caramel Apples are usually a staple treat for fall since apples are usually in prime season for picking.

 

This year, a co-worker brought in these AMAZING homemade caramel apples! They were so crafty in the way they were decorated. They each had their individual wrapper with an appropriate "treat or treat" ribbon to complete each package. Naturally, I got the recipe from her.

I tried to make them with my moms boyfriend one year and the caramel seemed to harden too hard once it had set on the apple. Not to mention the rough clean up- the caramel burned on the sauce pan. This co-worker shared her tricks with me! The key to non-sticky pans and caramel apples that won't break your teeth? "Indirect heat"- Boiling a pan of water and putting a smaller pan with your caramels in it to melt. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of water to soften the caramels. Let the melted caramel set. Once thick, dip your clean, dry apples in and let dry on buttered wax paper. Then top with toppings.

 

I took the lazy way out this year. I melted the caramel and used it for a dip for the variety of apples I cut up. It made for an awesome dessert after the BBQ we had.

 

Here's the "pumpkin guts", pumpkin pattern and apple variety. 

 

I present to you, "The Slash Witch" as Martin calls it.

He told me the witch looked like it was rockin' out with a guitar like Slash, Guns N Roses guitarist, does.

In actuality, it's suppose to be a witch stirring a witches cauldron.

I think I like "The Slash Witch" better...

 

I try not to let any of the pumpkin go to waste. Therefore, I make roasted pumpkin seeds. This years seeds turned out much better then the charred ones I forgot about last year. Whoops! I seasoned the seeds with garlic salt and garlic powder. Then, I roasted them for about 45 minutes... turning and checking on them constantly.

 

Stay tuned...

 

"The Slash Witch" will soon be chopped, boiled, mashed, frozen and eventually turned into a pumpkin treat for Thanksgiving!