Some things just have to be done in the fall. I think my some of my most favorite traditions happen right now.
1. Cider mill & pumpkin patch
They are aplenty around here, and it's only a matter of trying to choose which one to go to! We always go once to pick pumpkins, and then several other times just to enjoy. We have our favorites, and my MOST favorite in particular is a little over an hour away. It's close to where we lived for grad school, and holds a ton of memories for us. Ryan has been going there since he was 2 years old! So, when we had the opportunity to go there this year, we jumped on it. It was a WONDERFUL day. The weather was nice, the sun was out, and it just felt like fall. We ate a yummy lunch, rode the train and the wagon, walked through a corn maze, watched apples being made into cider, had donuts and apple cider, and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was perfect!!
2. Something warm...
My new favorite? It's called Autumn Punch, and is very similar to Wassail. Add the ingredients to your crock pot, and not only will you have something yummy to warm you up, but your house will smell divine! I found this recipe at allrecipes.com.
AUTUMN PUNCH
12 c. apple juice
4 1/2 c. pineapple juice
1/2 c. brown sugar
6 T. lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 oranges
24 whole cloves
Combine first 6 ingredients in crock pot. Cut oranges into thick slices, then poke 4 cloves into the rind of each slice. Float oranges on the top, then place cover on crock pot. Warm through on medium-low heat, then simmer for as long as you like!!
3. Pumpkins on the porch
I love having pumpkins on my porch, and of course it's extremely traditional across the country. This year I tried something new, and I love how they turned out! They were super easy to do, and gave them a whole new look. For details, check here.
4. Fall leaves & country roads
The roads here are breathtaking. I want to just hold on to the view forever, and wish that the season would last just a little longer. (Not to mention winter is coming, which is a whole other story...) This is the street I live on--
5. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
What a yummy fall treat this is, and a fall must for our family. A few years ago we decided to try a sweet version of our favorite pumpkin seed recipe, and this is what we came up with. They are sweet, crunchy, and delicious, and DEFINITELY worth the effort!
TOASTED CINNAMON & SUGAR PUMPKIN SEEDS
2 c. pumpkin seeds
2-3 T. butter, melted
cinnamon & sugar
Wash seeds well. Boil seeds in a small amount of water in a medium saucepan for 10 minutes. Spread out evenly on aluminum foil and dry well. Toss the dry seeds in the butter, then coat with cinnamon & sugar. Spread out on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 225 degrees for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until toasted brown.
TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
2 c. pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. butter, melted
1 1/4 tsp. seasoning salt (or table salt, if preferred)
Follow same directions as above.
Happy Fall everyone!!!
1. Cider mill & pumpkin patch
They are aplenty around here, and it's only a matter of trying to choose which one to go to! We always go once to pick pumpkins, and then several other times just to enjoy. We have our favorites, and my MOST favorite in particular is a little over an hour away. It's close to where we lived for grad school, and holds a ton of memories for us. Ryan has been going there since he was 2 years old! So, when we had the opportunity to go there this year, we jumped on it. It was a WONDERFUL day. The weather was nice, the sun was out, and it just felt like fall. We ate a yummy lunch, rode the train and the wagon, walked through a corn maze, watched apples being made into cider, had donuts and apple cider, and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was perfect!!
2. Something warm...
My new favorite? It's called Autumn Punch, and is very similar to Wassail. Add the ingredients to your crock pot, and not only will you have something yummy to warm you up, but your house will smell divine! I found this recipe at allrecipes.com.
AUTUMN PUNCH
12 c. apple juice
4 1/2 c. pineapple juice
1/2 c. brown sugar
6 T. lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 oranges
24 whole cloves
Combine first 6 ingredients in crock pot. Cut oranges into thick slices, then poke 4 cloves into the rind of each slice. Float oranges on the top, then place cover on crock pot. Warm through on medium-low heat, then simmer for as long as you like!!
3. Pumpkins on the porch
I love having pumpkins on my porch, and of course it's extremely traditional across the country. This year I tried something new, and I love how they turned out! They were super easy to do, and gave them a whole new look. For details, check here.
4. Fall leaves & country roads
The roads here are breathtaking. I want to just hold on to the view forever, and wish that the season would last just a little longer. (Not to mention winter is coming, which is a whole other story...) This is the street I live on--
5. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
What a yummy fall treat this is, and a fall must for our family. A few years ago we decided to try a sweet version of our favorite pumpkin seed recipe, and this is what we came up with. They are sweet, crunchy, and delicious, and DEFINITELY worth the effort!
TOASTED CINNAMON & SUGAR PUMPKIN SEEDS
2 c. pumpkin seeds
2-3 T. butter, melted
cinnamon & sugar
Wash seeds well. Boil seeds in a small amount of water in a medium saucepan for 10 minutes. Spread out evenly on aluminum foil and dry well. Toss the dry seeds in the butter, then coat with cinnamon & sugar. Spread out on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 225 degrees for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until toasted brown.
TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
2 c. pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. butter, melted
1 1/4 tsp. seasoning salt (or table salt, if preferred)
Follow same directions as above.
Happy Fall everyone!!!
13 comments:
Love your pages! You have some great stuff! Your children are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
You're making me miss Michigan! Especially because fall was so short here this year. I'll have to try the punch recipe.
I just love you. Who else would just pack up the little bundles in the Bjorns & head out for a whole day doing Fall stuff like you? I think about you so much, and you inspire me to do more than I think I can.
You're making me miss Michigan too!!!!!!! I'm surprised how much I miss it sometimes. Uncle John's will be one of my favorite memories of all time. I also miss lving within walking distance of you! The street you live on is picture perfect! Thanks for sharing the pics and recipes and ideas!
I still love Uncle Johns!
Fall is a beautiful time of year. I remember the pic of Kate with the donut! Too cute.
I could just copy and paste your post on my blog...you read my mind! The punch sounds delicious. The leaves are falling too quick, I am trying to enjoy them as much as I can while they are still on the trees and not on my lawn! :)
Everything at Autumn time is wonderful. I love the pics of your kids. Also that copy and paste post is hilarious. I love your pumpkins and I will be trying the Autumn drink tonight. Thanks for the ideas. Keep them coming. I only wish i could live by you and do them with you.
I can't believe you have five now! Craziness! I still miss you! You are still one of my favorite things about Michigan!
Having flash backs of a girl that could not follow the recipe for wassail. Why do we all have to grow up? Love you!
I love your list! Your pumpkin on your porch is so adorable! And thank you so much for posting that recipe for the pumpkin seeds. I keep wanting to try that, but haven't ever asked for a good recipe or taken the time to look. We will try that this year!:)
Uncle John's... something I miss from St. John's. And that fun store in a house if you keep heading north on the freeway. Love those types of things.
The alt. school where I used to teach there... now that's an entirely different story. :)
Love all the pictures. I love this time of year, too. The leaves look beautiful.
That autumn punch sounds so good.
I have never toasted pumpkin seeds, but I may have to give those a try.
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