Homemade Chili Powder

At the end of the summer growing season I had a few peppers left that I didn't use.  I've read that you can dry them and make your own chili powder.  As you can see, it didn't make very much. However, if it turns out well, I will plan to make more next year.

Fall in the Backyard

As the weather turns cooler, the backyard begins to prepare for its winter hibernation.  So I was very happy to walk through the backyard this morning and still see signs of life.

Sugar Snap Peas

Purple Cabbage

Beets, Carrots, and Spinach

Red Raspberries

Sage...lots and lots of sage.   

Let me know if you need any for the holidays!

Pumpkin Pancakes

Every 2 or 3 weeks Mary Ann and I shop at Trader Joe's for a few items we like to have on hand.  Last year we were there around Thanksgiving and heard a woman ask a clerk where the pumpkin pancake mix was.  When she found them, she immediately grabbed 7 boxes and seemed VERY happy.  I remember standing there with another customer who saw what happened.  We both looked at each other, knowing exactly what each of us was thinking. "Those must be GOOD!"  We both grabbed a box, smiled at one another, and went home to make pancakes.  Are they good?  Yes.  Believe my hype.  They are delicious. They remind me more of pumpkin bread rather than pumpkin pie.  My favorite part is that I can feel the little tingle that cloves leave on your tongue.

I also learned last year that these are a seasonal item only.  I've looked for them on every visit since then and haven't had any luck..until last week.  I grabbed...and I mean GRABBED, two boxes.  This morning breakfast was awesome.

Fall Grilling

The weather in central Ohio has been incredible this past week.  This evening I decided to fire up the grill again and fix pizza.

Sugar Snap Peas

Mary Ann and I are very excited to see if we can grow some vegetables during the fall.  Today I finally have enough sugar snap peas for each of us to have 10. I think this will be the most they will give us, and now I know that in the spring I will want to plant a lot more.  They are so good!

Sunday Breakfast

One of my favorite ways to treat myself is taking a small shopping spree to Whole Foods.  I was recently able to score a $20 coupon for only $10 from Living Social.  I know you are probably wondering, "what can I buy for $20 at Whole Foods?" I ended up walking out of the store spending the entire coupon plus .53.  I got around 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 12 fontina and asparagus ravioli, 8 slices of Prosciutto di Parma, 1/2 pound of Manchego cheese, and 1 loaf of focaccia bread.  This morning I thought the bread and cheese would make a great breakfast sandwich along with an egg, spinach, and crimini mushrooms.

Did you know it takes 3 knives to make a sandwich?