Fall themed books

As fall officially begins, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season. I can’t wait to embrace the cozy season with open arms! I’m proud of myself for prior terrorizing, self-care, and setting aside time for reading and relaxation. My personalized book list features a mix of romance and mystery and fantasy novels that I can’t wait to dive into, all while, sipping hot tea and snuggled up in my favorite throat. Here’s to embrace the cozy charm of fall and making lasting memories.

* A cup of Autumn ( Silver Falls)  by Melissa Mcclone

* Autumn Nights by Debbie Macomber

* Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies ( The Coleman Series) by Katie Winters

* The Pumpkin Spice Cafe 

* Cinnamon roll secrets by Kathleen Suzette

* Candy coated murder by Kathleen Suzette

* Autumn Alibi by Jennifer David Hesse

* Harvest and Hunt (An Autumn Cozy Paranormal) by Eva Belle

* Death by Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson

I can’t believe they’re only three months left in 2024. It has been a busy year, as I’ve challenged myself to be more active. Going into fall, I will be ready to unwind and enjoy some books.  During this season, I tend to read physical books instead of e-books. My carefully selected book list reflects my preferences. 

Do you have a favorite book you like to read in fall?  If so please let me know.  What is your favorite genre to read? Would love to hear from you! 

Eastside spa and dessert night!

Simple ingredients and easy to make this dessert. 

The finished product looks yummy. 

 My cousin Brenda called this morning to see if I was going to Eastside Baptist Church for the ladies night of spa and desserts.  I had seen it on Facebook but hadn’t gave it much thought.  After thinking about it I am going to attend.  Says to bring a dessert. It’s from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. 

Oreo Mud Pie

Ingredients:

1 box of chocolate pudding mix

2 cups of whole milk

2 containers of Cool whip

And crushed Oreo’s

Directions:

Mix the chocolate pudding mix as it says on box. Mix in both containers of cool whip, add one sleeve of crushed Oreos. Mix together. Add another sleeve of crushed Oreos on top. Place in fridge to chill for 2 hours and it’s done.  

I really enjoyed myself.  Am looking at a good church to attend, it’s been many years since I attended Eastside Baptist Church.  The vibe the ladies was giving off was much better than what I remembered. I am going to plan to attend next weekend.  

Who’s ready for fall?

It’s hard to believe we are already in fall season. I have some ideals on how to prepare for autumn. Do you do anything special for the autumn season as far as decorations or food?  I am always looking for seasonal recipes. 

This is a wreath that I redid last weekend. It looks so much better with the new items. This wreath did not take very long to finish.  I am very happy with the way it turned out. So many things to create around fall.

Be sure to spend time outdoors. 

Go for walks enjoy the cooler temperatures and Chris Pere. I’ve heard that being outdoors has proven health benefits, like reducing anxiety and depression. If go for a walk is out of the question just set outdoors and enjoy the weather. I enjoy rotten my penpal letters outside in the mornings.

Get out your seasonal decor

I love the vibrant colors of fall. There is something comforting about fall decor. I enjoy using several pumpkins in my home for decorations, along with fall pictures and leaves. I keep several fall colored throws around the house for when the air is chilly.

Incorporate fall flavors

Full has some amazing smells such as savory and sweet and delicious awaken these memories of fall with sense and flavors we all associate with the season, including:

Apple

Pumpkin

Maple

Cinnamon

Caramel

Enjoy a cup of warm apple cider or bacon apple pie. Make a pumpkin pie or bars. Don’t forget to heat up some spice potpourri And fill your home with seasonal fragrance. Incorporate fall veggies, like brussels sprouts, potatoes, and spinach and two daily meals. Search for some new soup Recipes to try as the weather gets colder.

Warm up your wardrobe

Weather is great for dressing in layers. Get those lightweight jackets, sweaters, and flannels from the closet and put back in rotation. Be sure to have your favorite hats, scarfs, and mittens ready.

These are just a few ideals to bring fall into your home and your life.  To me fall is a time to embrace changes coming our way. 

 

Santa Fe Chicken

Santa Fe Chicken in crockpot was extremely easy to make.  I did not have black beans in my pantry so used ranch style beans with jalapeños instead.  The ingredients was all items we had on hand. 

Ingredients 

Chicken breast

Green chilies with diced tomatoes

Black beans

Corn

Taco seasoning

Salt and pepper

Add all ingredients~ Mix slightly all the ingredients in a crockpot.

Cook Ingredients~ Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high 3 to 4 hours.

Remove chicken and place in bowl~ Shred the chicken and stir it back into the mixture.

Serve and enjoy~ Serve over rice or in a tortilla and enjoy.

What to serve with Santa Fe chicken? 

You can enjoy this recipe lots of different ways. You can serve it with cornbread, have it with rice. Serve with pasta. Make tacos or burritos.  You can even eat with a queso and chips. 

I put this on before I left for work so it was easy to get in the slow cooker.  Mr. C shredded the chicken and had the pasta ready for dinner. As you can see we made burritos and a pasta side.  It turned out really good. By now you may realize that I am all about easy recipes. 

 

Fall Bucket List

 Fall is finally here! 

Fall is my favorite season. With the crisp air, caramel latte, sweaters, fun socks, and do not forget pumpkin spice everything, there’s little not love.

As the day shorten and the temperatures cool. It’s still warm enough for outdoor activities, such as Taking walks and visiting festivals and farmer markets.

At the same time, we find ourselves indoors more. We make fall, comfort foods, make hot drinks, such as hot chocolate or pumpkin spice lattes.  Put on for movies to watch is a favorite at our house.

The colors of fall make me happy. Bold oranges, red and earth tones are everywhere. The Sunset in fall are very specific. The color pallets are a lot richer. I am so glad to see fall has arrived.

If you’re wanting to make this autumn special check out my list of fall activities.

Attend a fall festival

Go on a hayride

Go apple picking

Carve a pumpkin

Decorate for fall      

Bake a apple pie

Have fall candles burning

Bake pumpkin bread

Sit around the fire pit and have S’mores

Cozy up with a hot tea and a good book

Go to the drive-in movie

Indulge in your favorite Halloween candy

Visit a farmers market

Make a homemade pumpkin pie

Binge watch Harry Potter movies

Take a scenic drive in the fall foliage

Fill a Blessing box

Purchase an advent calendar for December

Go to the craft show

Make homemade hot chocolate

Visit a graveyard

Go to a fair

Attend a local football game

Make a cider Bellini

Make a fall wreath   ( my fall wreath is pictured above) 

Whatever you choose to do just get out enjoy the fall season.  I may not get all of these done this season, but I hope to get several of these accomplished.  I really want to do more baking this year.  Am going to be looking for fall recipes that is healthier for us. 

Let me know your favorite recipes.  Would love to hear what you have on your bucket list.

Dorito Casserole

We enjoy the Dorito Casserole.  We are having Alisha and Jonathan over for lunch today.  So we went with a family favorite. These are the ingredients we used along with a can of rotel (not pictured.) 

Browning the hamburger meat and onion first.  Then we open the cans and crush up the chips into a mixing bowl.  I also add a handful of cheese to mixture.  Once the meat is brown dump into the casserole dish.  We bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.  Then we cover top with cheese and let it melt. Takes about 10 minutes.  

This is the completed casserole.  We usually add jalapeños on top or even black olives.  Luther didn’t want to make it spicy since Alisha had been sick this past week.  

We also made a small pan to take over to Brody’s.  He absolutely loves our Dorito Casserole.  

I’ve been taking this to potluck dinners for many years.  I love how simple it is to make and it feeds a small crowd.  

 

A slice of Comfort: Homemade Apple Pie

 

There is something about a homemade apple pie that feels like comfort in a dish. The smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven makes the whole house feel warm and inviting- it’s like a hug you can eat. 

What I love most about baking apple pie from scratch is how simple it really is. A buttery crust, a pile of fresh apples, a sprinkle of sugar, and a dash of cinnamon come together, to create pure magic. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because you need a cozy treat for yourself, apple pie never disappoints. 

Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or let it cool and savor it with a hot cup of coffee. Either way, homemade apple pie has a way of turning an ordinary day into something special. 

So grab those apples and let’s bake some memories! 

Apple Pie was sooo good….

Ingredients 

1 package of pastry for a 9 inch double-crust pie

3/4 cup white sugar, or more to taste

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

6 cups thinly sliced apples

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

Directions 

*Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C)

*Line a 9 inch pie dish with one pastry crust; set second one aside.

*Combine 3/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add more sugar if your apples are tart. 

*Layer apple slices in the prepared pie dish, sprinkling each layer with cinnamon sugar mixture. 

*Dot top layer with small pieces of butter. Cover with top crust and flute the edges to seal.

*Beat egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash; brush the top crust with the egg wash. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. 

*Bake pie on the lowest rack of the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until golden brown and filling bubbles, 30 to 35 minutes more. 

*Serve warm or cold.