Carving Pumpkins

Seasonal Baking

Brian first introduced me to this concept to this the first time I went and visited him in Miami for what turned out to be our first Thanksgiving; but he makes his own pumpkin purée for baking and cooking throughout the year.  At first I was surprised that someone would go through the trouble to bake and purée their own pumpkins rather than just buy it off of the shelf.  I mean....there can't be THAT much of a different....can there??  But he was adamant that there really is a BIG difference in the taste between canned pumpkin and making your own.

First, you have to pick a baking pumping. which is different than the one which you would carve.  Carving ones are bigger in general, have thinner walls, and do not have that signature pumpkin sweet taste, whereas baking pumpkins have more meat (thicker wall), are smaller, and are sweeter.

  

After picking your baking pumpkin, you split them in half.  We recommend cutting them up and down as they sit on the pan evenly.  Next you scrape out the seeds.

  

TaDAAAAAAAA

Next comes the seasonings.  We generously sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and honey, covering the inside meat of the pumpkin.  Don't forget to cover the pumpkin half's with foil.

  

After baking in the oven (425*F for an hour and a half), you take them out and allow them to cool.  As they cool, the meat (and the juices) begins to separate from the rind of the actual pumpkin, making it easier to scoop out.  Into the food processor they go.

    

What it looks like before straining it into a mixing box.  Almost done for those clock watchers.  Straining it prevents any rind, seeds or strings to end up in the final product.

Next we put on the wire whisk on the counter top Kitchen-Aid mixer, add some other ingredients (cream, honey, brown and white sugar, pinch of salt, and spices to taste), and mix away until it is the right consistency.  Of course, we cant put the wonderful aroma our house smells like after we are done with this process in this blogpost, but it is amazing!!!

As we will use it throughout the year, into zip-lock bags it goes.  Off to the freezer to be used throughout the year.  Pies, muffins, bread, oatmeal.  The list goes on.

Hallowed Half-Marathon

Saturday night Brian and I went to Leslie, MI for the Hallowed Half Marathon.

It was a great run!

Colors of Fall in Michigan

Rock N Roll Half Marathon

So the day after my little bothers wedding, I ran in the Rock n' Roll Series, St. Louis Half-Marathon (13.1-miles).  My first ever half-marathon, was the Rock n' Roll Series Nashville (TN) Half-Marathon (April 2012).  They may be one of my favorite series to run.  The staff, volunteers, medical tents, the bands along the run make it an enjoyable run.

Packet pick-up on Friday morning in St. Louis.

Its an early (Sunday) morning (4:30am)

A view prior to the race

One of the best pictures you'll see of me all day

Ready....set.....GOOOO 

We ran around Busch Stadium, home to the ever famous St. Louis Cardinals

 Its always amazing to see our service members (firefighters, police officers, military personnel) participate in these runs.  Thank you for all that you do!

Running through The Grove.

 

To my wonderful fiancé, who supports me and my 1/2 crazy hobby.  Whether it be driving me to the race at all hours of the early morning, or the drive back following, cheering me along the race, and sending me motivational text messages during

All Done

Completed: 2 hrs, 54 mins

Brian went and found a little famous breakfast place around the corner from the race.  Not a complete shocker, but made friends prior to enjoying breakfast at Roosters.

A local food/farmer restaurant.  A great little breakfast spot.  Roosters has been voted “BEST BREAKFAST IN MISSOURI.'  We would highly recommend it.

Ryan & Aimees' Wedding

My little brother got married two-weeks ago in St. Charles (Mo).  It was a beautiful wedding and great reception to follow.  I'm excited to welcome Aimee to the family.

My little brother and mom prior to his big day

Ryan and Aimee about to say those famous words

 

Please let me introduce Mr. and Mrs. Kramer

Sisterly love prior to the wedding

Family picture

My hot date to the wedding.  I think I'll keep him around...he's kinda cute, and I'm pretty fond of him myself.

and his 7-year old personality...which is free. 

The head table at the reception

Cutting the cake 

There first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Kramer

Daughter-father dance 

Son-mother dance 

Funny photo

After the reception