Ina Garten's Apple Crostata

A friend suggested "The Barefoot Contessa's" Apple Crostata...

we loved it! Thank you Kristi! :-)

Shhh... please don't tell the Contessa -

I cheated and used a prepared pie crust!

Oh the shame... ;-)

Autumn Chowder

Autumn Chowder
6 servings

1 tablespoon oil
1 onion, chopped
4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
12 baby carrots, quartered
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 bag frozen corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon flour
4 tablespoons water
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the potato, carrot, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are almost tender. Stir in the milk, corn, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes longer. Combine the flour and water until smooth; gradually whisk into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Stir in bacon. Serve up big bowls and enjoy!

Yum...yum...yum...and oh did I say yum?! :-)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

~for today~
November 10, 2008

Outside my window...
the sun is rising behind lots of clouds.

I am thinking...
about plans for the day.

I am thankful for...
an unchanging God.

From the learning room...
we'll be starting the chapter on plants in our Science curriculum and reading about the pilgrims.

From the kitchen...
Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend coffee this morning! :-)

And our menu -

heritage schoolhouse supper menu

I am wearing...
my pajamas and favorite pink robe.

I am creating...
a paper Mayflower replica with my son (hopefully!)

I am going...
to the grocery store, Wal-Mart and a 4H meeting today.

I am reading...
cookbooks (as always!)

I am hoping...
it rains all day!

I am hearing...
the clock ticking and that is all!

Around the house...
I'll be putting away summer clothes and getting out winter things.

One of my favorite things...
Thanksgiving!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
include the last week of soccer practices and games, some shopping, and Thanksgiving planning.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Please visit The Simple Womans Daybook!

Neat New Book

"One Year to an Organized Life - From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good" by Regina Leeds

The author divides getting organized into 12 monthly sections with four weekly tasks. The first week of every month is devoted to journaling and understanding the psychology of disorganization. The remaining three weeks of every month are for tasks like creating a bedroom sanctuary, packing wisely for trips, and creating a festive holiday atmosphere. Full of useful information for everyone, from the person who needs simply to clean a messy desk to the person requiring a whole new approach to life; highly recommended for all libraries.

Yay! Organizing by the season - I love it! I am SO starting this in January! :-)

Morning Maple Muffins

Morning Maple Muffins

(from Taste of Home magazine)
12 servings

2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
for topping
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chopped nuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter

Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine milk, butter, syrup, sour cream, egg and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. For topping, combine flour, sugar, nuts and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 400° for 16-20 minutes or until muffins are done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Enjoy!