Beans, Beans...

Sunday seemed like the perfect time to try this black bean pumpkin soup, October 31, the right night for a smokey, simmering (slightly mysterious?) pot on the stove. I found this in the archives at Smitten Kitchen and kept it up my sleeve until Brian announced he'd really like black bean soup, soon, please. He doesn't usually go for pumpkin stuff, at least not baked into bread or stuffed into cream puffs or in a cup like a pumpkin chai latte drizzled with caramel. This recipe promised to be naked pumpkin- no sugar, no spice, no cream base. It was so easy to make and turned out exactly like I expected. Exactly like the picture. Except I didn't serve it with the seeds because I was way too lazy to carve a Jack O Lantern this year. Booo.

You'll Be Smitten

Last night I made this cauliflower soup; it was really simple and delicious. Other than some chopping it just about made itself.

I also grilled us sandwiches: a rustic batard, aged sharp cheddar and ripe tomato.

Was too hungry to shoot my own photos, but they looked just like these on Smitten Kitchen, I promise.

Cool as a Cucumber

I made my own variation of this recipe last night; I swapped out the mint for cilantro, changed the sour cream to Greek yogurt, and was heavy handed on the cayenne pepper. Also forgot the vinegar, whoops. It was fun and easy (throw everything in a blender) to make. I think it tasted really nice as far as chilled cucumber soup goes... but it would be best as a dressing, or a drizzle on something.

Eat Dessert First

A chocolate root beer bundt cake smothered in the easiest chocolate frosting ever. My heart always skips a happy beat when a cooled cake plops out of its pan in perfect shape, and I had to stop myself from sculpting this dreamy topping, it was so delightful and pastry chef-ish.

An apple tart made on the fly. Note to self: arrange apples minus mania ("... in order to make the arrangement beautiful"- as Ina Garten intended).

And a plum cake, sad to say this recipe was a bit disastrous. But dunked in lemon curd the next day at breakfast it was quite nice.

Sorry for the garish photographs; I missed an entire afternoon of soft, natural light and snapped these with the flash late at night while everyone waited and salivated.

That's Amore

When I spotted this pizza on for me, for you, I had to make and eat it pronto. A little garlic, some thinly sliced onions, a sneaky heat from red pepper flakes, caramelized zucchini and cheese, oh cheese, lots of cheese.

It was super delicious.

Photo by Kate.

String Along

I made this swag real quick by stringing snippets of ribbon on embroidery floss. In haste I flung it over my hall mirror where it looks downright intentional.

Some Like It Hot

Hot sausage, peppers and onions on a sturdy roll is just the summer thing. I want to eat it three nights a week.

Fiesta for One

Last night I made tacos for dinner even though I was eating alone. They were so worth the trouble.

Top Banana

A banana with coffee is one of my favorite morning snacks. It's the flavor combination and the simplicty that I love. But today, my banana is in muffin form.

Hanging by a Thread

Some ancient Martha by Mail scrapbook paper made my garland in soft, springy tones: blue, grey, green, and brown. It's only colored on one side but as it slowly turns the white is nice and crisp, too.

Peepin' It Real

Inspired to make a wreath of marshmallow Peeps, I spent Saturday night strategically spearing dozens of them to a foam form with toothpicks. My mom surrendered an uneaten box of green Saint Patrick's day chicks for the sake of art to expand my palette of Easter pink and yellow (and the last two boxes of purple scored on a midnight run to Wegmans). If I knew then what I know now I would have left the candy out to go stale before assembling. What do you think? Sweet? Or sickening?

Check out David Ottagalli for more Peeps art; I just learned this is big business!

Lettuce Launch

Romaine planted in tiny terra cotta pots, we made these for Easter place settings and take home party favors.