Cooking up a Storm

It might be the seasons changing, but lately I have been motivated to cook and bake again. In the last few weeks, I have been trying out several new recipes, including some that I found on Pinterest. It’s so nice to have the energy to actually make some of the fantastic projects and food I pin–crafting on the couch or cooking in the kitchen brings me so much joy.

As we speak, I am making this newly found pumpkin bread recipe. The house smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin–no Yankee Candle needed! (It’s also a great way to use my Kitchen Aid mixer.)

I made a variety of fall “game” food last weekend (probably to christen our new pots and pans and to watch the Eagles play to victory):

These BBQ Portabello Sliders. The caramelized onions were the essential ingredient.

The Pioneer Woman’s Olive Cheese Bread. I watched the episode of her show that featured this recipe and couldn’t wait to try it. I also made her mac and cheese early in the month, which was awesome! I have to thank my friend Christina who turned me on to the Pioneer Woman’s amazing food–once I viewed her show I realized it’s not all steak and potatoes.

And finally, last week I packed this Vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili as my lunch for work every day. I was surprised how much the one sweet potato in the recipe flavored the chili, but it gave it this very distinct fall-squash flavor. I look forward to making it again.

Now that I am actually executing ideas I pin, I have found Pinterest to be even more fun. It’s really been my companion during my three a.m. nursing sessions. What would I do without my iPhone with these little babes?