Flavors we are craving

Okay, I must admit it, today I am CRAVING a pumpkin spice latte.  It's a rainy, somewhat cool day and leaves are slowly floating from the trees to the ground.  It is officially time to bring on the flavors of Fall with pumpkin being at the top of the list.

Here are two of my absolute favorite pumpkin recipes, one savory and one sweet.

photo courtesy of allrecipe.com

Savory:  Pumpkin Curry Soup

ingredients
2 tbs olive oil (or butter)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
salt and pepper
3 cup chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk or 10 oz half & half

to prepare
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the oil over medium high heat. Saute the onion for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and saute for another minute.

Stir in the curry powder, salt and pepper. Cook another minute.

Add broth and pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally, and cook for 15-20 minutes.

Transfer to a food processor or blender (in batches if needed) and puree. Return to the pot and add the evaporated milk. Serve warm with some crusty bread.

photo courtesy of two peas & their pod

Sweet:  Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

ingredients
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mixture of ginger, nutmeg, cloves)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 TBS unsalted butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup chocolate chips (mini or regular)

to prepare
Preheat oven 350 degrees and grease a 9"x5" loaf pan.
Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a bowl, set aside.
Mix together the milk and vanilla in a separate bowl, set aside.
Cream butter and sugars together, about 3-4 minutes.  Add eggs one at a time.  Beat in the pumpkin puree on low until just blended.
Add  to this the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk/vanilla mixture in 2 parts, beating on low speed.  Scrape the bowl down between each addition.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scape batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for about 1 hour, until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.  Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.


Which one do you crave the most?

Lots and lots of Fall goodies coming your way on The Find Auctions this week.  For a sneak peek and for all things Fall, check out our new boards on Pinterest

On beauty

In a recent mentoring session a room full of women listened intently to wisdom and encouragement from a wonderful woman who has walked our walk successfully.  I nodded my head in agreement time after time and several ideas have been rolling around in my head since our meeting.  One thing she shared, most likely an aside, has not escaped my thoughts.

Surround yourself with beauty and

teach your children to love and appreciate beautiful things.

 

Why?
We have more creative and intentional thoughts in the midst of beauty.
We are able to see the Creator more clearly.
We are more likely to replicate beauty in our own life (be active verses simply spectate).


If I have the choice, I willingly choose beauty.  Several months ago we were introduced to the Raven + Lily line of artisan jewelry, accessories and gifts and we were drawn by its beauty. These handcrafted items are striking on the surface, yet the true beauty of their purpose are much deeper.

photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

This exquisite line by Raven + Lily exists solely to empower women through design. Women from around the world who are marked by poverty, injustice and abuse are the heroines of this socially responsible endeavour. The two founding partners of Raven + Lily saw raw talent and incredible needs and could not shake their calling to do something to make a difference. Through the efforts of Raven + Lily, women facing challenges from around the world receive life-changing guidance, training and resources.  At the same time, we are given the opportunity to incorporate these boutique quality designs into our lives and make a real difference in the lives of others.

What a thing of beauty.

photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

We will bring a special selection of Raven + Lily this Wednesday night at The Find Auctions.  On the surface, as these items populate your Facebook Newsfeed, you will see beautiful things.  However, we invite you to look a little deeper and get to know the true beauty of the Raven + Lily line. 

Each purchase is a contribution into the lives of women, empowering them to experience a bit more beauty themselves.

 

Photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

We hope you will embrace the beauty of the Raven + Lily line. We'd be delighted for you to support this incredible cause and share the collection we will feature at The Find Auctions with your friends.  Julie and I are committed to bringing you quality finds each week and we are honored to introduce you to Raven + Lily.  Stay tuned to all our special sneak peeks on Facebook this week.

Photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

 

 

Thanks friends,

 

Julie & Misty