Pumpkin Alert : Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it.  I love all things pumpkin: smells, taste, and color!  I was a little concerned about this one because you either love pumpkin sweet or you like it savory.  Rarely, do people like it both ways.  I think it was a little too sweet, but other than that, it was actually really good.  The kids didn't really like it, but the hubs and I did!  The recipe on the Rachel Ray site actually called for a beer, so I added the pumpkin beer instead of chicken broth.


Here is the original pin:  Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
Here is the original Rachel Ray post:  Pumpkin Mac & Cheese-Rachel Ray's Site

Would I make this again: Yes, but I would change a few things......

Next time I make this, I am going to saute' an onion and about 2 cloves of garlic, then add the flour and so on.  I also would not use the honey, I think it made it too sweet.  If you use the onion, that should add enough sweetness and you won't need the honey.

I am also going to do just one cup, beer and one cup chicken broth.  Sounds like a happy medium, right?

All in all, this one is a winner!

WINNER: Zuppa Toscano

ZUPPA TOSCANO

Ok, so I am back, AGAIN.  But, this time, I am making it a nightly ritual to sit down and do a blog post or 2 a day!  The kids are back in school, and the littlest one is in a 3 day pre-school.   I have time! 

If you know anything about South Texas, it is a place that has two seasons:  hot and uber hot with a few days of sprinkled coolness, but those are far and VERY few between.

Back on track, Nicole, back on track......Zuppa Toscano.  I am of the sound mind that your attitude can completely change by what you eat.  For instance, if you get the summer blues (like I do all of the time) then cook something "wintery".  Insert Zuppa Toscano here.  While everyone else is about to dust of their jeans and boots (and find $20 in the coat jacket pockets), I am just starting to carry around a short sleeve sweater just in case the restaurant or store is a little too chilly.   So, just because you are living in Hades doesn't mean you can't imagine you are in the snowy North Pole by diving into a good bowl of soup!

Here is the original pin:  Zuppa Toscano.   It is YUMMY!  The boys loved it and so did Miss C.  In fact, there were no left overs.  I served it with grilled mozzarella sandwiches.  

My advice:  go get the ingredients and cook away, it is a winner!  

Williams Sonoma Store Smell

The pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/83809243035563887/

The smell is fantastic!  Who doesn't love rosemary, vanilla and lemon?


My kitchen window has a bay view, so I open the windows and let the ingredients simmer for hours on my stove.  (Don't forget to add a little bit of water here and there.) 


It really smells like the store and my husband even complimented that it doesn't smell like a girl.  


As a mom of three, it is a little piece of chic living.

Go to your closest store and get the ingredients, you will be really glad you did!

My Verdict: WINNER!