UnTracked

Pumpkin Carving and Caramel Corn

Boo.

 

Don't be too scared, it's mainly treats that come from our house.

First treat is the cutest moth on the block...

Hee hee.  But really, the funniest part of this costume was when Harry was running away from you and he had his wings in.  He looked like a three foot turd.

 

Harry was a huge fan of disemboweling the gourd that we grew.  I thought I had planted a zucchini, but there you go.  Damn those starter plants!

My son, the future pathologist.

Scarrrrrry!

 

And what would All Hallows Eve be without caramel corn?  Check this out...

 I meant to give this out to my friends, but Colin and I ate most of it.  I guess that is your trick.

But the last treat is for you, you can make it too.  I'd recommend having friends on hand because it likely will not make it out the door...

 

Espresso Caramel Corn with Pecans and Toffee-Espresso Bits

 

Pop the popcorn, 8 to 10 cups.  Place in a large, buttered or nonstick sprayed pan (I used my roasting pan).

Then make the caramel:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

2 Tbsp butter

 

Combine all in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Boil without stirring, simply swirl the pan to make sure everything melts,  This will take about four minutes, just keep a close eye on it, sugar goes from caramel to burnt in a hurry.

Remove from heat and add

1 - 2 Tbsp espresso powder

1 Tbsp vanilla

1/4tsp baking soda

 

Quickly pour over the popcorn and nuts and stir to coat well.  Place into 250F preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring a couple of times.  Wait until it's cooled (yeah right, I'm so sure you will be able to wait...) and then add a few chocolate covered espresso toffee bits (from TJ's) or chocolate covered espresso beans.

Trick or treat!

 

Scary Harry and Carrie.  And Colin. And Spooky the cat (no joke!)

Last Paddle

Well, I managed to not drive my kayak into my garage this year.  And I even found chanterelles, which were my downfall last year...

 

Here are some lovely pictures from my last paddle, enjoying the final days of sun.

Swan Lake sunshine

No swans were sighted, but I did see "my" bald eagle!

 
And gaggles of Canada geese.

Welcome to Ory-Gun, Please Have a Drink

Way back in September we were invited to two weekends of kid-free hedonism.  Kid free for us, we still have to "deal" with other people's offspring.  But you know, they aren't my problem, so yay!

The first weekend was planned by Katie and Nancy.  It was a great escape to the Oregon coast for Emily's bachelorette.

In honor of the day I came up with a special drink for the weekend...

Emily's Cherry Drop

1/2oz Triple Sec

1/2oz homemade cherry syrup (I suppose you can BUY it but I take no responsibility for the quality.)

1oz lemon juice

1.5 - 2oz vodka

Shake and pour into sugar-rimmed glass.  Garnish with a brandied cherry, homemade, of course.  (Look, I can't help it if you don't have any homemade brandied cherries, You will just have to invite me for dinner.  I give awesome hostess gifts...)

This is a slightly tart but fruity drink with just the right amount of sweetness.  Mmmm sweet and boozy, just like Em (and the rest of us!)

 

A good friend does not divulge all the excesses of a bachelorette weekend but I will say that 2 gallon bottles (!) of vodka were left curbside for recycling and there was not a strip of bacon left from the four POUNDS brought.

 

I need a salad.

 

That week I was utterly pampered without Harry's sleep schedule to be concerned about.  Sleeping in, daily exercise (required for the amount of), good restuarant meals, and two spa days!  I was manicured, pedicured, massaged and facialed and ready for the next weekend of Shane and Emily's wedding.

 

Happy marriage!  Cheers!

There was an entire roasted pig, cases of wine and microbrews (favored by the bride, groom and guests) and a plethora of smuggled in booze for afternoon cocktails and late night nightcaps.

Shemily, we wish you all the best!