happy halloween handmade

just a little halloween handmade post.  we made pumpkins and gourds during the month of september & october in pottery so we would have them in time for the holiday.  my pumpkin is happier than most of the ones that were made but silly is the way i like things!  my gourd is tucked in with the real organics and blends in nicely to the arrangement.  

enjoy & happy halloween!

apples at their best... i think

well it is fall.  i wasn't expecting it to happen so quickly.  it did - again.  and each year i know that when my birthday passes it's all a rollercoaster ride to christmas.  each day feels the down hill of the ride and the holidays are the reward at the end.  for me at least.  then it comes the real hard part of the year - january.  

but we are not even close to that yet and i have many things to accomplish!  SO - yesterday afternoon in a flurry of baking under the gun (of course because i procrastinate) i whipped out two fine beauties, one of which i captured and share below.

rustic fall apple tart.  as one who is a protector of the earth and one who supports my local farmers fruits of labor so as to eat seasonally what's available - apples have the stage right now and i am a fan of them.  i do have to say that i was putting off this moment as well, savoring every last peach i could, because that means that it's apples every day for the next 6 months... oh and pears too, as they share the limelight during winter.  both fine options.

the tart was a cinch to make using phyllo dough all ready for you - voila!  i used matsu apples from Stovers Farms (barrien, mi) instead of granny smith which i am not a fan of.  they have a softer tartness but one that is just as effective in the delivery.  their apples are simply the best! their honey crisp are divine and widely sought out through the markets.  all their varieties are HUGE!  not that size is everything but when you are looking for a snack, one of their apples will do the job & then some especially with a bit of almond or peanut butter or perhaps some caramel and salt.  delicious no matter what and the tart was devoured by all ages at the table as soon as it hit the table.

the other dessert just as easy except for making lemon zest, a task i loathe when baking or cooking.  i think it's because i fear getting my finger in the way and zesting the wrong ingredient; or because it's just hard to do.  i do it first to get it out of the way so i can enjoy the rest of the process.  

lemon spice cake covered in lemon sugar glaze.  yum yum yum!  i of course futz with the recipe and added in more spices than the called for cardamon.  hey i like it and i know everyone else will too!  devoured just as quickly with only a few squares left.  i didn't have the right light to take a picture but you can use your imagination.  enjoy & go have some dessert!  marlo.

a quick list on creativity

i realize that i am being a bit cliche by posting this list of how to be creative.  it's really a reminder for me though it can't hurt to share it.  do something creative each & every day to the best of your ability.   cheers! marlo

a fall gift for my mother

i whipped up a small container of fall beauty as a gift to my mom to enjoy as the seasons change.  a bit of heuchera, flat leaf parsley, chrysanthemums, ornamental peppers, rudbekia & lemon thyme.  enjoy & if you want me to make one for you let me know!