For the Love of Cooking {Pumpkin French Toast}

As you know from past posts, I'm officially over summer and in full

fall mode!  So when I stumbled across this greatness of Pumpkin French Toast, 

I'm busting out into my happy dance and sharing with my faves!

 What I love about this recipe is the total simplicity of the dish

yet it's major ability to win over the crowd!

What you'll need!

1 loaf (1 pound) cinnamon-raisin bread
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
8 large eggs
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup fat-free milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Confectioner's sugar, optional
Maple syrup, warmed, optional

I personally would like to see a warm glaze over this yummy instead of syrup.

If you are like me, then grab these items too!

2 Tablespoon cream cheese, softened
 1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon milk

The How To's!

Cut each slice of bread into quarters. 
Arrange half of the bread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; layer with cubed 
cream cheese and remaining bread, pressing down slightly. 

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, evaporated milk, pumpkin, 

brown sugar, fat-free milk, spices and salt.  Pour over top. 

Refrigerate, covered, overnight.  

Preheat oven to 350°. Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven heats. 

Bake, covered, 40 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with pecans.

Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned and a knife inserted 

near the center comes out clean.

Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. 

If desired, dust with confectioner's sugar and serve with maple syrup. 

But, if you are a glazer like me,

 Hand mix together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk!

Pour over and indulge!!

recipe adapted from taste of home

Quote Of The Week

For the Love of Cooking: {Pumpkin Gnocchi}

If Gnocchi is on the menu, chances are it’s going to be my entrée of choice.  

There is something about those little dough dumplings that hits the spot for me.  Could it be my addiction to carbs?!  Quite possibly; and you see that is reason enough for me to lust over these perfect fall recipes.  I would love nothing more than to cover my entire kitchen in flour and give my best attempt of making my gnocchi from scratch (as my brother’s Italian fiancée Christina does) BUT, I make no promises that while the majority of my home is being boxed up in preparation for our move, that my little dough balls won’t be store bought- shame on me…I know! Maybe next year I can follow these recipes a little more closely! 

I decided to share two variations of this recipe because we all like options right?!  

First up, and my top pick comes from a featured post on Camille Styles blog (If you aren’t familiar with Camille put it on the to do list!) by Mimi Thorisson of Manager (item #2 on your to do list).  The Saint-Nectarie cheese sauce is what caught my eye and really pulled me to this pumpkin gnocchi.

 Get the Recipe

Next up, is a Brown Butter & Sage Pumpkin Gnocchi.  Now, this recipe I know I will LOVE as it incorporates potatoes as many gnocchi recipes do and a dash of cinnamon…YES!!

Get the Recipe

Are you a fan of gnocchi??  Have you tired these variations?? Details!!

Bon Appetite! 

Quote Of The Week

When witches go riding,

and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers,

‘tis near Halloween.

-unknown

For the Love of Cooking

I am so not a fan of scrapping ice off of my windshield while praying my frigid fingers don’t break in half from the temps! Fan or not, there is no slowing down old man winter and today we are having our first super cold day in NC.   I have a feeling this year is going to be one for the books! On days like today there is nothing better than a super delish and extra hot soup. 
I think this Pumpkin Chowder might be the ticket!

Recipe via Country Living

For The Love Of Cooking

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Stop by No. 2 Pencil for complete recipe!

  

Swoonin' and Givin' in to White Perfection

Whether it's an all white room, white flooring, a white picket fence, crisp white linens, or gorgeous, perfectly chic in every way white pumpkins, I swoon!
I'm not sure if this year's white pumpkins are just more fab than years past but, I have seriously been having a major obsession with them.  I feel like they are everywhere I turn. 
I decided to still go the traditional route and picked up my usual orange pumpkins {they just fit the look of my home better}.  BUT, immediately after paying for them I caved just a little and turned around and swooped up the most dainty and precious white pumpkin.  I HAD to have at least one!
Now that all pumpkins are in place and the house looks festive for the fall months one would think I'd be content, right?!   Who am I kidding?! I'm STILL obsessing and can't let the thought of all the beautiful white ones from the pumpkin patch go.  
I do believe this weekend I will just have to bring a few more home!
Now, I have to start deciding how and where to incorporate these statement making darlings!
 

 

Are you a fan? 

 

For The Love Of Cooking

Pumpkin Bruschetta

Stop by Sweet Paul for complete recipe!

For The Love Of Cooking

Delectable treats to complete your Thanksgiving Feast!

Pecan Pie Bars

recipe

Cranberry Bliss

recipes

Pumpkin Cupcake with Graham Cracker Crust

recipe

Apple Cherry Cobbler Pinwheel

recipe

I Spy: Fall Wreaths

Ok...I am going to be honest here and I really hope I don't offend anyone but, am I the only one who is NOT into the deco mesh wreaths that we are seeing on what seems to be EVERY door front the past few seasons??  

I hate to admit that I have yet to put a wreath on my front door in the three years I've been in my home.  To me, a wreath for fall and winter is just a staple piece so why I have not put one up is beyond me.  I'm actually more surprised that I haven't pulled up to my house to see a beautiful wreath perfectly placed by my sweet mama!

We are officially in the fall season and before I let another moment pass while rocking a bare door front, I simply must halt all other projects and invest in a wreath.  I would love nothing more than to turn this into a  DIY but, I think I will save the craft time for a holiday wreath.

Here are a few that catch my eye...

images via

1 and 2

What do you think about the deco mesh wreaths?  Are you a fan?

Where do you purchase your seasonal door accessories?

Quote Of The Week

"Never be afraid to fall apart because it is an opportunity to rebuild yourself the way you wish you had been all along."

-Rae Smith

via

Happy October 1st!

Have you noticed the changing leaves of fall? Gorgeous!

Quick Tip:

via a very dear friend

Pumpkins will last longer if you avoid sitting them directly onto concrete surfaces-

Place a piece of wood underneath them or slip a "throw away do not eat" packet

(you know those annoying packets that come in new products) inside your pumpkins!

For The Love Of Cooking

Am I dying to try this sure to be tasty dish for fall...YES

Do I have the patients for the 1-2hour prep time it requires...NO WAY

Will I be a taste tester for anyone who feels extra spunky in the crisp fall air and

gives this recipe a whirl...Absolutely!!

How would you simplify this recipe to cut down on time? 

Is there an easier way to make the pasta noodles?

Please forgive my lack of knowledge in the kitchen but, I am the girl that has a sign over her stove that says "I kiss better than I cook" sad but true! 

I give it my best shot when it comes to cooking however, at 30 years old

I STILL have a lot to learn!

Pumpkin Ravioli 

Get the full recipe here!

Not Your Average Mojito...

Spice your Thanksgiving Festivities up this year by serving a spunky bev like a Mojito but, 

with an extra twist!

Pumpkin Mojito

Find the dets over at Hostess With The Mostess!

For The Love Of Cooking

It's officially fall and the crisp morning air tells me the weather finally agrees!

My house is now warm and toasty at night and smells of pumpkin spice throughout.

Since my house smells like a big ole' pumpkin farm maybe I should start looking at a few recipes that use that festive orange ball as the main ingredient.

Pumpkin Cookies

recipe

Baked Stuffed Pumpkin

recipe

Classic Pumpkin Pie

recipe

Pumpkin Pancakes

recipe