Halloween

Dorito is proud of his ghost and KSU pumpkins. The referee is ready to take them out for "trick or treat."
Polar Bear's pumpkin is glowing with excitement. So are his glow-in-the-dark shoes and hands for tonight.

Meeting Barefoot Contessa

I called it my "parent-teacher conference" since I took the morning off from school and stood in line for an autograph from Ina Garten. It was fun sharing recipes and cooking tips with Dee along the way to the Plaza. The "Barefoot Contessa" was just as humble and joyful as she appears on Food Network! I want to try her Pomegranate Cosmopolitan and her Company Pot Roast (just like mine except she adds 2 T. cognac or brandy - so I'll try it with some port). She also include a recipe for Roasted Pears (with blue cheese and port) that looks warm for a fall evening.

Pumpkin Pie Seeds

Here's a way to turn your Jack-o-Lantern seeds into a caramel crunch treat!

Pumpkin Pie Seeds
1 c. pumpkin seeds, rinsed
1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 t. salt
6 t. sugar
1 T. oil
1 T. butter

Roast seeds in single layer on cookie sheet at 250' F for 30-40 minutes. In large skillet, melt butter and oil. Add seeds, sugar, and spice. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar starts to melt and turn runny. Remove from heat and spread on paper towel or paper plate. Allow seed to cool slightly before eating. Store in airtight container.

Carving Jack-o-Lanterns

Polar Bear
Winger and his ghost
This face will be a happy one

Remembering when...

I remember when gas was $1.99 -- oh yeah, that was earlier today.
I remember when our per child tax exemption was $250 -- oh yeah, that was ten years ago when I was "better off" than my $3,400 exemption per child today.

Gas Guage

It's down to $2.05 per gallon today when I filled up. Lowest price in 21 months!

Secret Spook

We are probably the last family to buy pumpkins, but we stopped at a road side stand where they were $1 each. Carving and roasting the seeds can wait until tomorrow. It's getting dark so we are going out to "secret spook" a few of the boys' friends. They are so excited; they are even wearing ski masks. I'm glad we are not too old for Halloween - yet.