Nov 27, 2010

Say Cheese






I love Thanksgiving. While the food is incredible at my family gathering, it's not what makes it my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, from the food to the beginning of the Christmas season to football. This year I wanted to take something different to my family Thanksgiving. I've never made a cheesecake but have always wanted to try, so when I saw a Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe in a magazine recently, I went for it. It turned out delicious and I will definitely be trying more cheesecakes in the future.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

For the crust:
1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 TBS brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 stick butter, melted

Combine ingredients and press into spring form pan.

For the cheesecake:
3 8 oz. packages cream cheese, room temp.
1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 TBS flour
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Beat cream cheese in mixer until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, sour cream, sugar and spices, flour and vanilla. Blend well. Pour into into crust. Bake 1 hour. Remove and let sit 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours. (Recipe from Food Network.)

Nov 21, 2010

My Hood


Photo from http://www.decaturchristmastour.com/.

The beautiful home in this picture is located in my neighborhood, Albany, which is one of the two historic districts in my hometown of Decatur, Alabama. As you can probably tell by the picture, we go all out in my neighborhood when it comes to Christmas decorations. This is partly because every year on the second Saturday of December from 3-8 p.m., Albany and Old Decatur open their neighborhoods up for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas Tour of Homes. No less than six amazing houses will be open this year for people to tour. Prepare to be amazed at the architecture, decor, and of course beautiful displays of fresh greenery and lights to usher in the Christmas season. You can also get into the Christmas spirit by enjoying carriage rides on our tree-lined streets, tasting samplings of delicious local foods and goodies, listening to live music performances, and more. If you are anywhere near Decatur on this day, do not miss this wonderful tour!

Click here for more information about the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour.

Nov 16, 2010

Bluebird


Three sisters: Lee Lee, Lori and Me

I am SO proud of my sister, Lori Lovelace, who played for her first time this month in the round at the legendary Bluebird Cafe is Nashville. She is a talented songwriter and I give her props for going after her dreams. Congrats Lori!

Nov 12, 2010

What A Hoot



I'm way late on a Halloween Post, but better late than never. We attended a fabulous Owl-themed party this year hosted by my good friend and former roommate, Jennifer Hamilton, and her husband Craig. As you will no-doubt notice from the photos, she goes ALL out for her parties, and her annual Halloween party is no exception. This year's theme was "Halloween Hootenany," and she had the most amazing owldeas (sorry I had to), from the table setting to the food itself. And of course her crafty decorations are amazing. Just take a look at the food labels, the sign hanging on the table that she made with stamps and craft paper, and the paper lantern moon to name a few of the creative touches. When you combine creativity, craftiness and skill into one package, this is what you get. Jennifer is starting her own wedding planning business, so check out Mr. & Mrs. Weddings and Events on Facebook.



Mice Truffles


Moon Pies

Aren't these owls fabulous? She had them made.

Owl Brownies

Tim was a Chilean miner

The party planner herself as Sidney from Alias