Imagine Childhood : Magic & Memories That Last a Lifetime

. . . moments of magic

Just a quick moment on a cloudy day when a hawk flew in front of the sun as it tried its hardest to push through the clouds. 

Wherever you are right now, I hope you find a few minutes of calm to let the simple beauty around you sink in. . . and if you haven't, go outside and let it find you.

Happy Halloween!

xox

~i.c.

 

. . . hearty pumpkin scones

 

One of my favorite people in the world just had a baby and I wanted to make something for her that she could grab easily in between nursing sessions that would be a bit of treat but also sustain her more than just a pile of sugar and flour. . .

. . . so, I made these lovely pumpkin scones. . .

 . . . fortified with almond flour and ginger. . .

. . . prefect for a hungry mama. . .

. . . or her brood of kiddos as they run out the door for school.

 

Hearty Pumpkin Scones: Makes 24 scones

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 2 1/4 almond flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3/4 cup chopped candied ginger -whisk these together
• 2 sticks butter - Very cold and cut into cubes

In a smaller bowl mix:

• 2 large egg
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• Sliced almonds

Whisk together the dry ingredients. Then cut the butter into the flour mixture, but not completely. Make sure there are lots of pieces of butter still visible.

Combine the liquid with the dry mixture. It will be a bit wetter than regular scones, but you should form a 6" disc that is 3/4" thick. It will be sticky, but workable. If it's too wet, add a bit more flour.

When you have your discs made, press the almonds into the top of each. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 min.

After they've chilled, cut each round in 4 pie pieces. Bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is set and the bottoms are golden brown.

Much like pumpkin bread, these are best if allowed cool and rest for a couple of hours.

Happy Baking!

xox

~i.c.

 

. . . moments of magic

This week, a little corner down an overgrown pathway opened up a world of magic. Out in the chill of a damp fall morning, the colors and textures of the season reminded me that even when life can seem far too busy and hectic, there's always a little escape in the calm beauty of nature. This 10 minute walk suddenly made the rest of my day seem so much easier to jump into.

Here's wishing you and your family a little nature escape.  Fall is beautiful, but fleeting, get out there and breathe it all in.

xox

~i.c

 

. . . 10 pretty pumpkin recipes!

It's that time of year again. . . time to celebrate all things pumpkin! Here's a list of some lovely sweet and savory recipes from our kitchen and beyond:

 

10 Pretty Pumpkin Recipes:

1. Pumpkin Baked Zitti with Sausage and Sage
2. Roasted Squash Tart with Pumpkin Seed Crust
3. Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Pesto and Crispy Pumpkin Seeds
4. Olive Oil Pumpkin Bread with Honey and Fresh Ginger
5. Two Ingredient Pumpkin Pasta
6. Thai Pumpkin Laksa with Crispy Chickpeas
7. Pumpkin Cream Puffs
8. Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars
9. Pumpkin Doughnuts (includes a vegan version)
10. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Frosting

Happy Fall!

xox

~i.c.

 

. . . moments of magic

It can be easy to get caught up in the frenzy of activities during the busy fall season. It can be even easier to forget to take a few moments for yourself to wander and explore. . .  to notice how beautiful and intricate the world is around you.  This little corner of changing autumn leaves and this sweet spiderweb glistening in the light helped me to remember to breathe a little more deeply today. They helped me to appreciate the little things a bit more.

What was your moment of magic this week?

xox

~i.c.