How I Spent My Day Off...

Okay - you probably know that every day is a day off for me. But spending some time with B when she has a day off is a day off for both of us.

First stop, the movie theatre to see "The Secret Life of Bees" I rarely go to the movies. It just something I never think to do unless there is a new movie out that sounds really appealing. This is one of those. I love the book and the movie did not disappoint. If you have a chance this is a movie to make the effort to see. But bring the tissues - you've been warned!

After a quick bite to eat at the new Cricket's Cafe (no website found - but cute place with nice sandwiches) we headed down the road to a local farm that sells pumpkins. The weather is very fall-like today, so it was a good day for B to finally pick hers out.

This little bucket calf along with the goats in the background were loving all the extra attention.
And you know neither B nor I can pass up a cute kitten. This one was especially purry and loving. It's a good thing they weren't giving her away!
We've got some new neighbors who've moved in across the street so I decided to make some pumpkin bread as a welcome gift. Since I've got this cool Williams-Sonoma pan, I like to use it whenever I've got the chance. The recipe for this one was from Libby's :

LIBBY'S PUMPKIN BREAD

3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. each nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon
1 1/2 c. each granulated sugar and packed brown sugar
1 c. oil
2 c. canned pumpkin
4 eggs
1 c. each raisins and nuts (optional)
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the sugars, mixing well.
Mix dry ingredients with the oil and pumpkin, stirring until well combined.
Add eggs, one at a time, blending thoroughly. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 1/2 x 5 1/4-inch loaf pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pans. Place on wire rack to cool.

Changes I made were to cut the recipe in half and to use half whole wheat flour. Then I made a orange juice and sugar glaze to dress it up. Looks pretty good doesn't it ! Hope is tastes good too, afterall the last thing I want is to scare the new neighbors!

Have a great weekend everyone!

JUST AS I FINISHED WRITING THIS POST, I HEAR A STRANGE NOISE, LOOK OVER TO THE TABLE WHERE THE PUMPKIN BREAD IS STILL SITTING AFTER IT'S PHOTO SESSION AND WHAT DO I SEE BUT BEAMER LICKING THE PRETTY TOP OF THE BREAD!!!! SO - NO GIFT TODAY TO THE NEW NEIGHBORS:( I AM THINKING OF EXCHANGING MY EXPENSIVE REGISTERED BENGAL HOUSE CAT FOR A LITTLE BLACK AND WHITE FARM CAT!!!!!!!!!!!