Color Me {Pumpkin}

Thanksgiving is coming up this Thursday and I couldn't be more excited for one thing. The pumpkin pie! To me this is what Thanksgiving is all about…besides family and friends of course! I would (and will) consume pumpkin pie for dessert and breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next day. There is no other time of the year where this is acceptable, making Thursday (and Friday) absolutely perfect! But I don't just love pumpkin pie for the taste, but the color! It's a great harvest color that is ideal for decorating your Thanksgiving table. Accent colorful red and gold blooms with mini pumpkins and orange touches.  It's also a great color to bring new neutrals like silver and navy to the next level.

Tell me, what will you decorate your Thanksgiving table with this year?

Indulge In {Pumpkin Banana Bread}

I can't hide the fact that I have an obsession with all things pumpkin flavored in the fall. If it says pumpkin on the label, I'm probably going to try it. From pumpkin coffee creamer to pumpkin soup, there is really nothing I won't eat. So with a few very ripe bananas lying around and a desire to consume an entire can of pumpkin puree, I set out to create the most delicious pumpkin banana bread I could in one try. And, not to brag, but I would say I did a pretty good job of it. By taking my mom's tried and true banana bread recipe and subbing in pumpkin for the egg and oil, I was able to create not only a simple to make pumpkin bread but a rather yummy one at that. The pumpkin flavor is subtle but still present making it nice for the people who aren't quite as obsessed with pumpkin as I am. While I eat it for dessert with a dab of whipped cream, try slicing some up for a fall flavored brunch. It would even be great to serve with scrambled eggs on Thanksgiving morning.

I could continue to tell you how delicious it is and inform you of the many ways to enjoy it, but instead I'll let you decide for yourself. Here's the recipe…

:: Ingredients ::
2 1/3 Cups Bisquick
1 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Pumpkin Puree
3/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
3 Large Very Ripe Bananas
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 Tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

*Note: Due to the substitution of pumpkin puree for egg and oil, this is the least confusion and most efficient way to write the recipe.

:: Directions ::
1. Combine pumpkin puree and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add in bananas, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Mix in Bisquick.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes in a greased loaf pan.

Party DIY {Pumpkin Candle Holders}

Hands down I have to say this was the easiest centerpiece I've ever put together. I was looking for a way to spice up my dining table centerpiece taking it from just flowers to something more spirited for the season. Since our main floor is open concept, I wanted to create something simple that didn't overpower the whole floor. The solution was a simple yet beautiful taper candle holder made from an artificial pumpkin. When lined up across the center of the table, they make a cute statement that can stay up day in and day out or serve as a lovely decor for fall dinner parties that doesn't interrupt the line of sight. They would also be cute displayed on a mantle or coffee table. Here's the easy step by step to make your own...

:: Supplies ::
Artificial Mini Pumpkins
Taper Candles
Knife
Pen

:: Directions ::
1. Remove stems from pumpkins.
2. Place candle at top center of pumpkin and trace outline of the base with a pen.
3. Using your knife, cut down approximately 1/2 inch and remove center. Insert candle.

Indulge In {Roasted Pumpkin Seeds}

It's hard to tell in Florida when the seasons actually change because the temperatures usually don't. One tell tale sign that it's fall for me is when the pumpkin patch down the street opens up. The huge church lawn filled with pumpkins and gourds of all sizes brings a big smile to my face every time I drive by. Pumpkin is by far one of my favorite fall flavors. Whether it be savory or sweet, I love it. While I don't have much experience with cooking the pumpkin itself, I do have lots of experience in roasting the pumpkin seeds. What most people throw out is my favorite part of the gourd. When toasted and mixed with either salty or sweet spices, it makes a great snack for every day or a nice treat to put out a fall gatherings. I shared my recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds a few years ago and wanted to share again today as a launch into pumpkin season. As the next months go on, I hope to get a little more experience cooking up the flesh of the pumpkin and sharing some more delicious pumpkin inspired recipes with you. While I'm doing that though, I'll just snack on these!

:: Ingredients ::
Pumpkin Seeds from 1 Large Pumpkin, cleaned
Olive Oil
Brown Sugar
Sea Salt
Chili Powder
Chipotle Seasoning
Ground Cumin
**All Spices Done to Taste

:: Directions ::
1. Place cleaned seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes to dry out.
2. Remove seeds from baking sheet and toss in a bowl with olive oil and spices.
3. Return to baking sheet and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

Have a tasty Thursday!

Indulge In {Mini Pumpkin Pies}

Halloween is over and it's the first of November. Holiday season is officially upon us! It's time to start preparing the house for holiday guests and prepping for your big Thanksgiving meal. Over the next couple weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I'm going to be sharing some of my favorite sides to accompany your turkey. I wanted to start today with a throw back post of my favorite holiday treat, pumpkin pie. I made these last year and they were a huge hit. Instead of making one big pie, I love making individual size portions in cupcake tins. Each guest then has the option to top as they please with whipped cream, caramel, or both! Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::

1 (15 ounce) can Pumpkin Puree
11 Ounces Soymilk
2 Large Eggs
1 Large Egg White
1 Teaspoon Cornstarch
3/4 Cups White Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 1/2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
3/4 Teaspoon Ginger
3/4 Teaspoon Clove
1 Teaspoon Allspice
3/4 Teaspoon Ginger
2 Unbaked 9 inch Pie Crust

:: Directions ::

1. Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
2. Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl then add to wet ingredients. Blend until smooth.
3. Using a round cookie cutter, cut pie crust into rounds. Spray cupcake tin with non stick spray and place 1 pie round in a tin. Fill with filling.
4. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes
5. Turn heat down to 350 degrees and bake 40-50 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.
6. Cool and serve

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! I love a good holiday and am excited to spend this one anxiously awaiting all of the trick-or-treaters in cute and spooky costumes. I wanted to share one of my favorite holiday traditions with you today, picking out and carving the pumpkin. Hope y'all have a fun and safe holiday! How did you carve your pumpkin this year?

Weekend Warriors {10.26.12}

Happy Friday y'all! We are finally getting a "cold" front this weekend and by Sunday, temps are expected to be in the 70s. That may seem like warm spring time weather to most, but down here it's just down right chilly. In honor of the fall like weather and holiday weekend, I've gathered a list of five activities and celebrations worthy of your free time this weekend. Here's what should be on your agenda!

1. Build a Bonfire: Nothing beats sitting outside in the the cold weather around a warm fire. Throw in a bag of marshmallows, some chocolate, and graham cracker halves and you've got the best Friday night party around!

2. Wear a Costume: Halloween is a few short days away and weekday celebrating is out of the question for me. If it is for you too, throw on your costume and host a spooky gathering.

3. Carve a Pumpkin: If you are anything like me, life has been too busy to even think about carving your pumpkin. I got mine Wednesday night and I'm excited to finally carve something especially scary (or cute!) into it this weekend. I also can't wait to roast the seeds and make a yummy fall snack!

4. Bake a Treat: Baking has to be one of my all time favorite fall activities. There is just something about a warm sweet treat on a cold evening that can't be beat. Try anything pumpkin, cinnamon, or apple flavored for the perfect fall indulgence.

5. Catch Up With Old Friends: It's been on my list of things to do for awhile now and I'm excited to follow through on it this weekend. With extra free time on Sunday, I plan on getting comfy on the couch and having a good chat.

What's on your agenda this weekend?

Lusting After {Pumpkin Creations}

It's less than 2 weeks till Halloween and I still haven't bought my pumpkin! It seems crazy to me because usually I'm the first one at the pumpkin patch knocking down the gate before they open. This year it's a little different though. I've been crazy busy with work and have barely found time to do the chores let alone carve my pumpkin. So in exchange I've been admiring everybody else's creations. There are so many amazing designs out there that when it does become time to carve mine, I don't know how I'll decide. For now, I've gathered a few of my favorite works of pumpkin art and a few links to some of my favorite stencils. Happy carving!

Stencils:
The Classics
Gone Coastal
Face Time
Star Status

Lusting After {Pumpkin Patches}

With October just days away, I can finally start getting into the fall spirit. I know the start of the season was awhile ago, but it just never feels like it till October 1st. One of my favorite parts of fall is all things pumpkin. From pumpkin pie, to stuffed pumpkin, to the always fun, pumpkin decorating, I love pumpkins! Right now, I'm dreaming of a day spent in the pumpkin patch picking out the perfect one. Whether it be white, orange, or spotted, I want one is every size. Can you imagine a dinner beneath the fall sky served family style amongst all the pumpkins? It would be the most divine fall dinner party!

Have a great weekend!

Fall Vows

With the change of seasons upon us, I've been feeling crazy inspired. While that can be a very good thing, it has me feeling all over the board. Getting excited about everything that fall and fall gatherings can bring leaves me longing for a bit of focus. So, today I am taking the time to focus it all into one post. While the list is not extensive, I have gathered some of my favorite ideas as my blogging promise to you. Over the course of this season, I vow to give you tutorials on all of the following, amongst other things.

I love to hear from you too! Are you feeling especially inspired by something and don't know how to quite make it happen? Let me know and I'll do it for you. Feel free to comment here, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, it doesn't matter. After all, I want Events Uncorked to be relateable and a source of inspiration for you!

Have a great Wednesday!

Gracious Table

Thanksgiving is next week! Is anyone else as excited as I am? The turkey. The potatoes. The pumpkin pie. I'm getting anxious for quality family time, delicious food, and some intense football games. And while I'm sure your menu is all planned out and your supplies stocked in the pantry, have you thought about how you are going to decorate your table yet? It's almost as important as the turkey! Almost. Decorating your table for Thanksgiving can be simple and easy. To spice it up this year, try setting the table instead of having plates on the buffet. For centerpieces, all you really need is some mini pumpkins, multi colored dried corn on the cob or some fall leaves. These items are sure to spice up your Thanksgiving table and make your guests thankful for a gorgeous table! 

This Party Inspired By {Pumpkin}

I was taken off guard yesterday when I finally sat down, looked at my calendar and realized that Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks from Thursday! How could it be here so soon? I can't figure out how it snuck up on me so fast, but it gets me really excited. I love Thanksgiving for a number of reasons, the family time, amazing food, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and most importantly the pumpkin pie. I'm a little bit obsessed. Every year, my dad and I gather in the kitchen with all our supplies, and pump out pumpkin pies. It's hands down my favorite holiday treat. So what would be more amazing than your whole Thanksgiving soiree being inspired by pumpkins? Not a lot if you ask me...

What's your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving?

The Art of the Pumpkin

Last week I showed you mine and R's pumpkin. And while for us, it was quite the artistic endeavor, compared to these people, our pumpkin looked like it was carved by a 5 year old. And I only say 5 year old because a 3 year old should probably not be handling a knife. Anyways, if you haven't carved your pumpkin already, here are some done by some people much more talented than myself. I hope these people inspire you and that maybe your pumpkin this year is on this artistic a level. Already carved your pumpkin? I want to see! So tweet me a picture @eventsuncorked. 

xo

Party Essentials {Halloween}

Halloween is a week from Monday which can only mean one thing...Halloween Party! And while I'm giving you all the Halloween inspiration you need on Monday, today I wanted to give you my Halloween party essentials. No matter if your party is meant to be scary or just fun, here's what you need! 

{1} Green Light Bulbs: Whether you put them outside or in, they give off an erie glow perfect for the occasion. 

{2} Eyeball Martinis: Thank you Martha Stewart for supplying me with an ever so creepy but utterly delicious Halloween favorite! 

{3} Candy Corn: Clearly everyone's favorite treat of the season. It's a total must!

{4} Giant Fuzzy Spider: Spooky and unrealistically large. Perfect to scare, but not to bad.

{5} Pumpkins: Duh. What's Halloween without pumpkins? Carve them for outside or use them as centerpieces or maybe even as an ice bucket! 

{6} Dry Ice: Need I say more? It gives off a spooky smoke so tease your guests by icing their eyeball martinis with it.

{7} Spiderwebs: To go with that giant spider of course! 

{8} Skeletons: Personally I prefer black, glittered skeletons that hang on my front door. But, if you can manage to make them look like they are climbing up your building, then props to you because that looks pretty cool!

{9} Black Candles: Because white ones just aren't creepy. 

What are you Halloween party essentials? 

The Pumpkin Patch

It's pumpkin time! A couple weeks ago, R and I made a trip to the pumpkin patch down the street to pick out the perfect pumpkin. And after checking each pumpkin we finally found one that was perfectly round with only one little bad spot. It was the perfect size and was bound to look perfect on our front porch! 

After lugging it (plus 3 cute little pumpkins) home, it was time to carve. Scroll below to see our super scary pumpkin! And, if you are wondering what to do with the pumpkin guts, come back tomorrow and I'll show you! 

Happy Halloween! 

Welcome to Fall

It is finally fall! And believe it or not, it actually feels like it! Maybe only for a week, but still. It's getting me excited for cooler, but not too cold, temperatures, pumpkin flavored anything, crisp apples, and cinnamon sugar toppings. I can't wait to throw an autumn bash, mainly because I'm really excited to make that pumpkin ice bucket. And even though I know temperature are going to reach the 90s again in a few days, for now I can get excited for shades of burgundy, gold, and oranges. And as excited as I am for fall colors to fill the air, I'm most excited about next weekend's trip to the pumpkin patch! What are you most excited about for fall?