Whole Wheat Cheese Crackers

I don't even know why I am blogging right now. It is 5am and I am getting ready for a birthday party for a million...yes, a million toddlers. I should be frosting mini cupcakes, but instead I am writing about cheesy ghost crackers cuz they are that good. Makes these and create instant fun. You can use any shape you want. I think that both of my birthday babies are gonna love them along with the millions of toddlers. What fun! 

 These ingredients were invited to the party. I used whole wheat flour and a sharp Cheddar. 

Lets get going. 

 Thank you food processor. You are a wonder. 

 Mix until it forms a ball. 

 Ready to roll.

 These are so cute. I froze my dough and then thawed it out prior to rolling and cutting. A great project to do with your kiddos.

Honey Sage Cornbread

There is something about cornbread that just makes me happy. It might be the carbs, or just the fact that it reminds me of being a kid and eating a big o' hunk with butter. Come one channel your inner eight year old. Will ya?

Ingredients are popping.

 Chopped sage. Smells like fall, thanksgiving and turkey... gotta get it. 

The skillet is heated in the oven prior to adding the batter. Melted butter makes everything better.

 All in the skillet and then baked. Make sure that you enjoy all the smells coming from your kitchen.

 Golden and ready to eat. 

 A serious face plant into this one. I double dog dare you to make it. 

Saffron Vanilla Cookies

Sometimes it can be hard to stop folding laundry, cleaning the house, or just living. You forget to  look outside and enjoy just a minute of time to enjoy the sunset, or the way that the front yard actually looks pretty this time of year. It can be hard to stop and remind yourself that life is pretty darn dang good. It can also be hard to stop, and to do something for yourself, or someone else, and... just... make... cookies. Cookies are one of those sweet circular things that always makes me happy. And these little guys are filled with sunshine, well actually saffron, which makes them nutty and warm and complex. Kinda like life. 

 Get the ingredients going. 

 Saffron is the crown jewel in this bunch. I used about 30 or so small threads and then crushed them up using a mortar and pestle. The finer the powder the more intense the saffron flavor. If you are shy on the stuff you can always use less.

 Vanilla bean meets, milk and is simmered with the saffron. A work of art in your kitchen.

 All whisked together. The vanilla bean pod is removed.

 The bright yellow dough is mixed with the flour and butter until just combined. 

 Scooped out ready to go. 

Harvest Festival

Two weeks ago we went to a Highground Farms in Watsonville for their Harvest Fest. It was so fun to see the kids hanging out and exploring and actual working farm. I think the all the parents had just as much fun. Pumpkins, hot dogs, blue grass music and tractor rides. Need I say more?

Kale salad with pumpkin seeds and golden beets. Super awesome. 

Pumpkins on the vine. Someone is excited. 

Such a great day. Enjoy the fall and the pumpkin picking. We did. 

Whole Wheat Pizza Balls

Home, kids, potty, sandy shoes... Milk?... Water?...Dinner? Yes, it is that time when we come home from our day, and we all want something. At times, there are tears and pouts and whines....oh wait that is usually from me. So, trying to figure out what to make for dinner can be a little bit challenging. However, anything pizza and anything in a ball can rise to the top of the dinner chain in no time.

Whole wheat pizza dough, cooked broccoli, cheese and pizza sauce.  

 Chop up the fillings and mix together.

Maple Pecan Muffins

Maple syrup will always remind me of my sister. Yes, syrup will brings to mind waffles and pancakes, trips to Coco's with grandparents, and their refills on hot chocolate. Whatever happen to unlimited hot chocolate refills? But the syrup from the maple tree will always remind me of my little sister. She seemed to always be covered in the stuff.  It seemed like she always had sticky hands full of the good stuff. Adie, this one was made for you. Sticky, sweet and full of love. Miss ya sis. See you soon! 

Lets get this syrup party going. Pecans, maple syrup, vanilla beans and buttermilk. Need I say more?

 You just gotta love a chopped nut. 

 Once loaded in the pan, these muffins are drizzled with some more maple syrup to take it to the next level.

 Enjoy with a glass of milk, some bright colors and think of someone you love, sticky and sweet.

Foodie Penpals Ole!

 I have to say there is something spicy in the air. Second month of doing the Foodie Penpals gift exchange and it has been so much fun. I have  met a lot of really nice peeps. This month, Cari from HeyRed sent me a package full of all things for a serious fiesta. Cari has a great blog full of all her adventures.  She has a great time blogging and from what I can tell also coming up with easy family friendly recipes. I am super excited to give these all a try. Check her blog out if you can.

 Chili powder. Gotta love it. Just gotta. 

Super excited to try out her recipes. Thank you so much Cari for all the great ingredients. Once my kids stop moving for one second. I may get to cook again!