Happy Samhain - And The Winner is........

First off I would like to wish all of you a wonderful All Hallows Eve... It is an absolutely beautiful day here... I have been busy with all sorts of things.... I had to go outside and enjoy the sunshine as well as the warm temperatures.. It is Halloween and I saw wasps, butterflys and ladybugs... wonderful...... My back porch was covered in willow leaves from the days before when the wind blew like winter... of course I had to sweep them off....

I prepared my apples for the cemetary.  I am some distance from any of my relatives to visit them so I decided to go out and give the Wright babies (Jackie Moon story) each a little something this Hallow Eve.  A nice little apple with a marigold tied with a red ribbon.  I don't get many (if any) trick or treaters so I figured I would do this instead. 

I am also busy preparing the food and such for this evening... Roasted corn, acorn squash, Halloween Pie (sheep herders pie with charmed potatoes), and fairy cakes with homemade whip cream... It just all sounds so yummy... I can't wait to eat it....

Also finally got around to carving 2 of my pumpkins... The 2 tall ones from Tennessee.  Also planning on making some roasted pumpkin seeds .  I still don't think I will be able to bring myself to cut the others.... they are just too nice looking... Although eventually I know that the rot will get them... I plan to harvest the seed though and plant them for next season...

Lastly I am sure you are wanting to know who won the giveaway.... I tried to get one of my cats to help with the drawing yet they could not be more interested in such things, so I decided to have my handsome husband help me out.  He was nice enough to lend a hand and pull out a name for me from the all the entries.  I am pleased to say that the winner of my very first giveaway "A Little Tonic Before Bedtime" is  D Suplicki from Whimsical Cottage  .   Shoot me your mailing info and  I will get the package in the mail to you first thing Monday morning... I added lots of extra little goodies so enjoy.  Be sure and also watch for my November giveaway.  I will post all the details on Monday November 2nd.  This one is dear to my heart I am quite excited about it. 

Lastly I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend fill with magic and good times.  Thank you for helping make this a very special October for me.... Blessings

Fairy Honey Cakes

Cooking has always been dear to my heart. It seems that when I prepare something for others to eat, it is like giving them a little piece of me. I have always enjoyed eating, especially something that is delicious, and therefore I strive to give my company that same experience when they partake of my creations. They are not grand or exotic, mainly just home-made and tasty. Simple home cook food is what I am most fond of. I am blessed to have local growers who supply me with a variety of garden vegetables and fruits. Farm fresh eggs are also available. I like the natural taste of putting it all together yourself. Yes I know it takes a bit longer to prepare but it tastes so good…

Beginning today and continuing each Wednesday hereafter, a new and creative recipe and/or kitchen tip will be introduced. And requests, feel free to ask. I may not know yet I am willing to try and find out. Today’s recipe is my Fairy Honey Cakes. This is a recipe I only recently found, yet loved it the first time I made them. Needing a cake for my wine & cake rites I stumbled onto it. They are a small spice cake that is simply wonderful with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The honey lends itself to create a sweet crunchy top that is simply to die for. I usually make these in cooler weather, yet recently I found some of the most delicious local honey that I just had to make a batch. Enjoy.

1 ½ cup honey (fresh local honey is best)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar packed
½ cup butter (real butter is best)
1 egg
2 cups flour (I prefer the unbleached)
½ teaspoon baking soda
Approximately 2 Tablespoons milk

Sift flour, cinnamon, and soda together in small bowl. In large bowl cream butter and sugar. Separate egg. Add yolk to butter and sugar mix and set white aside for later. Add honey gradually to butter mix. Stirring until blended. Fold in flour mix slowly. Add milk as needed so that the batter is stirable but thick. Whisk the remaining egg white to a stiff froth and fold gently into the batter. Fill muffin tins ½ full. Sprinkle a little sugar on the tops. Natural brown sugar works wonderful. Bake at 425 for 15 -20 minutes.

Blessings

Raelin