{thankful for...}

Happy 100th post.
Happy Thanksgiving. :)

mini pumpkin pies

Fall is near. And these mini pumpkin pies are adorable (and tasty too).




This was my first time making pie from scratch...and surprisingly, it was a lot easier than I expected. It helped doing it alongside some excellent baker friends, but I feel good about adding this to my baking repertoire. :)

1) Roll the dough for your pie crusts.
This pastry crust instruction is great (this makes enough for about 72 mini pies so feel free to cut it down)

After you prepare your dough, flatten and cut circles with a biscuit cutter (or cookie cutter or small cup) to give you circles that are slightly bigger than the muffin mold.

2) Press dough inside the muffin molds. Chill in the refrigerator.

3) Prepare your pie filling. The options are endless here, but we opted for a Pumpkin Pie filling

Pumpkin Pie Filling
recipe via here (also on the side of the Libby's can!)

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin

Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat eggs lightly. Add pumpkin and dry ingredients and stir. Gradually mix in evaporated condensed milk.

Fill the pie crusts. Here's a clean and efficient way to fill your pies: use a baster! (Erica's genius idea)

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown; top off with whipped cream and enjoy.

G & D

One of my best friends is getting married today! Eugenia, my free-spirit, creative brained, and fearless friend...who I never fail to laugh uncontrollably with--I am mixed with all kinds of emotions today amongst all the hustle and bustle this morning (currently waiting to get my hair done by this lovely lady). I would feel really sad to be losing one of my greatest 'single' friends to betrothed-ness if her fiance wasn't such an equally awesome person. Needless to say, I feel so lucky to be a part of their special day.

Their wedding is themed after one of Daniel's favorite books, "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery--amazing. And the adorable ring bearer, Gavin, will march down the aisle as the Petit Prince himself. I leave you with some of his words, and their wedding quote. :)

The essential things in life are seen not with the eyes, but with the heart. --The Little Prince

j. crew fall

Some of my favorite looks from J. Crew's fall 'looks we love.' I like that these looks don't require a whole new wardrobe, (especially since I've been trying edit & trim my closet--eep!), yet look so fresh & polished. And I love the messy hair that goes with.

{creative}