Autumn in my Heart, my Home, and my Kitchen

Joel 2:23
"Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before."

The following blog post is a repost from last year, but the same feelings are in my heart, the same decorations in my home, and the same yummy dishes in my kitchen. I LOVE all things Pumpkin. In fact, I really want to take a trip to IHOP to have some Pumpkin Pancakes. My mom texted me this morning that she was enjoying some at her IHOP in NC, and I was super jealous.

As for other Autumn (specifically Pumpkin) Goodies...
If you are in the mood for some yummy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, then just visit here:
http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2009/09/muffin-madnessblueberry-cream-streusel.html


If you are a Pumpkin Fan, then you have to try my Granny's Pumpkin Cake:
http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandparent-gratitude-grannys-pumpkin.html

Or if you prefer a Pumpkin Cheesecake then click here:
http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2009/10/carolina-blue-birthday-wishes-pumpkin.html

Or maybe you would like to try some yummy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies:
http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2009/10/tears-in-bottle-pumpkin-chocolate-chip.html

If you are in need of the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe or perhaps some Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, then click here:
http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2009/11/autumn-is-fueling-my-baking-passion.html

Or my personal favorite...Pumpkin Angel Food Cake with Maple Whipped Cream Topping!
http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2009/11/thankful-heart.html

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” ~Stanley Horowitz

I LOVE Autumn. It makes me smile; it makes my heart smile; it even makes me do Jaythan’s happy dance. I am a Southern Girl who lived the first 20 years of my life in North Carolina where Seasons exist, and the leaves turn amazingly beautiful reds, yellows, oranges, and plums every September lasting until late November. I am convinced that the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC is a glimpse of Heaven on Earth given to us by God to make our hearts happy.

Unfortunately, where we live in far South Texas (Northern Mexico ;-)), seasons do not exist. It has been 100 + degrees here for what seems like forever. There are usually only 2-3 days per year that are “sweater worthy”. Oh, and did I mention that the only trees that we have are Palm trees? Thus, no reds, yellows, oranges, and plums to make my heart happy. But, alas, I have gotten used to the nonexistence of Autumn, and have decided that Autumn can live in my heart, my home, and my kitchen.

Even though it is only the beginning of September, I have already begun to decorate my home for the season.

In my heart, I can decide daily to allow God’s warmth and presence to fill every part of my being. I can make time to spend playing in the park with Jaythan, taking walks with my hubby, and laughing over a cup of tea with my friends and family.

As for my kitchen, Autumn automatically makes me think of apples, Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Pie, fresh breads, mouth-watering soups, and a Kitchen that smells like cinnamon and nutmeg. How could one not love the season that contains Thanksgiving, State Fairs, Hay Rides, and Caramel Apples? Or, not to mention, my birthday ;-)! So many reasons to celebrate :-)! Thus, I am going to start posting recipes over the next 2 months that make me think of Autumn-recipes that will fill your home and your tummies with satisfying warmth. So, invite your friends or family over, make some of these yummy goodies and enjoy Autumn to the fullest! Today’s recipe is a personal creation that I entered into a cookie contest when we lived in Fort Worth. They contain all the ingredients of Fall-caramel, apples, and cinnamon; and they taste like a caramel apple explosion in your mouth. Enjoy!

Be Blessed and Love Lavishly!
Christina B

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence



Caramel Apple-Cinnamon Bars

Ingredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
¼ cup shortening
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
4 ½ cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples (3 medium)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
1 bag (14 ounces) caramels)

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Farenheit. Mix the brown sugar, butter, and shortening in a large bowl. Stir in 1 ¾ cups flour, the oats, salt, and baking soda. Reserve 2 cups of the oat mixture. Press the remaining oat mixture in an ungreased 13x9 inch pan.
Toss apples, 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar, and 3 tablespoons flour and spread over the mixture in the pan. Heat the caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted; pour evenly over the apples. Sprinkle with the reserved oat mixture, pressing lightly.
Bake the bars 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cut the bars into squares while they are still warm. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Makes 36 bars.

Kari Jobe, Spiced Cider Soap & Fabric Pumpkins—My Savannah Smiles for Today!

To be completely honest with all of you in the blogging world, for the past week, I have been feeling pretty overwhelmed, lacking in joy, and quite sorrowful. Maybe it is because it is 100 degrees outside where I live-even though it is OCTOBER! UGH! I hate heat, and I so want it to feel Fall-Like. Jaythan and I went and bought a pumpkin for the front porch yesterday, and as we were putting it out, we were both sweating. There is something terribly wrong with that, in my opinion. I miss Autumn; I miss the Colored Leaves on the Trees; I miss being able to drink hot cocoa without sweating; but, mostly, I miss Savannah. There-I said it-the real reason for my “blahness” of late. I am not sure if it is because I have been holding tightly to my grief and instead putting on a “happy face” and “being strong” in front of others. Or maybe, I am afraid to grieve because I think that others will question “why isn’t she over it-it has been a year?” Or maybe, just maybe, my heart is aching because part of me is missing? I think that it is a combination of all of those things as well as her looming birthday in a few weeks.

But, before this post becomes so overly depressing, I am going to refocus.
I know I have so many reasons to be thankful, and God has blessed me tremendously, so today I sought out joy for my soul. Today’s joy (or Savannah Smiles as I like to call them) came in three forms.

1. My new Kari Jobe Cd. This is an amazing compilation of Worship songs that remind me of God’s presence, His unfailing Love for me, and my need to surrender everything (all these yucky emotions) to Him so He can Heal my heart. All of the songs are AMAZING! But, If I had to choose my favorites for today they would be, “Everyone Needs a Little” and “Singing Over Me.” You can listen to them on YouTube at the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUcJHz_jWs4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjt3Yd-CxFg
I love the stanza in “Everyone Needs a Little” that says, “He will lift you up. He will lift you up higher than sorrow. He will lift you up and cover your soul with healing.” My soul is so in need of being lifted up and healed by my Heavenly Father today.

2. Spiced Cider Bath & Body Works Foaming Hand Soap-I bought this today and it almost made me do the happy dance in the store. This stuff smells INCREDIBLE and it brings Autumn into my home. I have washed my hands at least 30 times today. I cannot get enough of it! I am seriously considering going back to buy the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin variety as well.

3. Craft Time with my Little Man-I love doing crafty things and I love spending time with Jaythan so I have started combining both loves into one. Today, in honor of it being 100 degrees outside, we made a fabric pumpkin! I saw the cutest pumpkin project at this website:
http://www.reallifeblog.net/2009/09/kids-craft-turn-toilet-paper-roll-into.html
I didn’t have the exact color fabric and pipe cleaners, but I have to say that I think our pumpkin turned out pretty cute! Not to mention, the cutie with the pumpkin! We had fun, and it made my heart smile to see how excited Jaythan got that we made a pumpkin.

So, now you have a glimpse into my heart for today-all the yucky and beautiful parts. Isn't it amazing that God loves us when we feel unlovely! Enjoy the pictures and be purposeful in finding Joy in the simple things. Much Love!

Autumn Weather, Rustic Oat Bran Bread, and a Blog Award

"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."

Psalm 16:11

I feel so blessed this week and have experienced the JOY of the Lord's Presence in an incredible way. We just returned from an amazing weekend in North Carolina and West Virginia celebrating my brother’s marriage to his beautiful bride, Heather. The time with family filled my heart with memories and joy, and the cooler temperatures and beautiful beginnings of Fall Foliage on the trees brought a sense of awe and thankfulness to my heart. When we returned to the usually HOT Rio Grande Valley in TX, I was pleasantly surprised with the much-needed rain and taste of Fall-like temperatures. One day this week it didn’t even get out of the low 60s. Now, that makes me happy! I am praising God for so many reasons but must of all, I thank Him for giving me the Fall that I love!

I love to make and eat homemade bread, and Fall is the perfect season to enjoy delicious, hot-from-the-oven, melt-in-your-mouth bread. Because of the cooler weather that God gave us this week, we ate lots of soup, chili and this Homemade Rustic Oat Bran Bread. It is Super Healthy, Fairly Easy to make, and VERY Yummy. Enjoy!

Rustic Oat Bran Bread

INGREDIENTS
2-1/4 to 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup oat bran or wheat bran
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons honey plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon cornmeal
Crushed Pecans or Walnuts (about 2 Tablespoons)

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, oat bran, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat water and honey to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough (dough will be sticky). Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a round loaf or 12 small balls to make rolls. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray or a 12 cup muffin tin coated with cooking spray if you wish to make rolls and sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. With a sharp knife, make three diagonal slashes across top of loaf. Gently press crushed pecans on the top of the loaf or rolls. Drizzle with honey. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet to wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf (12 wedges) or 12 rolls.

Yet another reason to be thankful is that my Dear Friend, Teri Lynne at the awesome and inspiring Pleasing to You blog has given me this "HONEST SCRAP" award.

Thank you, friend of my heart! So, here's what I am supposed to do:

1.) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award. ~ Thanks, my amazing, uplifting, beautiful (inside and out) southern friend!

2.) Share "10 Honest Things" about myself.

3.) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design or those who have encouraged me.

4.) Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

Here's my 10 things ...

· I am SO not a morning person. I would sleep till Noon if the demands of life allowed.

· I desperately desire to have more children; it is my heart’s desire to be a Mommy to many children (biologically and hopefully through adoption one day).

· I have been told that I am High Maintenance, and it is probably an accurate description at times. I like to be spoiled and I love to be loved.

· I RARELY buy anything at the store without a coupon. If I forget my coupon organizer, I simply turn around and go home. I love to save money and often come home with bags full of “free” or “almost free” stuff.

· I dream about moving back to North Carolina-my family, the mountains, the Beach, the trees, and so many memories. It is my prayer that God moves us one day.

· I have a “gift” room in my house. This room is full of gifts and gift decorating material. I LOVE to give gifts and have the most fun finding the perfect gifts for my friends and family.

· It makes me ill to leave the house with dirty dishes in the sink-that is my BIGGEST pet peeve. The dishes must be put in the dishwasher or washed or I will not have a Peaceful Heart-pretty obsessive, right?

So, there are a few little honest things about me. As for seven blogs that inspire and encourage me, here goes.

1. My dear friend, Teri Lynne (mentioned before) ... she inspires me, encourages me, prays for me, and reminds me that God has a sense of humor (one day I will explain how we “met” and you will laugh). Visit her at "Pleasing to You" and you will see her honest heart and her passion for loving God and others! http://pleasingtoyou.blogspot.com/

2. Teri Lynne’s sister-in-law, Beth, has a wonderful blog, "SEW ANYHOW”. Beth is extremely talented, is a mother to seven children, home schools, and loves God! She is a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman. http://sewanyhow.blogspot.com/

3. I admire and love spending time with Lana at" I Love My Five Kids" I met Lana through MOPS and she is truly one of the most genuine, wise, sweet, and loving women I have ever met. Check her out at: http://ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com/

4. "The White House" written by my friend, Tyne, is such a joy to read. Tyne has a beautiful wit and her posts will leave you laughing while send you seeking more intimacy with the Heavenly Father who loves you! She uses real life stories of her four “under four” to show our Father’s heart of love toward us. http://tynerbock.blogspot.com/

5. One of my Mentors and the Women’s Ministy Leader at our church, Gail, just started a blog at “Flowers in the Window” where she encourages others to “bloom where they are planted". Gail has a passion for living, and her smile brings joy to so many. She loves the Lord, and has a Heart for Sharing God’s love with Women. http://gailewing.blogspot.com/

6. "Intentionally Katie” is a blog that I have followed for about six months now. I appreciate Katie’s honesty in the challenges of parenting and love her tips for home organization, her menu plans, her recipes, and her passion for being a Godly wife and mother. http://intentionallykatie.blogspot.com/

7. InCourage is a new website that has AMAZING, real, honest, uplifting writings from several Christian women bloggers who desire to share God’s love through the Internet. I love that they encourage you to submit your prayer requests. They have recently been talking about “HOPE”-the Hope we have in Christ despite our circumstances and trials that we face daily. You will truly be blessed after visiting http://www.incourage.me/

I encourage you to visit these blogs and tell them that I referred you. You will love them just as much as I do-I promise!

Autumn’s Mosaic in my Home, my Heart, and my Kitchen

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.” ~Stanley Horowitz

I LOVE Autumn. It makes me smile; it makes my heart smile; it even makes me do Jaythan’s happy dance. I am a Southern Girl who lived the first 20 years of my life in North Carolina where Seasons exist, and the leaves turn amazingly beautiful reds, yellows, oranges, and plums every September lasting until late November. I am convinced that the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC is a glimpse of Heaven on Earth given to us by God to make our hearts happy.

Unfortunately, where we live in far South Texas (Northern Mexico ;-)), seasons do not exist. It has been 100 + degrees here for what seems like forever. There are usually only 2-3 days per year that are “sweater worthy”. Oh, and did I mention that the only trees that we have are Palm trees? Thus, no reds, yellows, oranges, and plums to make my heart happy. But, alas, I have gotten used to the nonexistence of Autumn, and have decided that Autumn can live in my heart, my home, and my kitchen.

Even though it is only the beginning of September, I have already begun to decorate my home for the season. I am including pictures of my “touch of Autumn” and I hope they make you smile.

In my heart, I can decide daily to allow God’s warmth and presence to fill every part of my being. I can make time to spend playing in the park with Jaythan, taking walks with my hubby, and laughing over a cup of tea with my friends and family.

As for my kitchen, Autumn automatically makes me think of apples, Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Pie, fresh breads, mouth-watering soups, and a Kitchen that smells like cinnamon and nutmeg. How could one not love the season that contains Thanksgiving, State Fairs, Hay Rides, and Caramel Apples? Or, not to mention, my birthday ;-)! So many reasons to celebrate J! Thus, I am going to start posting recipes over the next 2 months that make me think of Autumn-recipes that will fill your home and your tummies with satisfying warmth. So, invite your friends or family over, make some of these yummy goodies and enjoy Autumn to the fullest! Today’s recipe is a personal creation that I entered into a cookie contest when we lived in Fort Worth. They contain all the ingredients of Fall-caramel, apples, and cinnamon; and they taste like a caramel apple explosion in your mouth. Enjoy!

Be Blessed and Love Lavishly!
Christina B

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

Caramel

Apple-Cinnamon

Bars

Ingredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
¼ cup shortening
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
4 ½ cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples (3 medium)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
1 bag (14 ounces) caramels)

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Farenheit. Mix the brown sugar, butter, and shortening in a large bowl. Stir in 1 ¾ cups flour, the oats, salt, and baking soda. Reserve 2 cups of the oat mixture. Press the remaining oat mixture in an ungreased 13x9 inch pan.
Toss apples, 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar, and 3 tablespoons flour and spread over the mixture in the pan. Heat the caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted; pour evenly over the apples. Sprinkle with the reserved oat mixture, pressing lightly.
Bake the bars 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cut the bars into squares while they are still warm. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Makes 36 bars.