Pumpkin Banana Smoothie: Take Two

First thing first, know how to work your blender. The first time I tried this I disconnect the blender bottom and my smoothie ran out all over my blender, counter and floor. It was a mess, but I am SURE I will never make that mistake again.

This smoothie is a combination of yummy pumpkin puree (that I made over the weekend, see Pumpkin 911 post), half of a banana, vanilla low-fat yogurt, and a couple ice cubes, topped with a little pumpkin pie spice to make it extra special. A great recipe if you have pumpkin puree, or if you have extra canned pumpkin on hand from another recipe.

Drinking mine right now, so yummy.

The lost trip to the Great Pumpkin Patch

So this was back in early October, but I just uploaded the pictures and remembered what an awesome place it was. Check out the pics, and if you are ever in or around Arthur, Illinois in September or October stop by. Huge selections of pumpkins, squash, and all things yummy.

  

Pumpkin 911

So Earth 911 had a recent article about uses for pumpkins after Halloween. I was then inspired to do a few of the ideas with the uncarved pumpkins I had at home.

1) Pumpkin Puree. I cut open my large pumpkin scooped out the seeds and guts (for later), then put each half on a cookie sheet with a lip on it and about a cup of water on each tray. Then popped them in the oven on 350 degrees for 90 minutes and took them out. After they cooled a little I scooped the soft pumpkin out of the middle and put it into my blender and pureed. Now I have pumpkin puree to use for the next little bit and believe me I have some good ideas for it. (I, of course, composted the pumpkin shell after.)

2) Pumpkin Seeds. Put pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet with some extra virgin olive oil, salt and an Italian blend of spices. Baked for about 25 minutes on 350 degrees, mixing the seeds around about half way through. Yummy, yummy, yummy.

3) Pumpkin Stock. I put all my pumpkin guts in a big stock pot with water and let it boil until the water turned orange. Then I strand the guts out of the stock, and put them in the compost bin. I'll use the stock later--in soups and hot dishes--like veggie stock. This actually made quite a bit, so ended up dividing it into 5 smaller containers; I'm keeping one in the fridge and freezing the other four to take out one by one.

The 911 article was great, so check it out!

More Doggy Fun

So this past weekend, the hubby, pup and I went to two more dog parks; on Saturday we went to Independence Grove Dog Park and on Sunday we went to Duck Farm Dog Park. Nola Belle is loving all this activity, I feel bad we didn't explore these dog parks all summer. All three parks are great. The pond at Independence Grove is awesome and the pup was all about swimming despite the cooler weather. We always thought she'd enjoy swimming, but she was too distracted at Prairie Wolf last weekend. The dog park is mostly wooded with trails all around the pond. Duck Farm was also very nice; mostly open fields with low grasses and mowed paths. We brought our tennis racket and some tennis balls and bopped them all over the park with Nola bounding along after them.

After going to the three closest parks, personally, I would rank them 1) Prairie Wolf 2) Independence Grove 3) Duck Farm. I love the prairie grasses and flowers at Prairie Wolf, along with the large open areas and nice swimming spot. Independence Grove is awesome for Nola to go swimming and has some great trails, it does not however have a doggy drinking fountain. The largest negative to Duck Farm is the lack of water (though there was a fair amount of mud), but for us it is the most conveniently located so I am sure it will get a lot of use by us! My hubby ranks them 1) Independence Grove 2) Prairie Wolf 3) Duck Farm. I think he really liked the wooded shady paths at IG.

If by some stretch someone from the Lake Country Forest Preserve reads this, please know I love your dog parks, so please please please consider making on in Northern Lake County...like maybe by Van Patten Woods, just a suggestion. I would use it all the time!! Thanks!

Dog Park Fun

So today we tried out Prairie Wolf Dog Park. What an awesome place.

The park was full of people and dogs on this nippy fall day; everyone was out to enjoy themselves. We've visited the Lake County Forest Preserve with our pup before, but to parks where she was required to wear  a leash. These trips have always been fairly pleasant, except for the doggy pulling on her leash, barking at bikers, and a very thirsty puppy. However, at the Prairie Wolf, the pup got to be off her leash which she loved, and they had a drinking fountain at her height. What's even better is the park is absolutely beautiful making great for the people too. And what's great!!!...there is a large pond for the dogs to swim in too. Our pup was not so fond of the water, but it was a great area, and I hope she's braver the next time we go. It was a great day at a great park. Next time I think we will try the Independence Grove Dog Park. I am so happy to live in a county that has such a nice park system. New wish: a Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Park in Northern Lake County.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I sent this delicious autumn treat to work with my husband, as well as bringing some to share with my co-workers as well. Everyone enjoyed them. They look and taste great.

RECIPE: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 Vegetable Oil*
2 Eggs*
1/4 Cup Water
1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Wheat Flour
3/4 TSP Baking Powder
1/2 TSP Baking Soda
1 1/4 TSP Ground Cinnamon
1 TSP Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/4 TSP Salt
1 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Using Pam (or another kind of baking spray) grease the inside of muffin pan or use liners.

2. Mix all the ingredients, add the Mini Chocolate Chips after everything else has come together.

3. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full with batter. (I sprayed the 2/3 measuring cup with Pam, for easy pouring). Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.

*Feel free to use Applesauce instead of Vegetable Oil, and Egg Beaters instead of Eggs for a healthier recipe.

These muffins are yummy all by themselves, but are extra yummy warmed and with a little cream cheese. Hope you enjoy!