Perfect Butternut Squash Soup

Today’s weather makes me crave a cozy sofa, big blanket, good book, candles, and a bowl of warm soup.

imageTherefore, the first thing I did this morning, even before enjoying this delicious breakfast or coffee, was to make another batch of perfect butternut squash soup. IMG_5149 (640x478)

This is my nickname for a soup recipe I discovered last weekend on a can of Farmer’s Market butternut squash I found in my pantry.  I considered adapting the recipe, adding my own twist on the basic recipe, but realized that this recipe seemed too easy and spot on to want to change.

The ingredient list is short and sweet, only requiring 9 ingredients.

IMG_5113 (640x478) IMG_5114 (640x478) IMG_5115 (640x478) IMG_5116 (640x478)The steps are simple and leave your home smelling like fall for hours afterwards. The result is sheer perfection, a creamy and heartwarming soup that is the perfect starter for dinner or lunch addition. I normally would normally link to an existing recipe versus posting it on my website, but unfortunately Farmer’s Market doesn’t include this recipe on their website.

IMG_5139Farmer’s Market Organic Butternut Squash Recipe

6 servings

Ingredients

1 15 oz can Farmer’s Market Organic Butternut Squash

14 oz organic broth

1 medium organic onion

2 diced organic carrots

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 cups organic half & half (I only used 1/2 cup)

Recipe

In a large pot add broth, diced vegetables, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Transfer cooked mixture into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot. Add butternut squash and half and half. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes and serve warm.

Question: What is your favorite Fall or Winter soup? Do you have a recipe you’d like me to share with readers?

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Delicious Pumpkin Cookies

Last weekend on Edisto Island, my friend Rochelle, graced our group with some delicious baked goods. There was cookie cake for the newly engaged couple, brownies in the shape of the University of Georgia G, and delicious pumpkin cookies.

These cookies were gone before I knew it and therefore I was only able to enjoy two of the delicious pumpkin cookies the entire weekend. They were soft and chewy, just the way I like cookies. In addition, the extra dash of cinnamon on top of the iced ones gave them a hit of spice. IMG_4699 (640x478)

These were inspired by a Fall email Rochelle received from All Recipes. Below is the recipe with Rochelle’s adaptions in parentheses for your reference.

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Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Note: These cookies are best when enjoyed a day later.

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar (If you use Splenda Brown Sugar be sure to check equivalents.)
2 eggs or egg whites (Rochelle used 6 teaspoons of Egg Beaters whites only)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (Rochelle used half wheat flour)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Raisins, nuts, or miniature chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream shortening and sugar, then add the eggs. Mix well. Add vanilla and pumpkin. Set aside.
Sift dry ingredients, then blend into the "wet" ingredients. Add raisins or nuts if desired. Drop by heaping teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet, bake for 10 – 15 minutes. Cool.

Best eaten if you let them "ripen" for a day. Store in a sealed container

My mom and I just made these cookies to enjoy all weekend long and added miniature chocolate chips! What better way to welcome Fall?

Question: What is your favorite Fall inspired baked good?

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What I’m Loving Now: Fall Favorites

 In honor of tonight’s Fashion Night Out Festivities, taking place in many large cities, I wanted to share a few of my favorite Fall items! I’m currently jamming out with Samantha Ronson at the Gucci Guilty counter in Macy’s Herald Square where we’re hosting a huge FNO event. But, over the past few weeks, these are a few of the things that have been catching my eye online and in stores!

Fall Favorites

Vintage blouse, $44
Madewell silk blouse, $110
Diane von Furstenberg long sweater, $345
BCBG Max Azria leopard print blouse, $198
J Crew trench coat, $350
J Crew leather shorts, $118
Citizens of Humanity wide leg jeans, $178
Diane von Furstenberg flare pants, $345
Cole Haan oxford shoes, $328
MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors watch, $250
CHANEL LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR | Nordstrom, $25
Bobbi Brown ‘Tortoise Shell’ Sand Eye Palette Sand Tortoise One Size, $60

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