Pumpkin Scones

Did you know that Trader Joe's is currently selling THIRTY FIVE different pumpkin products?  Did you know that women across the country, wearing cozy sweaters, boots and scarves, are buying ALL of them?  They might even be secretly listening to Christmas music in their cars on the way home!  I am not, of course, talking about myself... and even if I were talking about myself, I would claim it was all in the name of "blog research" - holiday music included.  I'm a normal person.

So I may or may not have a lot of pumpkin puree around the house, and I may or may not be in search of recipes.  Similar to this recipe, for these Pumpkin Scones.  They are moist, they are full of all those spices that accompany pumpkin so well and they are topped with sweet, sugary icing (I ran out of powdered sugar, therefore only made the basic glaze).  Also, they are perfect with coffee for breakfast.  Joy to the World!  (I'm talking about myself I'm listening to Christmas music already help) 

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Scones

Right as I have the nerve to toot my own horn about a silly posting streak, I go and get the stomach flu.  I was all set to wake up early on Monday, drink my coffee, munch on this scone and write this post... but life had other plans for me AND I WILL SPARE YOU THE DETAILS.  So, sadly, I was out of commission yesterday, and wasn't even able to get an after-shot of these delicious and decadent scones (recipe here).  At least, I imagine they were delicious and decadent because that's what happens when you combine chocolate and peanut butter, right?  The truth is, I didn't even get to try one because something evil was destroying me from the inside.  I sent them to work with Carson because I knew there they would be loved, there they would find a normal tummy to live in.  

Is this sort of gross, this post?  Sorry.  Hope you're healthy.  

my Star Wars helper...

I swear, when they came out of the oven they were all golden brown and lovely.

Tea Time

How were your weekends?  Ours was full of restaurants.  I'm at the "almost one month away" point, and I'm finding it difficult to accomplish simple tasks like MAKING DINNER.  Speaking of being "close to popping" (never tell a pregnant woman she looks like that, never, ever ever), yesterday some girlfriends threw me a little "sprinkle" (that's what we decided to call a casual shower for Baby #2).  We had tea at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills.  What a joyful experience!  I've never felt so civilized, and so aware that my boobs were sweating in a lovely, classy environment.  I am the luckiest to have sisters and girlfriends like the ones I have - the aunties this baby will be blessed with. 

(The following photos taken by Katy at Chasing You Photo)   

the decor...

to begin, freshly sliced strawberries with whipped cream...

scones, tortes and cakes and profiteroles, tea sandwiches...

my personal favorite, curried chicken with cashews on raisin bread...

"bwah ha ha ha tee hee hee..."

baby's own cookware set...

*When I got home, Jack began instantly playing with the pots and pans.  Whipped us up a graham cracker, American cheese and carrot soup.  Mmmm um no.

You're a peach.

I'm cheating a little...

Tomato and Peach Salad with Corn and Feta

Peach Collins

Peach Cobbler Scones

Bourbon Peach Cobblers

...because I didn't have time to create a peach recipe for you today.  But if I DID have time, I would have made one of the above because they all look/sound fabulous.  Instead, I am busy making my S'more Cookies for Fancy Camping 2012.  Come back tomorrow for one final icy cold peachy treat, created by yours truly.  Goodbye!  

Chocolate Chip Scones

I've never been much of a scone lover (though I won't pretend I haven't occasionally devoured a 5,000-calorie Maple Oat Nut Scone from Starbucks).  But a reader friend recently sent me a recipe, and while I didn't have all the ingredients on hand to make the specific one she sent, it stirred my interest.  T'would be quite lovely if I had a go at baking some scones!, I thought to myself in a British accent.  (Am I mistaken, or are you always supposed to speak and think thoughts in a fake British accent when dealing with scones??)  And what DID I have on hand?  Chocolate chips.  Oh yes, those are always on hand.  

I found this recipe, and quite enjoyed the addition of lemon zest it called for.  (Fake British Accent Tip: say "quite" a lot.)  They turned out great.  Perfect for breakfast with tea and crumpets.  What the hell is a crumpet, by the by.

dry ingredients, butter, lemon zest...          

(I didn't have buttermilk and used heavy cream instead...)

scone dough...

pizza pie...

milk and sugar glaze...

bite...