sweet miscellany

It’s funny how sometimes, no matter how strict of a list and schedule I make, life gets in the way. I may have several specific things planned for an evening, but it’s no telling what might throw everything off kilter. Lately, what seems to happen is that my body will whine in protest, telling me that there’s no way it can keep checking things off the list. I sometimes have to fight with all of my might to keep it from betraying me and taking a lengthy nap on the couch. Perhaps the remedy is that I need to slow down and take a minute (or an evening) to myself. I need to put aside everything work related and enjoy the little things I don’t get to do often.

I think Jacqui’s post about taking time for normal weekends really struck a chord. When you have a job (or jobs) that command all of your time, especially when you are partially or fully self employed, it’s really hard to make time for you. I plan on doing a bit of that this weekend as the chilly weather blows in. Perhaps I’ll have a cup of tea and enjoy these pears over a bit of oatmeal or yogurt while letting my mind and body have a rest.

Originally, these beautiful pears were destined to be roasted, or incorporated into a pie, but time was slipping away along with their ripeness. Since I already had my equipment out to make some applesauce, I decided to go ahead and can these beautiful pears in a spiced honey syrup. I can all the time for my shop and the market, so I figured it was about time to share a recipe that involves it. It’s really not hard, but it requires a few pieces of inexpensive equipment. And, the bonus with this recipe is that after you have eaten the pears, you will have a lovely spiced honey syrup that you can use to drizzle over anything and everything. I’m dreaming about drizzling it over pancakes, tea, and yogurt, but the possibilities are endless.

pecans from the farmer’s market

Just thought I’d drop in for a bit of an update. Currently, there is seasonal produce bulging out of every nook and cranny possible in my little apartment. Most of it is for jams and such for my shop and the farmer’s market, but some of it is for a project I’m working on. It pretty much smells like a fruit bowl when I walk in the door, but I’m not complaining. I guess you could say it’s nature’s own air freshener. Aside from the fruit, there’s also a 25 pound bag of oats hoarding any space that was left in my pantry. I never thought I’d have to buy that big of a quantity, but people at the market like granola!

Sadly, I don’t have a new recipe for you today. I’ve been wrapped up in farmer’s market hubbub and a big project which I’ll share with you soon. The past few weeks have been exhausting, rewarding, and a learning experience in time management. I still haven’t mastered the issue of making room for me-time, but perhaps soon.

Since I can’t give you a drool-worthy new recipe, I thought I would share some inspiring and delicious things I’ve seen around the blogosphere lately:

+ I’m still craving apple pie. Even though it’s become a mission to make one in the near future, the warm apple pie pots over at the roost blog would be a delicious substitute

+ My obsession with pumpkin has me dreaming about these warm pumpkin coconut muffins and this spiced pumpkin coconut milk ice cream

+ Hannah’s photos are always so lovely and dreamy, especially these she took in an apple orchard. Also, there’s a simple yet tasty apple pie recipe in the post.

+ This chard pesto linguine over at Happyolks looks like the perfect comforting and healthy meal for a chilly autumn evening

+ I would like to transport myself to here or here immediately.

+ I’m starting to really like vegetarian chilis, especially this one (big shocker, it has pumpkin in it!)

+ I’m quickly becoming a fan of David’s Tea, particularly this one & this one

…And, in case you missed it, this lovely blogger did a review of my vegan salted chocolate chip & date cookies, and the huffington post featured my maple roasted pecans here.

Get out there and Enjoy October before it leaves us for another year!