Things I love this fall

 I am really enjoying the weather this fall, especially the past few extra warm days! We live in the heartland, and it has been quite a warm summer, so these cool yet warm fall days are very welcome. I already boxed up the summer stuff, so I am finding new and fun ways to use my old winter wardrobe...and being post baby, it's really like a whole new closet in there! So I am addicted to leggings and boots, when you pair them with sweater socks = darling! Here are a few more things I love this fall.

1.White Fringe-y Cardigan wraps!

2. Chunky Infinite Scarves

3.Sweater Socks!!!

4.Apple Cider

5.All the beautiful leaves

6.Biolage Hair Serum (all this wind)

7. Burt's Bee's Mama Bee foot Creme

8.Apple anything....yummy

9.Walks in the park at sunset

10.Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Of Course the view these days is quite eye catching. Makes you want to sit around outside and drink apple cider with your family.

Vegan & Gluten Free Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Eating healthy can taste GREAT! I whipped up a batch of these today, and they are already gone!

All you need:
1 c. low-sodium gluten-free vegetable stock or broth
1 c. fresh apple cider
1 tsp fennel seed, lightly crushed
1 c. quinoa, rinsed
2 tbsp Grand Selections olive oil
1 1/4 c. diced celery
1 1/4 c. diced onion
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
  salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. chopped pecans, optional
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
6 medium green bell peppers, tops cut off and hollowed
Fresh thyme, for garnish


All you do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable stock, apple cider and fennel seed to a boil over medium-high heat. Add quinoa, cover and return to a boil. Simmer, covered, until all liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté celery, onions, apples, salt and black pepper for 5 minutes or until slightly softened.
Combine quinoa and sautéed vegetables. Stir in cranberries, pecans, thyme and sage. Spoon into bell peppers and place in a baking dish.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until peppers are tender and stuffing is heated through. Serve garnished with fresh thyme.

Easy Peasy Lemon Square's

I had a craving for something sweet that wasn't chocolate. ( I just made a german chocolate cake for my Mr's birthday ) And I wasn't in the mood for something that "heavy". Having a 4 and a half month old means I have to cook things that are quick and simple. Easy Peasy Lemon Squares to the rescue!

Ingredients:
Angel Food Cake Mix
Lemon Pie Filling

All you have to do is mix the two together. Bam, you are almost done!
Then put this incredible concoction into a well greased 9x13 pan, insert into oven pre-heated to 350 and bake until the top is golden brown (this took about 40mins)

While cooling apply a sweet layer of powdered sugar, and try to contain yourself for a moment while that all cools down...

Once they have cooled a reasonable time (because you can't wait any longer, you know it) then cut into the desired square size! It is a different texture than a regular lemon square, it is more like a thick lemon flavored angel food cake. Enjoy!