The Apple House

This weekend, D and I made a last minute trip to see his grandparents in Harrisonburg, VA. At first, I was a little stressed about the overnight trip given how much we have going on right now, but I am glad we did. The leaves on the trees of the Shenandoah Valley are just starting to turn, and it was a fun, peaceful drive to Harrisonburg. D's grandparents were really happy to see us, even for such a quick trip, AND...

On the way home, we stopped in Linden, Virgina at the famed, Apple House. The Apple House doesn't look like much from the outside, but the lines inside let you know that they are serving up something good! The apple doughnuts are to die for! D and I had to get some and some apple butter while we were at it.

I loved this t-shirt!

This is a glimpse into our bag of hot, apple doughnuts! Lordy me! I am going to need some Weight Watchers Wednesday help!!

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

It was a wonderful weekend! I am having a hard time getting into the work week, but I’m trying. D and I were lounge lizards all weekend, except for Sunday when we had a few friends over to watch the football game.

I am so grateful to Shannon at The Scribble Pad for posting some Football 101 information. It does make a HUGE difference to know a little more about the game. Also, D’s team won, and he was so happy and cute in his football jersey. Yes, that’s right; my husband wears a special Redskins jersey during each game, even when he’s watching at home. (Note: I just don’t get this. Does he think that he might get called into the game at some point, and therefore, needs to wear the jersey just in case??)

Anyway, I made some pumpkin spice cupcakes for the crowd. They are embarrassingly easy to make, and always turn out well! I had to take a picture off the internet, because I forgot to take one, but I love the idea of adding a little nut topping to the edges!

Cupcakes:
1 Spice Cake Mix
1 Can of Pumpkin

Directions: Prepare the cupcakes according to the box and add one can of pumpkin to the mix. The pumpkin makes the cupcakes a little denser, so you might have to adjust the baking time. Cool and dollop with cream cheese frosting!

Cream Cheese Frosting:
I used a recipe that I found on Slashfood.com. Beat 8 oz. cold cream cheese with 5 Tbsp. softened butter and 2 tsp. vanilla until combined. Gradually add 2 c. powdered sugar that has been sifted after measuring. Continue to add more sifted powdered sugar until you reach a consistency and sweetness that fits your taste.

First Autumn Weekend!

It is a chilly, rainy day here in the district, and we are headed for a rainy weekend. As you might have read before though, this doesn't bother me one bit! I have books, magazines and episodes of Mad Men to catch up on, so I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend!

Sunday is also football day with D's beloved Redskins playing. I, however, am a football dummy! Would any of you ladies who follow football be interested in doing a Football 101 post to educate girls like me who never really watched it? I would love to know more since D is so hooked!

One thing I already like about football is the food! It is fun to think of snack-able foods to make, especially if we are going to have people over. Check out a few of these recipes from Hostess with the Mostess!

These Rolo Pretzel Turtles look like an easy game-day treat, and they look so good!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Restaurant Week Is The Best Week

It is “Restaurant Week” here in the district, and let me tell you, I have been living it up!! In DC, Restaurant Week means that many of the restaurants in the city offer 3-course lunches and dinners for a special price ($20 for lunch and $35 for dinner).

In the past, I always learned of this event too late to get reservations to the best restaurants, but this year I was on top of it! I have also been much more social; dining out with friends, work colleagues and fellow foodies alike. What is it about good food that brings people together?

Anyway, tonight D and I have reservations for one of the oldest, and most romantic, steakhouses in the city. It’s the type of place we could not really afford on a normal basis, but for Restaurant Week, why not? I have heard that many other cities are starting to adopt versions of Restaurant Week, and I think it is great. It’s a great chance to try new places, new dishes, and, for me, make new friends!

Have a great day!

I Can Be a Domestic Goddess

I was so excited to find out that two of my favorite Food Network stars are coming out with new cookbooks. Both are available to pre-order on Amazon.com. I love the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, so much! I could watch her show all day, and I love the idea of simple, quality recipes.

In addition, Giada De Laurentiis has amazing recipes, and I feel like her wonderful pastas will be perfect for fall. D is going to be so lucky. I am turning into a domestic goddess for autumn!!