ADOBO LIFE

WELCOME!

 This blog is focused on supporting my long term objective to save today so I can build a stronger investment portfolio tomorrow

MY GOAL:

Apply  basic skills in strategic planning, forecasting and building strategies to support my concept of - Saving MONEY TODAY  so I can PLAY TOMORROW !  I am NOT a finance guru and the closest I can get to being one is far beyond reach! My finance orientation is solely by reading Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", watching Cramer's "Mad Money" and my daily updates from Yahoo Finance and Motley Fool! I did not wake up one day and decided to save! I just made a COMMITMENT to do so.

MY STRATEGIES:

To be financially independent  drives my daily stories. If  that correlates to extensive reading on investment management, brand substitution, clipping coupons, sourcing for hot discounts, clearance shopping, budget cooking  - then by all means! I simply want to find ways to save even more! CLICK HERE to learn more about my steps to start a financial plan !

  MY TACTICS:

                 WHAT'S NEW: (UPDATED DAILY)

• FINANCE TRACKER FORMS: Personal tracker to measure saving progress
• FRUGAL LIVING , FINANCE 101: Stories, tips, ideas to keep me focused
  
• SAVE MONEY: My learning curve to save
• BUDGET MEALS: My tried and tested $10 (even less) meal.

IF I am not posting here, follow me at DINING WITH BATALI

HOW TO SAVE MONEY: BOTTLE IT UP

A few months ago, I shared my  COFFEE MADNESS (See:  IS COFFEE GOOD FOR ME?) . What I did was to count the number of cups of coffee I consume in an average work day -- and Starbucks will surely love me as I am the open target for their ads - -the busy bee who carries the Starbucks coffee in her meetings. Long story short, to help me minimize and control my caffeine intake I took the easy way out and just brought by own coffee mug (holds 2 cups) - -Problem solved!

Nine months later, here I am still filling my coffee mug at 7:30 am everyday, totally saved $4 -$8/week as I have not visited Starbucks drive-thru since that post (I only buy grande mocha when I am at the airport) - -And guess what , my coffee mug saved me a minimum of $300 in 9 months - -All because I chose to brew my own coffee daily- -Yeah!

So in celebration of my big success, I found an opportunity to expand my saving madness--so I bought this water bottle ($5.99 at Ross) so I can save the money I spent on cold drinks at the  giant vending machine in the break room (approx: $1/day)

Yeah right...I'm the crazy saving girl who bought these mugs and thinks its a great idea?  Well -- for some it doesn't matter - - but as I have reiterated in the past - -Every dollar I save is a dollar closer to my early retirement goal to live a princess life somewhere near the beach...

So excited but ..Houston, we have a problem - -They make my bag really heavy now! I'll survive!

SAVE BIG BY STARTING SMALL

We have heard of the concept  - save money and pay yourself first! But does this really works? 

Some women DO pay themselves first!  The most common method that I know --is not in the form of investment  BUT through tangible things that will make the fashion police proud! - Yep - -new shoes or bags monthly!

NO DUH!  If they have not realized yet that they  will not be forever the skinny 30 hot babe, then years down the road...I am sure we'll see them all hanging out together - mapping the floors at  some grocery store at 60!

I share my passion for saving money with you through this  blog as I am so scared of being that old and gray lady! The steps are not hard - -just commit to  small baby steps! Start saving with twenty - fifty - hundred dollars monthly... and slowly build your wealth one dollar at a time!Save Money!

The beauty of compounding ...10-20 years from now - it's going to be worth something! Today, this is not about tips on how I try to  minimize cost but how I redefine the definition of fund management that worked to my advantage! Here's how to save money:

STEP 1: START OUT WITH A PLAN: Before you can save money, you need to know how much can you afford to save!  Using one month as a point of reference:

a. Start with the basics of accounting all bills, debts and expenses you need to settle on a monthly basis: 

• List all MAJOR expenses that are constant (utilities, mortgage, phone,gas etc)

• List all MINOR expenses by sub category - (a)Food - grocery, lunch etc (b) Entertainment - movies, popcorn, dining out etc (c) Shopping - clothes, shoes, accessories

b. Place value on each category and start  crossing out  items you can let go for a month. If you can, try to delay major purchases for the next 12 months
c. Do a simple forecast of how much money you want to save by end of  3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 3 years and 5 years
d. Place a MONTHLY savings goal  on how much you need to set aside to achieve forecast
e. Set up a cash on hand budget that you have access  for Week 1
f. Plan bank visit for Week1 (once a week to get the cash on hand budget)

STEP 2: SEPARATE ACCOUNTS: If you are directing your salary to an account with a debit card you have access to ... Hmmm....-then you will have a problem! We need to have at least 2-3 accounts to ensure that funds are monitored and balanced on a monthly basis (direct deposit, checking and  savings). Consider my strategy:

a. Send salary to a direct deposit account like ING DIRECT (highest interest so far)

• For the MAJOR expense category: Set up an automatic transfer for a fix amount

• For the MINOR expense category: Set up  XX% of salary to a savings account ( with NO debit card access . Realistically, you have no time to go everyday to the bank...so you will be forced to manage what is available

b. Keep XX % of money at the direct deposit account for the MONTHLY saving goal

STEP 3: EVALUATE WEEKLY PROGRESS: This is very critical as this will make or break your goal.

•  On a daily basis, list down all expenses in your diary so you can track if you are below or above your budget.
• At the end of the week, count all money in your wallet including coins. If you have left over cash - -place them in an envelope and set aside.
• Go to the bank and get the cash on hand budget for week 2
• Follow same process for Week 3 and Week 4

STEP 4: ASSESS  MONTHLY GOALS: For the next three months, make sure that you commit yourself to this saving money project. Plan a support system to do this like -- writing a diary/ blog, reading articles on ways to save money and researching on investment opportunities. Reward yourself by placing all the leftover money in the envelope back to the bank! Think of it like money you loaned to a friend and they will never pay you back! This is now your virtual asset!  Stay out of the mall and stick to the plan!

STEP 5: PLAN FOR BIGGER THINGS:   By the end of  six months - -start planning like the Trump! Increase your saving allocation with the intention that you will purchase a bigger investment next year! If you are fortunate to be working for a company that provides percentage matching to 401k contribution and employee discounts on stocks purchase.. start reading about it!

I know some people who will delay contributing as they cannot let go of  small extravagances(i.e. shopping, eating out etc). But teach your left brain to tell your right brain that this is free money! So walk towards your HR department and ask for the details so you can escalate your savings strategy to a different level. 

I will stop here as I will let you ponder and make those baby steps happen! Again...save money...save money...save money!

DRIED CRANBERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES

It's gloomy outside and I am stuck with my computer for the next 3 hours. I thought I'll give myself a treat by indulging into homemade cookies where the tartness of the cranberry  complements with the buttery taste of the shortcake cookie recipe.

Recipe from Martha Stewart's cookie cookbook

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (2 sticks) of butter or margarine
3/4 cup sifted confectioner's sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees
• Combine butter, sugar, flour,vanilla, salt and cranberries. Mix well
• Form into balls and place in cookie sheets. Press a fork on top to flatten 
• Bake for 20 minutes

FOCACCIA BREAD

We were  so tired from our long $11 shopping spree (HOW TO SAVE MONEY: TEACH KIDS THE VALUE OF HARD WORK  ) and the family is still full from the  big brunch yesterday (GAME HENS WITH POMEGRANATE: Beccazini alla Melagrana and MAC AND CHEESE) so we decided to take it light for dinner and just feast on focaccia bread dipped in olive oil/ balsamic vinegar and cheese on the side.

Hmmm...I love the smell of home made bread with  rosemary in the kitchen.....

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup grated parmigianno - regianno
1/4  cup mozzarella
1 1/2 tbsp dried rosemary
pinch of coarse sea salt

HERE'S HOW:

Dissolve yeast in warm water until foamy. Add salt and sugar. Stir

 Add flour and olive oil. Mix well with hands

Transfer ball to clean work surface (dust with flour) and knead until dough is smooth.

Place dough in lightly oiled bowl. Cover for 2 hours

 Divide into two. Place in separate bowls. Cover and wait for another 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Oil two baking sheets. Place each piece of dough. Using rolling pin, flatten to fit in the sheet. Poke to make indention using your fingers. Sprinkle with cheese, drizzle olive oil, rosemary and salt.

Bake for 13- 15 minutes. Serve warm

HOW TO SAVE MONEY: TEACH KIDS THE VALUE OF HARD WORK

We provide our teens with monthly "salary" and not "allowance". This is one way that they can measure the value of performing their chores on a regular basis - - No chores - No pay!  Truly fascinating how a change in mindset can change the behavior of our teens. Through this concept - -they embrace the art of  prioritizing their needs (and budgeting too!)

We plan for at least 2-4 grand shopping spree per year for them BUT everything else they want in between the shopping schedule needs to come from their own pocket. So far this tactic works for us as they have a hard time letting go of their money at the mall. Yesterday,  girls had  fun without spending more than $11!!!

That's amazing as I know that teens can burn more than $100 at the mall in an hour....

MIXED BERRY SCONES

Lazy Sunday routine: Read email,  view foodie buddies' sites, check lotto ticket and count my cash in my wallet . Well, I only have $22 cash in my wallet but surprise surprise - - my stocks has a cumulative earning of 33.89%. Seriously - - I have NO MONEY in my wallet (no shopping for me)- - but I will survive!

For those of who just tuned in - -this is my site on how I find ways to save money and so I can plan for early retirement (it just so happen that I love to cook!).  You can read more about my self proclaimed saving rules (I'm winging it) at:

FINANCE PLAN FOR BEGINNERS:

FINANCE 101:

SAVE MONEY:

Anyway, today, I woke up early and decided to give the family a wonderful surprise with some freshly made scones

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar (reserve 1/2 tsp for toppings)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup  dried mixed berries
 1 cup buttermilk

HERE'S HOW:

• Combine all ingredients and mix well
• Place on top of counter (Place wax paper) dusted with flour. Knead and form into one ball
• Cut into triangle pieces. Sprinkle top with brown sugar. Arrange in baking pan (Be sure to spray with non stick cooking spray).
• Bake for 10 minutes at 425 degrees or until medium brown

EUROPEAN MOCHA FUDGE CAKE

I have all the colors of sweaters you can imagine but for some reason, I feel the need to add  more sweaters (costs $49 each) in my big pile. I've written some of my techniques on HOW TO AVOID SPLURGING AT THE MALL a few months ago, and today I learned new psych tactics on how I am able to prevent myself from  wasting  $100++.  It's "all in the brain" so to speak..but it worked today --Here's how:

SPEND QUALITY TIME IN THE DRESSING ROOM: The trick here is to exhaust yourself by trying multiple items to the point that you realize that all the clothes look the same in the mirror. This will give you the verification that you already have the signature look you want in your closet and an additional sweater will not make a difference.

TAKE THE ACCESSORY CHALLENGE: I don't wear chunky and fake jewelries but whenever I feel the need to shop -- I go straight to the accessory section and liberally wrap my neck with silver plated necklace thinking of an occasion  where I am able to use it. It looked good on me - -but $60 for a fake jewelry? hmmmm.. maybe next time! I'd rather save my money and get the stud earrings from the jewelry store next year.

Anyway, we did spent money at the mall - - A generous $4 mango passion drink from Orange Julius..I wanted to stop by at Starbucks for some grande moccha and a brownie - - but naaahh--I can make a cake later.

Today, we have sleepover teens and I made a European Fudge Cake from my new Hershey book.  Instead of using pecans --I used hazelnuts. It's only 7:30 pm and yikes...the cake is already gone!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
1/4 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
4 eggs
 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
Chocolate curls

CREAMY COFFEE FILLING : Beat together
1 1/2 cup cold  whipping cream
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp powdered instant coffee

HERE'S HOW:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees
• Butter bottom and sides of two 9-inch round baking pans
• Melt butter and add cocoa. Stir until blended
• In a bowl, beat eggs until foamy, add salt and vanilla
• Gradually add sugar. Beat well
• Add cooled chocolate mixture
• Fold in flour
• Stir in nuts
• Pour into prepared pan
• Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool
• Apply creamy coffee filling in between layers, over tip and sides of cake
• Add chocolate curls and refrigerate

HOW TO SAVE MONEY: GIVE IN "KIND" NOT IN "CASH"

When money is tough and you have a limited budget to work on -- don't be discouraged when there are days that you have to extend your dollar but think of it as an opportunity for you to be more creative!

Gift giving season is just around the corner and if you have a tight budget, consider the "Giving in Kind" concept  where you can provide a generous gift without breaking your wallet. Here are some ideas:

GIVE THE GIFT OF SERVICE: Our teens don't get a monthly allowance - -but instead they get paid a fixed amount of salary every month for doing their chores. Just like a salaried employee, we pay them extra money for any additional services rendered (i.e $5/car on car wash, $10 to clean my room, $30 for mowing the lawn). It was their dad's birthday and one teen daughter does not have the cash at that time to buy his dad the CD he wanted. The CD is worth $15 dollars but she  gave her dad two gift certificates worth $35 for his birthday last year through service  - - One is a gift certificate for a Free Car Wash and one Gift Certificate for Mowing the Lawn  - -Brilliant! (See: GYOZA (Japanese Dumpling))

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART: Do you have the Picasso talent running through your bloodstream? If so, why not share your hidden talent to brighten up someone's wall! Get your old paintbrushes and create something that  will surely make your mama proud. When we were in Colorado, the teens draw those anime characters in a poster format to give out to their friends during holidays - -it doesn't cost anything...just charcoal pencil and leftover poster boards! If you are doing this...make sure you sign your name and place a date at the bottom -- who knows one day you'll be famous and that $2 art will be worth $2 million dollars (Picture below is one created by the eldest teen dated 10.2009  - -so when will you be famous?)

GIVE THE GIFT OF FLAVOR: If you can command your pots and pans to do magic for you, why not create something edible that will make one's tummy happy?

Today's is my daughter's friend's birthday and the girls decided to surprise her with a homemade cake delivered to her door. It's a simple white cake with our own version of cream cheese icing - -The CAKE is worth less than $6 but the smile on her face - - PRICELESS!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ATTENTION: You don't need to wait for the big occasion to let one know they are important to your life - -Go ahead and give them a call  - -tell them they are cherished and no matter where you are wherever you will be - - they'll always have a friend/sister to lean on! This is what I love most about my sister - -She doesn't send me a card on my birthday - not even a gift on Christmas - -BUT who needs that when I know that she has my back at the time that I need her most - -and she'll fight for me no matter what!! I love you my only sister!!! Please call me -- u don't call me enough!

I'm sure they'll be more ...stay tuned!

______________________________

SIMPLE WHITE CAKE RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk

CREAM CHEESE ICING: Mix 8 oz cream cheese with 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp sugar and 1/4 cup whipping cream

HERE'S HOW:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
Add in the milk until batter is smooth.
Place batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven

Let cake cool and cover with cream cheese icing

CREAM CHEESE MUFFIN

Still tired from my  NEW JERSEY TRIP ! I wanted to call in sick but I have 4 meetings today. I called my mom to check how she is -- I get worried about her health condition nowadays and I feel comforted with the sound of her voice telling me stories about her daily shopping spree - - so it's a good sign!

My first conference call will start at 8:30 CT so I have time to bake this cream cheese muffin ...

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups flour
3/4 cup plus 3 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
6 tbsp butter, cut up
1 cup  buttermilk
3 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp grated orange peel
1 egg
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 12 cubes

STREUSEL TOPPING: Mix together
1/3 cup flour
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp butter, melted

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin cups with non stick cooking spray
• In a bowl, combine flour,3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and baking soda until mixture is crumbly
• In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, orange juice, orange peel and egg together.
• Stir in buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients
• Fill muffin cups 3/4 full
• Dip each cube of cream cheese into the remaining 3 tbsp sugar and press into batter
• Make streusel topping and spread evenly on top of muffin cups
• Bake for 15-20 minutes

APPLE CARROT MUFFIN

The day after Halloween is my favorite! This is my time that I go through the aisles of Walmart and Target believing that Willy Wonka land do exist as I go crazy picking out candies on sale. I checked Walmart first as all their merchandise are marked at  50% off the original price  compared to Target (30% off) ....unfortunately, there are only a few kids who knocked on our door the other night so my pantry is still loaded with chocolates. I am skipping this candy sale, just browsing today but wait....

I didn't notice that candles are placed on sale too? Walmart has them at $4 but I found this $2 at Kroger (Originally $6)

 

I hope they smell good --as I'll come back for more ! Anyway, I am heading out to New Jersey today - -another business trip and I thought I'd leave some munchies for the family. This recipe has real apples and carrots on it (i  scraped a finger as I was shredding the carrots - ouch). I used only 3/4 cup sugar but after tasting it I will increase it to one cup next time  as the Granny Smith is so tart. I only ate one and I feel so full already - -Oh my!

 

My flight is in 3 hours..why am I baking ??? I need to pack  ---

INGREDIENTS:

2 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray
• Combine eggs, sugar, oil and buttermilk in a large bowl. Stir in apples and carrots
• Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. COmbine with egg mixture, stirring until moistened
• Fill muffin cups 2/3 full
• Bake for 20-25 minutes
• Makes 16 muffins

MY LIFE: Birthday Burger

Gourmet Burger for the birthday boy! Not sure how it started, but every year - it's a must to have a Red Robbin burger for the birthday celebrant in this family. Of course, year after year we take turns being embarrassed by the singing Chicken - - but with the free dessert that goes with it ..bring it on...

No big party today - -just a pact from everyone at the table that we are not counting  our calories and we'll pig out with  juicy burgers and save extra room for chocolate and vanilla milkshakes for desserts ...

For the birthday boy - -Monster Burger  that consists of two huge beef patties, melted American cheese, fresh ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, pickles, onions, mayo and  pickle relish. For the teens -their usual Gourmet Cheeseburger with the fresh fried egg as topping together with smoked bacon, American cheese( one teen has no mayo and the other one totally took out the lettuce, tomatoes and mayo)

For me, I tried their new Chicken Caprese sandwich - - grilled chicken topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, lettuce an tomatoes. Hmmm...not what I expected - - I was hoping that the chicken will be the main event but it tasted too bland and dry for me..they should have added a basil on top! But who cares....bottomless french fries and a happy  daddy is all that matters....

 

MY LIFE: Breakfast Break

Minimizing cost associated to "eating out" is definitely a top in my saving tactics. We used go out and eat at restaurants  at  least twice a week and we don't really mind the expense at all. However,when we sum up the total at the end of the month, we are burning almost $300-$400 per month.

It's been awhile since we entered Bob Evans but today, we are taking a break from our daily  coffee/ cereal  routine and filling ourselves with calorie loaded breakfast  plates at one of the local breakfast place...(at $5.99/plate too? cool).

As always, it's so hard to make a decision when you are faced with 7 pages of breakfast items that seems to look different in pictures but when you read through the fine lines...they just flip flop the  veggies, cheese or ham combination and brand the product to make it totally unique (plus $2 more)

One thing that caught one daughter's eye is this Cinnamon Pancakes loaded with cinnamon chips filling and generously drizzled with a cream sauce. Yikes..I wonder how many calories does this stack has ....

After looking at the elaborate menu..I decided I better stick to a simple plate. This is exactly why I love preparing my own food...I always prefer simplicity more than elaborate  presentation ...so I am sticking to the traditional coffee...and classic breakfast offering of bacon and eggs (over hard please)

 

While we were taking pictures, teens observed and made a comment on why a lot of people continue to dine out even when the economy has slowed down when this is the perfect opportunity where one needs to tighten their belts to save more. Wow, so happy that the girls are realizing the value of money through our ways..

I wonder what they are having for breakfast - -- so hard to choose actually

 

More coffee for me and as we are passing out our plates across the table --attempting to try four plates  ...We must have a loud table as the manager  decided to join in our picture fun - -

 

At the end of the meal...I only paid $28 for the 4 of us??? Really?? Wow --I don't mind eating out if the bill will turn out to be as low like this. We had so much fun and we'll be coming back for sure...

HALLOWEEN: Cat On the Wall Cake

Party season is here and for us it means --baking time! We always find a reason to mess up our kitchen and giving out baked goodies to close friends is  really something that we enjoy.

Having teens with an active sociable life can be really expensive this Halloween - -from the costumes, to the gadgets ..the list can go on and the price tag can go sky rocket high. Tonight they are attending a costume party and we made 2 cakes that costs us less than $12 to make!

Inspired by our cat who always hang out on the windowsill, the girls decorated the cake with our spoiled cat in mind. I wanted to create a double layer version, but the thought of  cake containers being left behind at a random place prevented me from doing so. Instead, I used a standard disposable aluminum pan and we just worked around it.

Girls are already gone and we just had a sumptuous dinner from one of my Batali recipe - T-BONE FIORENTINA WITH SAUTEED SPINACH: Bistecca alla Fiorentina.  I was enjoying my after dinner coffee when these cute kids came by at our door...Trick or Treat everyone!

HERE'S HOW:

Make a basic FRENCH VANILLA CAKE . Let it cool

Create CREAM CHEESE ICING by beating

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla

Spread cream cheese icing  evenly on top of cooled cake

Sprinkle with cake candy bits

 

Create an outline of picture  by using a prepared icing in a tube ($ 2.49 at Kroger). Fill the space with more cake decor as appropriate

Complete the picture by adding variety of colors and shapes

Okay...where are the other Treat or Trick kids...Cat is waiting at the door......(he loves the sound of the doorbell)

DUTCH APPLE PIE WITH OATMEAL STREUSEL

So peaceful at home tonight! No screaming, no squawking, phones are not ringing --just me, Dr.D,the cat and the clicking sounds of 2 keyboards. Twins went to this scary haunted house -aka- teen hang out this season  ...and the youngest went to a halloween party

Three weeks ago, they volunteered to be two of 6-8 teens who decorated the place - -so, they should literally know the ins and outs and the tricks how the event organizers will scare the kids, right? Apparently not ! As we heard one teen expressing her fear - -

Scared? Okay, not long ago, you guys kissed the gorgeous dead corpse ...

...You shared food with the psycho long haired witch with a metal face...

..you even helped the vampire guy get his suntan..and even flipped him upside down with your bare hands....

...Don't be scared - -Be FRIGHTENED!!!! Booooooooo  !!! That's the joy of being a teen...just enjoy the moment! And like facing LIFE...never be frightened, simply embrace the experience as much as you can, learn from each step..and as you move forward in life....never regret anything...and don't look back!!

So, in the still of the night.......awaits the Dutch Apple Pie for their return...

As always .......while the angry cat is trying to kill me with his devilish eyes across the kitchen....(duh - -why do you always do that?)

INGREDIENTS:

1  pie shell (store bought)

FILLING:
5 apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp butter

STREUSEL
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup butter

HERE'S HOW: 

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• Place pie shell in pie plate and bake for 10 minutes
• Meanwhile, make apple filling: Combine apples with  flour, white sugar,  cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well, then add to apples. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
• Remove pie shell from oven.
• Place apple mixture in pie shell and dot with 2 tablespoons butter or margarine.
• While filling is baking, make streusel topping: Combine 3/4 cup flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, oats, and lemon peel. Mix thoroughly, then cut in 1/2 cup butter or margarine until mixture is crumbly.
• Remove pie from oven and sprinkle streusel on top.
• Reduce heat to 375 degrees. Bake an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until streusel turns brown

POUND CAKE MUFFIN

As always,my tummy was rumbling while I was in the conference room (didn't eat yet)...but it must be my lucky day as the meeting where I presented my 2010 strategies served the team with a hot plate lunch! Wow - -I thought we're cutting cost - -but who cares - -the roast chicken is so inviting - waving at me - - "Eat me, Eat me"--and free lunch today? Nice..that's an instant $8 savings!!

The big problem with lunch meetings: Big group of people with different interests trying to make easy and random conversation in between gulps of food. Chewing and talking senseless crap is not my cup of tea. Call me cold, boring and a snob but I really have no common interest with these guys except work, work and work. One thing I learned from my previous boss in the pharmaceutical company I worked for was that - -" keep the business conversation in the meeting room and your personal stories outside"...and it always worked for me.  Do you hear that cat  ???

Oh well.. too bad..I really love to enjoy the chicken...but I just have to finish my plate in less than 5 minutes and --I'm soooo done! But wait....there's the lemon cake for dessert ! I took a bite and it tastes more like a pound cake!  Speaking of which -  I need to practice this pound cake as I plan to bring to  two managers - who may be one of the few adorable, funny, witty, smart and charming  (whom I asked to eat fast so we can get out of the room ) at work that I know...

INGREDIENTS:

1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
3/ tsp baking soda
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 eggs

 
     

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Spray muffin cups with non stick cooking spray
• In a small bowl, mix together flour, salt and baking soda. Set aside
• In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy
• Beat in sour cream, vanilla and lemon juice
• Beat in eggs . Stir in dry ingredients
• Fill muffin cups 2/3 full
• Bake for 20 minutes

DOUBLE FUDGE BROWNIES

There are days when I have the urge to shop and and today is that day! Saving money by leaving credit cards at home works on a weekend ---but what if it's a Monday and I am at home and tempted by  the convenience offered by online shopping???? Sooooo hard!

I really don't need anything.. but I got glued to the MAC and Sephora website that  suddenly I felt my hands itching to click "Add to Cart" and  purchase some random makeup ! Agghh - -the temptation in internet is endless- -for me it's the information overload  associated to the new makeup trends and I was glued at brushes ($200++ for a complete set?) . So to stop my unnecessary cravings - - I decided to clean old makeup brushes and made them look new again (at least in my eyes)

After 20 minutes of dabbing alcohol to the bristles...wow I saved  $200++ and problem solved!

.......but not my craving for some dark chocolates - Oh no! I don't have any Ghirardelli boxed version so let's just make it from scratch  shall we? 

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cup Sugar
2/3 cup butter
1/4 cup water
2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
2 teaspoon vanilla
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup nuts chopped (optional)

HERE'S HOW:

• Combine  sugar, butter, and water. Bring just to a boil. Remove from heat and add semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2vanilla. Stir until chocolate melts. Transfer chocolate mixture to a large bowl. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
• In a small bowl combine flour, soda, and salt.
• Gradually add flour to chocolate batter.
• Blend in 1 cup chopped nuts if desired.
• Pour into greased  pan.
• Bake at 325 for 30 minutes.

OATMEAL APPLE RAISIN MUFFIN

Today, it's all about Halloween costume shopping! We have accumulated so many costumes from Obama face, Scream outfit, Jig Saw Killer to scary witches and monsters but we can never have too many costumes in this house. This is my favorite holiday as we all get the chance to be a 5 - year old kid again!

So cool..they have new scary gadgets where blood-like mixture will ooze out of the head, crawling hands, wide eyed zombies and scary mice --Hmm..so tempted to splurge on new paraphernalia but --Nope-- I am only getting a costume and I am outta here!

  

I love this flying  nun . . .I wonder if she screams too - -looks autistic to me...

 

So many new masks! Hmmmm..why are the teen costumes on my right looks "slutty"?

Anyway, we didn't  find anything for our cat but here's what we ended up with : G3 opted to Go-Bananas....

  

and twins went for Sinister Clowns...

...and I am so hungry! One daughter calls me the crazy Muffin Lady as I am experimenting on some recipes. This one is made with oatmeal and real apples - - be prepared to eat at least three as the flavor will let you keep coming back for more!

INGREDIENTS:

1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 cup raisins
1 chopped apple
1/2 cup oil
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup quick oats
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• In a large bowl, beat egg
• Add remaining ingredients
• Fill muffin cups 3/4 full
• Bake for 15-20 minutes

Shown in this photo: Oatmeal Apple Raisin and FROSTED PUMPKIN MUFFIN

FROSTED PUMPKIN MUFFIN

Did I fell into a long deep sleep that suddenly my babies are now young ladies?  Wow -I can still remember carrying G1 in my lap begging me to take her to the mall! Nothing changed -- she still begs for her mall time but now she's behind the wheel and I am the crazy mom freaking out beside her! Is Friday night the mall event for teens nowadays? A group of pretty ten teens gathered up at  Chili's for dinner (yes, we have to eat at the other side of the restaurant as they still need supervision ) then by 8pm they all rounded up their cars to go to the mall. 

Speaking of Chili's - -I hate that I can't find anything I like in their menu so I ended up drinking 3 cups of coffee alongside the skillet quezo and cheesecake. I've browsed through the menu pages more than 5 times and I can't find anything for me ---Do they have even have any pumpkin pie? I am craving for one....

Didn't find it! It's now Sunday and I am still craving for a pumpkin pie...so I tried to mimic the taste in this muffin version --using the same ingredients that I used in my original PUMPKIN PIE ......this one is so irresistible for a cold Sunday morning along with my coffee!

I grew up in Manila where evaporated milk is widely used rather than the gallons of milk we find here in the US!  I used Carnation evaporated milk as standard to my pies... as what can I say -- nothing will beat the tried and tested creaminess of Carnation! Yum! ( “Share your favorite recipe using Carnation Evaporated Milk and enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa GC http://bit.ly/1H5KkF”)

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon sugar
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
1/4 cup butter
1 egg beaten
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup Carnation evaporated milk
1/2 cup seedless raisins (optional)

HERE'S HOW:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together
Cut in butter until mixture resembles cornmeal
Combine egg with pumpkin and milk. Stir optional raisins.
Add egg mixture to dry ingredients
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full
Bake for 15-20 minutes

TO  MAKE CHEESE FROSTING: In a  bowl, beat together:
3 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp Carnation evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla
 2 cups powdered sugar

CRANBERRY MAPLE MUFFIN

This morning --i heard voices whispering .."buy a book, buy a book" .No...I am not hallucinating but I've read most of my business books twice and I am craving for more . But instead of going to Barnes and Nobles, we  went to the library and I am so proud  to be  a  library card holder today! (Duh -one bookworm daughter is sighing at me thinking how much of a dork I am as she literally lives at the library)

Amazing how I am able to hug the 2 new books I wanted to purchase without costing me a dime (and I can keep it for 21 days!). My concern: Are you the type of reader who destroys books when you read it?  Not "tearing the pages" kind ....but just running through various colors of highlighters, writing action items on the sides or marking the dates when you read the page?  Well - -this is the reason why I prefer to buy books rather than borrowing one. I have tons of business books that I read over and over that in my mind - -spending $30 a pop is so worth it! But with my attempt to save - -that $30 will go a long way if I keep it in my wallet!  Don't worry Ms Librarian..I won't write on these!

Anyway, I dropped off one teen at Barnes and Nobles tonight...and might as well check out the new books and add to my library hoard list in  two weeks. Let's see - -I already have this 360 book...and this Six  Sigma one, this green hard bound and this warfare thingy in my dusty drawer...hmmm..I must have spent more than $200 on this rack alone  - -Oh well --this will change...

Speaking of change - -I used a basic muffin recipe and changed some ingredients to make this cranberry maple version - - and it's worth trying!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup chopped cranberries
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
 2/3 cup buttermilk
2 tsp maple flavoring

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• In a large bowl, mix four, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• Stir in cranberries
• In a separate bowl, beat together, butter, eggs, sugar, buttermilk and maple flavoring.
• Stir into dry ingredients
• Fill muffin cups 2/3 full
• Bake for 20-25 minutes

Ninja Underground

MAMA'S CARROT CAKE

Dear Mama:

 I know there are hundreds of times that I have caused pain and disappointment in your heart. I may not be acting as the perfect daughter  you wished  that would have defended you. I may even have made you cry for something I may have said in the past. For  the tears you have shed..please forgive me if I have forgotten how you have sacrificed in the past....

Colorado 2006

...If  at times I have avoided your questions - - I just don't want you to worry about me, my problems and the reason why I am crying ...

...If I have acted selfishly then, please understand that I am not trying to be difficult - -I just have no resources to help you out

...If I have not told you lately that I love you ...please don't doubt it... as I do, with all my heart.

New York 2008

I now realized how hard it is to be a mom...as I am also walking the same path where you were 20 years ago.  Please forgive me that I did not gave you the full support you needed and the understanding you deserved at the time when you needed your daughter the most.

We may not be physically there  to sing you the Marilyn' Monroe's version of  Happy Birthday ...but do know that across the miles...we are also celebrating your birthday today. Thank you so much for loving me, my brothers and all  your grand daughters the way you do...

Do remember this...when we finally go back home to retire  -- I'll take care of you and accompany  you to your daily shopping  routine - even buy you shoes in Italy ! For now - -Just enjoy the monthly shopping spree without me (and on me - wink wink)!

The girls and I made this cake for you! 

Happy Birthday Mama!

INGREDIENTS:

4 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon sugar
3 cups grated carrots

FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F . Grease and flour pan
• In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla.
• Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
• Stir in carrots.
• Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes
• Let cool
• Add frosting and decoration (optional)

FROSTING: Simply combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla together. Refrigerate and set aside

SHOP FOR LESS: Online coupon at SAVINGS.COM

The joy of going to the mall is being tempted as you are pulled to walk through aisle after aisle of sale racks before hitting your sole destination.  I recently visited Dillard's and got a new Chanel lipstick  (See my story : NEW FALL ACCESSORY). As part of my savings tactic this fall, I have been avoiding the mall as I have no intention of updating my wardrobe for winter ...but duh - -a girl needs a lipstick, right!

I did well! YES! I didn't go beyond my budget..but then..I want to go back and get clearance items at further discount rates. My challenge:

• Can I get a coupon even for clearance items?
• Can I get a manufacturer/retail outlet special promo codes without the hassle of signing to their newsletter/website?
• Is there a convenient website that will allow flexibility to view various sale promos from different categories?

Just when  I thought I would give up - - -lo and behold I found SAVINGS.COM 

I have a busy schedule and I have no time to browse through different sites!Looks pretty straightforward and user-friendly too! Hmmm...I'll add this to my favorites -- Try it out - -as I know I will save a lot of money here!

CHECK IT OUT : SAVINGS.COM 

CHINESE FRIED RICE

My husband and I were watching HOUSE last night (while he was enjoying his  FRENCH VANILLA CAKE)  when our eldest twin went by our side like a 5 year old with her puppy eyes requesting  for an Asian dish for brunch for her sleepover friends (can they choose a DINING WITH BATALI dish instead - -I have veal!)

It's only 6 am and I'm not really feeling in the mood to cook today  so I'll take the easy way and do my own version of Chinese Fried Rice ! Rice 101 for Asian people  - -can't go wrong with that! It's like making JAMBALAYA where you can mix and match anything from your pantry and with the right spices or sauce/condiments  you will still end up with the same result.

Of course, in this house a fried rice will never be the same without spanish sausage and fried eggs. By the time its 7am and hubby kissed me and the cat goodbye, the house smelled so good that our youngest woke up and decided to mess up the kitchen with me as she make three small loaves of  BANANA BREAD.

Hmmmm - - this will be a great brunch ! Good thing I took a vacation today as all this food makes me sleepy again.....

We plan to go to the mall today...and funny how I came across this video from a mall scene in Manila . Reminds me of why I hate going to the malls when we were in Asia- - too crowded and I had my share of two pickpocket incidents (yeah, I have to cling to my bag every time as I am prone to unfortunate events). But then, these people are having  fun..err.. so much fun! Now I miss the old malls ...ironic!

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups rice
1 cup mixed vegetables
1/2 cup cooked chicken
1/4 cup cooked shrimp
3 tbsp soy sauce
salt and pepper
3 eggs

HERE'S HOW:

• Saute garlic in oil
• Add vegetables, shrimp and chicken and cook for 3 minutes
• While cooking, cook eggs in a separate pan
• Add cooked rice, soy sauce and pepper. Mix well
• Serve

FRENCH VANILLA CAKE

Why go for boxed cakes when you can make a french vanilla cake from scratch (and tastes better!). The teens are having a sleepover party tonight and I decided to  be their sugar fairy  by surprising them with a dessert that will surely keep them awake till the wee hours in the morning.

Except for my nightly dark chocolates and green tea routine while watching  the O'Reilly rerun at 10CT , I am avoiding desserts nowadays. Hmmm..let's just say that I am too tired to go to the gym lately (and  my small brain tells me to cut on sweets for now to offset my lack of willpower)....but my oh my -- I took one bite of this cake and I promise - -it tastes  like a wedding cake that melts in your mouth..and the homemade whipped cream is amazingly heaven to my lips! By the way, I broke the mixer so I have to beat the whipped cream by hand (aawwww -- that's a good exercise)

I wanted to take another bite but .......NOT tonight....

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup  milk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and eggs together until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Add flour, milk, oil, baking powder, and vanilla and beat for another minute.
• Pour batter into  two 9-inch round cake pans baking pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25 - 30 minutes
•  Let cool completely before covering with frosting

FROSTING: Beat 1 cup whipping cream with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until foamy

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

Finally it's Thursday! So much work going on and I have been neglecting my kitchen duties. Except for boiling water for pasta and flipping pans for grilled cheese sandwich - -there's really no activity  going on.

I wasn't planning to bake at all - -except that nobody's eating the bananas and it's already  getting mushy in the corner. So rather than tossing them out ...see what we've come up with...

I have a presentation at 8am (why am I scheduling it so early?) -- this will be good with my coffee

Hmmm..smells good and the texture is similar to a  coffee cake

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large)
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

HERE'S HOW:

• Preheat  oven to 350 F
• Combine  flour, baking soda and salt.
• Add vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla and mashed banana
• Add chocolate chips
• Spread batter in prepared pans.
• Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minute.
• Remove from pan and let cool completely on racks.

ORANGE GLAZED PORK LOIN

I came across this film and it made me cry ! I watched it twice after the first crying session and tears kept rolling down my cheeks all over again- -Hmmmm..I am so touched as  a lion whose as wild as Christian find it in his heart to embrace a long lost friend/family.

Makes me think last night of whom I may have hurt in the past or whom I may need to reach out to and settle some unfinished business --all the IFs and WHYs that's still bothering me once in a while.

I wonder, is there really a need to revisit  your past so you can feel the pain all over again in order for you to move forward in your life? I know I have a couple of best friends (used to be) at the top of my head... I sent them and email -- and let's see if they will respond ....

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
2 lbs pork loin chops
2 tbsp olive oil


HERE'S HOW:

• Combine all ingredients and marinade pork loin for 30 minutes
• Place pork loin in baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil
• Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes

PASTILLAS DE LECHE

My daughter's grandparents owns a farm 2 hours from Manila and when they were young (and I was still married to their dad) our weekend was spent traveling to and from the vacation house.  The girls grew up interacting with the local town people whose main means of livelihood is to support the farm or grow their own food from their own backyard. Their grandfather was a known political figure, although I never understood his ways, one thing for certain, I would always remember his kind heart and his compassion towards the less fortunate.

When the twins celebrated their 14th birthday, I was moved by his gesture to organize a big charity event in behalf of my daughters (who are already in the US with me). More than 100 kids were given  gift packs and money as his way of extending the blessings to the town children

I've never said goodbye to my ex-father in law (my marriage was annulled)...but I know that wherever he is, he knows that I respect and grateful that he treated me like a real daughter while he was alive. My real dad died when I was 12 and I've never felt the love of a real dad, so if you can read my blog in heaven ...I want to say "Thank You" for being a great dad and wonderful grandfather to my daughters and "I am so sorry and I hope you would understand" that I have to take your granddaughters away from your side as I am their mom and I need to be with them ..and "I love you" like a would love my real dad!

One thing I remember about him..is that he will always ask me if I want something from the fruit stand so we can make a stop on the way back to Manila. I will say "No Dad" just because I was  too shy and typical of me not to impose...but little does he know that I really like to stop and get these "pastillas de leche"  -- sold along the streets.

Wow...I have to be in the US to learn how to make this....Too bad, there's no carabao's milk - -so I have to use ordinary milk instead

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups fresh milk
 3 Tbsps. sugar
1 tsp. butter
5 Tbsps. full-cream powdered milk
1/2 cup sugar for rolling pastillas

HERE"S HOW:

• Boil milk and sugar until it forms into paste
• Let it cool in a bowl, add powdered milk and butter. Let stand
• Place 1 tsp of milk mixture and roll in sugar
• Roll in japanese paper and refrigerate

CHICKEN PIE

Left over time! 

I hate leftovers and yet  I can't force myself to throw things away. I love cooking but  I wouldn't call it a hobby as I am not as passionate as my other buddies. For me,  spending quality time in the kitchen is an outlet for me(my stress reliever)and believe it or not, I am astonish myself that I can actually create these dishes as I barely have the time and energy to do so.

To save us money (and tempted)from unnecessary chinese buffet dinners during  weekdays,  I stock up on baked chicken. It's my emergency blanket on days that I have to work longer hours and won't be able to prepare a decent meal. There's a lot I can do about it - -chicken pita, chicken fajitas, topping to a soup ..when you think about it --it saves us lots of $$.Of course - I ended up with two ziplog bags of untouched chicken on the weekend as I still managed to create something in the kitchen even at the last minute.

Not a kitchen goddess...but I can definitely recycle my leftover chicken....

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup cooked chicken
1 can condensed chicken soup
1 cup mixed vegetables
salt and pepper
pastry dough

HERE'S HOW:

• Combine all ingredients and place in a pan
• Let it boil for 2 minutes
• Arrange pastry dough in a pie pan
• Place mixture in pastry dough and cover with second pastry dough
• Bake at 375 for 45 minutes
• Serve warm

STIR FRY TERIYAKI SHRIMP WITH VEGGIES

I was so worried about my family so I called my brother the other day and learned that his first floor was flooded with water (BREAK TIME: Tribute to Philippine Typhoon Victim). Yikes..living room and kitchen  were damaged.... even  his car was under water - - oh no! Thankfully, they're safe and we're grateful that mom's place is not along the riverside that were affected.

Hubby and I are forever scouting for  houses in Manila . For some of you who has read my previous blogs, we are psychotic about investing and saving today so we can afford a comfortable lifestyle when we retire in Asia 10 years from now.  However, it makes us reconsider the areas we want to eventually relocate as some of the newer subdivisions that we have viewed earlier was affected by the flood.

Hmmm......it makes me wonder - is there a safe place nowadays? Where and how much will it cost us 10 years from now....

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb shrimp
1 pack sugar snap peas
1 cup mixed veggeis
1/2 onion
1 tbsp garlic
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 tbs teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup cooked chicken

HERE'S HOW:

• Stir fry garlic, onion and shrimp in vegetable oil
• Add sugar snap peas
• Add teriyaki sauce and cooked chicken
• Simmer and serve

PUMPKIN PIE

Is it officially fall? I saw pumpkin stalls being installed at the highway today...Wow - I thought it's still summer!

Another challenging week for me. I am able to present to my boss my  2010 strategies and I am so grateful that I was on the right track. I have no time for errors as work is getting busier by the minute. I am not sure how I will cope with  three business travel, 7 training presentations ,  4 regional presentation to  partners (not counting 3 big projects and endless conference calls) - - - I need all the energy before the snow start pouring !

I need a good balance, so to  keep my mind off work on  weekends  I splurged on books at Barne's and Nobles. I hate spending $32 but oh well...I just hope I will have the time to read them...

  Speaking of fall...when we were in Colorado, we loved driving up to the mountains to catch the beauty of the changing colors of leaves covering the hillside . No mountains here, so I will  just  imagine the red, green, orange scenery in my mind as I enjoy this simple pumpkin pie we experiment today.

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tbsp vanilla
3 large eggs
1 can LIBBY'S Pure Pumpkin or 3 cups cooked pumpkin (boiled and pureed)
1 can Evaporated Milk
1 unbaked  pie shell (store bought)

HERE'S HOW:

• Beat eggs in large bowl.
• Stir in pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla
• Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
• Pour into pie shell.
• BAKE in preheated 375 degrees  60 minutes
• Let cool and serve with whip cream (optional)