Trick-or-Treat

We're just waiting for trick-or-treaters...I'm not sure we'll break any new records this year with the number of knocks at our door.  We're trying though.  We have LOTS of candy...

And a festive entry with carved pumpkins, candles, and lots of lights on to let neighbors know that trick-or-treaters are welcome.

I make the same smiling face on my pumpkin each year (on the left.  Andy carved a big "I" on his in recognition of Iowa's 9th victory earlier today.  Go Hawks!

And here is a 34+ week belly shot.  Less than 6 weeks to go!

Happy Halloween to everyone!

A few fall recipes

Here are a few of our favorite fall recipes that we've been making the past few weeks.  My family has made the caramel for as long as I can remember and it was always a perfect pairing with apples from our orchard.  The pot roast recipe is from Andy's family and is one of his very favorites.  He's a meat and potatoes kind of guy!  Andy and I kind of developed the turkey chili recipe and it couldn't be any easier to make.  Let us know if you try any of them and what you think.  Enjoy!

Caramel Sauce
1 c. butter
1 lb. brown sugar (2 1/4 cups)
1 c. light corn syrup
1 c. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat stirring constantly.  Cook for 8-10 minutes or until a candy thermometer reaches 220 degrees.  Take off heat and stir in vanilla.  Pour over diced apples.  So good! 
If you want to make caramels, cook until it reaches 245 degrees, pour into a greased 9x9 pan, cool overnight, cut and wrap in wax paper.

Sweet & Sour Pot Roast
(For the Slow Cooker)
12 small potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks
3 lb boneless chuck roast
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
1 c. chopped onion
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1/4 c. brown sugar
3 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
2-3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tsp. salt
(I also add carrots, peeled and cut into chunks)

Place potatoes and carrots in slow cooker.  Trim roast.
In a skillet on the stove, brown all sides of the roast in the oil.  Place on top of vegetables in slow cooker.
Saute the onions in the skillet drippings.  Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and salt.  Pour over meat in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or until meat is tender.

Turkey Chili
1 lb. ground turkey
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 c. chopped onion
4-5 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 can diced green chilies
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can chili beans
4 Tbsp. chili powder
hot sauce, if desired
salt & pepper to taste

Brown turkey in olive oil, add onions and garlic until cooked.  Add all seasonings, mix well.  Add all canned ingredients and simmer on low heat until ready to serve.
We like to add shredded cheese and a little sour cream to our bowl when serving.  So good and so easy!

Baby Shower!

This past Sunday some of my very favorite ladies gathered to shower us as we prepare for baby Jack's arrival.  The theme was "Jack" and included a Jack-in-the-Box cake, diaper cakes with boxes of jacks, Jack & Jill and Jack and the Beanstalk books, etc.  There were also pictures of famous people named Jack hanging on the wall.  Oh and delicious "J" frosted sugar cookie.  Everyone that helped with the shower really put a lot of thought into all of the details and it sure was cute!!  We thank everyone for their wonderful gifts they picked for our little guy.  It sure is fun to think about him wearing the outfits, sucking on the pacifiers, sitting in the stroller, etc.  I know I have said this many times, but we are very blessed to have such great family and friends that are eagerly awaiting our baby's arrival right along with us. 

And here is the 31 week belly.  9 weeks to go!  Maybe I should have tried sucking in for this picture...I don't think my stomach looks QUITE this big yet. 

This picture is probably important for the scrap book as I've spent many, many days wearing these cozy bermuda shorts during this pregnancy.  Thankfully they have an elastic waistband.