Calkat

I am joined to an etsy team called EtsyBloggers and this month the team has chosen CalKat to be their featured member.

I decided to take a look through CalKat's etsy store and thought these bookmarks were great:




They would make a great Christmas present for any booklover. Certainly more fancy than a piece of paper (or an old shopping list sometimes in my case).

Check out CalKat at http://www.calkat.etsy.com

Or the blog at:
http://calkatthejewelryjunkie.blogspot.com

Recipe Time

Being from the UK Pumpkin Pie is not something I have often come across. But last year I was introduced to it by a family friend and ever since I have wanted to make it myself.

Unfortunately tinned pumpkin is not available as readily in the UK as it is in the US. So I was left with no other option than to start from scratch.

Sainsburys is currently selling small cooking pumpkins. They have a wonderful flavour and are perfect for this festive pie.

I started by chopping the pumpkin in two and digging out all the seeds. Both sides were then coated with vegetable oil and placed cut side down into a roasting tin and topped with water.

Turn the oven on to 200C and bake for 60-90 minutes until you can press a fork into the side of the pumpkin with ease.

Next scoop out the pumpkin flesh, I used an ice cream scoop.

Place a sieve over a mixing bowl and line with a couple of sheets of kitchen roll.

Blend your pumpkin into a purée and add to the sieve.

Leave to drain for 2-3 hours.

Next make up a simple shortcrust pastry and line two pie dishes.

In a clean bowl mix together:

1 cup granulated sugar
1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, I don't use any)
3 cups pumpkin purée
1 can evaporated milk

I used a balloon whisk to get the mixture nice and frothy. Pour into your prepared pie dishes.

Bake at 210C for 15mins, then turn the oven down to 175C and cook for a further 40-50 mins. It is cooked when a sharp knife pressed in comes out clean.

It's nearly Christmas

Finally managed to snatch a moment to write a new blog. Life has been somewhat crazy here of late. We've had driving tests, a family wedding is literally around the corner, not to mention Christmas. Somewhere amongst all of this we have to buy and wrap presents, decorate the house, look fabulous for the wedding and all while trying not to look like we've lost too much sleep. Plus the usual rush in our own business. We haven't participated in the usual festive fairs this year, there simply hasn't been the time. Come January 2010 though it will be all go.

Anyway I've been searching for interesting decorations to liven up the house this year and the designs of Prince Design UK really caught my eye. I am particularly in love with this little set

They're handmade from clay and I think they would look fabulous against the green background of a tree.

Competition Update

Our first competition came to an end just over a day ago. We have pulled a name from a hat (a very stylish winter hat) and the winner is (drum roll please)....


J-Lou!!!

Congratulations, your necklace will be with you shortly :)

Abi