Quiet around here…with pumpkins

Posted by Jen on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 @ 9:34 pm

Yes, I have been a terrible blogger! I’m still trying to get used to the new job, and I’ve been doing a massive amount of reading lately. There have been some amazing fall releases in the YA world. So awesome that I think I need to do a separate post to share the awesomeness.

I also spent a good portion of this past weekend in PUMPKIN LAND. Pumpkin Land is where you get to try all sorts of yummy homemade pumpkin dishes. I’m not sure what came over me, but I had the sudden urge to buy a pumpkin and make things, even though I’ve never been much of a cook or a baker or anything that requires spending more than 30 seconds of prep time. But, because of my insane love of all things pumpkin, I tried making a pumpkin pie this weekend, from a real pumpkin, not the canned stuff. It was actually…fun? And the pie is absolutely delicious. And with the leftovers, I made some pumpkin pancakes. Ohmygoodness, yum! And I also roasted the pumpkin seeds. You would think I’d be sick of pumpkin by now, but I don’t think there is any need to worry about that. There can never be TOO much pumpkin.

I’ve also been getting going on the new manuscript, involving summer, secrets, illusions and sibling rivalry. And, of course, a paranormal creature. This one is of a different sort that I found through hours of wikipedia mythology research. I spent some time this weekend doing more research, planning things out and getting about 2.5k words written. I’m feeling pretty exciting about where this one is going although I am still missing BONE DRY. I’m thinking about writing a short story set in that world, but I don’t know what to do with it. I might just do it for me, as a fun writing exercise.

But right now I think I’m going to eat a slice of pumpkin pie.

Comments

By B.E. Sanderson on October 5th, 2009 at 7:09 am

Sounds like a fun weekend. I used to do the whole homemade pumpkin puree thing. It was a lot of fun, but I don’t have the time these days. I should send you my recipe for pumpkin bread, or the one I have for pumpkin cake. Good stuff.

Glad to hear your story is zooming along. Keep up the good words. =o)

By Micah on October 6th, 2009 at 6:07 am

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By Paul Greci on October 6th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Jen, you’re not the only one who loves pumkins. Where I live, in Alaska, the moose eat the jack-o-lanterns off our deck railing. They know enough not to each the candles. Good luck with your WIP. I’m working on one as well.
Paul
http://paulgreci.wordpress.com/

By Jen on October 6th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

B.E. - oooh, pumpkin bread! I would love that recipe!

By B.E. Sanderson on October 7th, 2009 at 7:13 am

Homemade Pumpkin Bread

3 1/4 cups flour
3 cups white sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
4 eggs
3/4 cup raisins

Grease and flour 2 8×4 loaf pans (or muffin cups, or 3 7×3 loaf pans). Preheat oven to 350F. Measure flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir to blend. Add pumpkin, water, oil, and eggs. Stir vigorously (or blend at low speed) until well combined. Fold in raisins. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for approximately 1 hour (or until inserted toothpick comes out clean).

Any questions, let me know. =o)

 

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