Halloween Cooking Club 2010

The trio was back in culinary action this weekend.  Oh, how we have missed cooking with each other!  With Grace Anne studying up a storm @ ECU in Greenville, we can't just get together any ol' day.  Thankfully she was able to drive in for the weekend, and so on Saturday, we descended upon Amber's kitchen with gusto.  After prepping ingredients (those onions brought many a tear to the eye), going to Summit for the 4:15 service, spending a total of $10 for three Halloween costumes (see my Facebook profile pic), we returned to Amber's kitchen and made our feast.  Following a toast of Red Hook's Late Harvest Autumn Ale, we munched on our Pumpkin Cheese Ball.  Yes, this one was a bit different from last year's Great White Pumpkin Cheese Ball, and I think we actually liked it better.  Between the paprika and the cayenne, this pumpkin packed a punch (I know, I couldn't resist that alliteration opportunity...total English dork).  And isn't it cute?  I think it'd look great on your Thanksgiving table.  And the apples with it?  Yum. 

Amber and Grace Anne showing off Mr. Cute Pumpkin Cheese Ball

The rest of our menu consisted of the goodies from last year's cooking club.  Yup, we returned to them because they were simply good, and who can really resist Witches' Brew Chicken Soup and Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce?  Both of these dishes are flavorful and satisfying, especially as they are warm and the temperatures have finally dropped over here in Raleigh, so warm food is most welcome.  And do note that despite its holiday-limited name, the soup is good any time.

 Grace Anne and I working on the pasta.  She loved grating the fresh nutmeg into the sauce.

The whole spread!  And yes, Amber, those are the most adorable soup bowls ever.

Hopefully the three of us will be back in the kitchen together soon, for we are truly a force to be reckoned with.  In all seriousness, how blessed I am to have these girls in my life.  Cooking with them is pure joy, and I look forward to more fun times in the kitchen.  God is so good.

I rounded out my Halloween weekend with a watching of both Garfield and Charlie Brown's Halloween specials.  Yup, I have them both on DVD because I am that cool.  I snuggled up with a blanket and laughed my way through both, a truly perfect way to end the evening and bid adieu to Halloween.  I hope all of you enjoyed your tricks and treats.