It's almost here!

Even though the official first day of Fall is still a few weeks away, the start of the Fall decorating season is upon us. September is knocking on the door and that means filling the house with pumpkins, leaves, gourds, wreaths ect. Not to mention the scents. Oh yes, I'm referring to the wonderful smell of spiced pumpkin candles. This year I'm going with Bath & Body's new scents, Autumn and Leaves. They are wonderful!

May your Fall be filled with many bonfires, flip flops & hoodies, listening to the crunch of leaves under your feet, hot apple cider, baking, pumpkin carving and much much more.

What's your favorite part of Fall?

Pizza Pizza

One of my favorite meals is homemade pizza night. We have these nights quite often but this time we decided to do things a little different. This time we used the grill instead of the oven. We had tried this method once before and it turned out great. This time however, it was just okay. Mainly because we let the grill get too hot. Do you know what happens to dough placed on a 550 degree grill? That's right, it immediately burns and leaves no time to cook the top let alone the middle. So, pizza one didn't turn out all that great. Luckily pizza two and three turned out delish! I'm sure we'll use the grill for pizza in the future but we'll just have to keep a better eye on the temps!

Ingredients

• 2T honey
• 1T kosher salt
• 1T olive oil
• 3/4C warm water
• 3C all purpose flour
• 1t instant yeast
  -------------------------------------
• 2t olive oil
• olive oil for the crust
• flour for dusting

Directions

Place all ingredients (above the dotted line) in mixer's work bowl.
Using the paddle attachment, start the mixer on low and mix until the dough just comes together, forming a ball. Lube the hook attachment with cooking spray. On medium speed knead dough for 15 mins.

Roll dough into a smooth ball on the counter top or cutting board. Place into a stainless steel or glass bowl. Add 2t of olive oil to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover with a towel and leave on counter for 1 hr.

After 1 hr divide into thirds. Punch down each section. Roll into balls on counter top or cutting board. Cover with towel and let sit for 45 mins.

Dust counter top or cutting board with flour and roll out dough to the thickness and shape of your liking.

Set grill to medium heat. Rub one side of dough with olive oil and place that side on grill. Once the top starts to blister, add olive oil and turn.

It's now time to pile on the toppings. Cook until cheese starts to bubble and enjoy!

zucchini, yellow pepper, hot salami, home grown tomato, home grown basil, fresh mozzarella

fresh mozzarella, home grown basil, imo's provel cheese

One Fantastic Weekend!

In a nutshell, this weekend was filled with making a new friend/BFF and spending time with family. My brother and his girlfriend came in town this weekend for my cousin's wedding. This was the first time meeting Julie and it was love at first site! And as you can see, she's not only beautiful, she fits right in with us crazy...I mean fun folks!

The wedding was beautiful and it was great to spend time with family that we don't get to see very often.

Fun loving Great Aunt Dorothy and Dad

from right to left - Uncle Dale, Aunt Linda, Uncle Tommy, Aunt Jeannie and Dad

The wonderful and beautiful Great Aunt Norm

And of course Wayne (the bro), Tim, me and Daddy-O!

This weekend was a lot of fun and it ended way too soon. I can't wait to get up to KC in a few weeks to hang out with Wayne and Julie again. Fun times will be had, no doubt! My big brother is very important to me and I want him to be happy. I have to say, it's been awhile since I've seen him have this much fun and smile like he did. I think some little lady may be to blame for all this happiness. :) :)