cook

Fall Pumpkin Roll

Thanksgiving is one the best days of the year for us- we eat foods we wouldn’t normally take the time to make or enjoy, we spend time with family and friends we don’t always see, we truly take the time to acknowledge all the things we are thankful for, and when it’s all done- we sit down to relax and enjoy some football (tonight is a real treat- Bears at Green Bay!!).

This year I was extra spoiled…my family and I went and spent some time with my mom at her cabin and she cooked- everything. Well, almost everything. I have said it before, and I will say it again- my husband is undoubtedly the better baker of us two. Thanksgiving time is no different. Pumpkin Pie is his speciality, and one of his absolute favorite (non-chocolate) desserts. This year, he decided to try a slightly different take on the traditional, and went with a Pumpkin Roll. The end result?? Amazing!

This Pumpkin Roll is both easy and an absolute must try for your fall season festivities. I hope you enjoy this recipe and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!!

IMG_0803Roll:

  • 3/4 c flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 c granulated sugar
  • 2/3 c pumpkin pie filling (canned)
  • 1/4 tsp (approx.) nutmeg

IMG_0804Filling (All mixed together until soft):

  • 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 c sifted powdered sugar
  • 6 TBSP softened butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375˚ and grease/flour a baking sheet. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cloves in small bowl. Combine beaten eggs and granulated sugar in larger bowl. Add pumpkin and stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly onto baking sheet. Sprinkle nutmeg evenly over the top of cake. Bake for 12 minutes (or until the cake springs back).

IMG_0805Sprinkle 1/4c powdered sugar onto a clean towel. Turn cake over onto sugared towel and roll vertically (so that the cake is long and narrow). Allow to cool.

IMG_0806Once cooled, unroll cake and spread filling evenly over cake. Roll the cake back up with filling inside, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Each roll will serve approximately 12, with about 310 calories per serving.

wear

My Very First Stitch Fix Review- November 2015

Ok…so I have to admit I must have been hiding under a rock for the past few years, because I had never heard of Stitch Fix until about a month ago. A friend of mine recommended it on Facebook and my interest was peaked, so I checked out the site. I figured it would be an overpriced service with overpriced clothes so it would be an understatement to say I was excited to see that the service only costs $20 each time you get “fixed”!!

It’s a super easy to use service…you fill out a style profile, choose the prices you would be willing to pay per each item type, and decide how often you want to get styled. You have the option of setting up your own Stitch Fix Pinterest board that your stylist can look at while styling you. A stylist from Stitch Fix will then be your own personal stylist for however often you choose to receive a box, sending you 5 items based on your style profile, Pinterest board, and personal instructions. If you purchase an item, the $20 service fee goes towards it, if you keep all 5 items, they take 25% off, or you can send all the items back and they only keep the $20.

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I was super pumped on the idea of Stitch Fix because, while I love the idea of the latest styles, I usually end up actually buying the same stuff…closet staples, similar colors, etc., and never get around to actually wearing the latest styles. When I set up my profile I was super specific, explaining what I usually wear to work and for leisure, and I was ALL over that Pinterest board! I can’t even tell you how excited I was for that first box to come…and when it did, it did not disappoint!

Check out my first “fix” below and (and stay tuned for future “fixes”), if you are thinking about trying your own “fix”, use this link https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/6200951 (Note: I will get a credit on a future “fix” if you sign up and will thank you tremendously!!)

Welcome to Stitch Fix!

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I received this awesome letter from my stylist, who also happens to be a Kristen M 🙂  She really paid attention to the notes I left her about my upcoming November events, and my style profile. I love that this note was so personal, rather than just some generic “welcome” note!! In with the note is a card for each item sent, with recommended styling options, which is another really great touch.

Presley Colorblock Button-Back Sweater – $68

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I have to admit that I wasn’t sure about it when I unwrapped it but once I tried it on I realized I absolutely love this sweater! It has adorable button-back detail, and the color block is super flattering. I also think it would be adorable with a chunky scarf or necklace. The 80% polyester/20% wool mix must be hand washed, but can be tumble dried on low and ironed…a huge plus for me (if it would have been dry-clean only, it would have been a no-go). I don’t have any red sweaters and the button-back detail is just too cute to pass up!

Verdict: Kept

Arvella Dress – $78

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I have to hand it to Kristen on this one…I would have never picked this up to try it on! It’s not my fabric, fit, style, nothing… But boy oh boy did this dress deliver! The dart detail, like Kristen stated, accentuates my figure and the color is unreal (Up close it even has some shimmer to it). My husband especially loved this one! Imagine how fabulous it would be with a gold statement necklace. It is a 95% polyester/5% spandex mix and must be dry cleaned.

Kristen suggested that I wear it to my reunion…unfortunately, my reunion is more “laid-back happy hour” and less “dress to impress”. This dress would be a major keeper…if only I had something to wear it to (which I don’t).

Verdict: Returned

Diya Dress – $68

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This dress is totally my style…relaxed, comfortable, and yet still super cute! The colors and details are great, and I think there would be so many ways to change the style up (belt it, sweater it, jacket it, fun tights, high boots, etc). It is cinched at the waist, so it still gives me a bit of shape. I think this a great one for fall…but can still be accessorized to work for almost every season! It is 100% polyester and can be hand washed.

Kristen suggested I wear this for my upcoming family pics, which I just might do!

Verdict: Kept

Mateo Fringe Edge Infinity Scarf – $34

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I won’t lie, I’m a sucker for scarves…it’s cold where we live, and I’m always freezing. This scarf is definitely warm and I love the fringe edge detail. It’s one of those scarves you can pair with just about anything because of the color. Unfortunately, I already have some scarves similar in size (though they do not have the awesome fringe) so this one had to go back.

Verdict: Returned

Rhonda Faux Leather Jacket – $78

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This jacket is great for fall…100% polyurethane with knit sides. The brown color is great, especially for me because for some reason I always seem to buy black outerwear. I love the high neck, which can also be worn unbuttoned and folded out. I liked how stylish this jacket is, but feel as though I already missed the season for it here, as I am already preparing for winter jackets.

Verdict: Returned

cook

Turkey Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

Before you can even say it, I’ll admit it…another ground turkey recipe…I know, I know…head hung.

BUT…this one is just too delicious (and easy) to pass up. This one is a hit with both the husband and the kids, and has officially replaced the go-to traditional enchilada casserole recipe that we got from a Mexican restaurant I worked for way back in the day (stay tuned for that recipe…it’s ridiculously good!!).

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1 cup red quinoa (prepared as package states)
1 lb ground turkey (I add one package of taco seasoning)
1/2 c corn (I use white organic from Costco)
1/2 c black beans
1 avocado (chopped)
2 TBSP chopped cilantro
1 can mild enchilada sauce
1 can green chilies
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
3/4 c shredded mozzarella
3/4 c shredded cheddar
Mix all ingredients other than turkey and quinoa in small bowl.
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Layer in casserole dish: quinoa, turkey, mixed ingredients, cheese.
Bake at 375˚ for 30 minutes.
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Makes 4 servings. This is about 471 calories for 1 serving.
Enjoy!