Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

One of my favorite Fall treats is pumpkin bread.  Google pumpkin bread and you will get an endless stream of recipes, all different.  Generally, there are two ways to go: sweet or savory.  I prefer the slightly sweet variety, preferably dotted with chocolate chips.  Chocolate and pumpkin are besties.  Who am I to stand in their way?

Years ago, I had a pumpkin bread recipe I adored.  But I lost it and have not been able to replicate it since.  I make several batches every fall and they never come out quite right when compared to the original recipe.  This year, though, I think I'm close (though not quite there).  Still, this recipe provides a warm blend of pumpkin, fall spice, and chocolate that pairs perfectly with a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.  Try it and see. 

(Recipe adapted slightly from here.)

3 1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
4 eggs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Set oven to Bake at 350.

Sift and mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.

In separate bowl, mix together sugar, oil, water, pumpkin, and eggs. 

Add the dry ingredients to the wet in 3 batches, mixing well between batches. 

Stir in chocolate chips.

Pour into loaf pans (makes 2 large).

Bake for 60-70 minutes, but start checking it after 40 just in case.  Overbaking means dry pumpkin bread and not even chocolate chips can solve that problem.  Or try pumpkin bread muffins.  In that case 30 minutes at 350 should do it.

In Summary and In Conclusion...

I started this job in August and started traveling in September with the understanding that the traveling would be pretty constant until Thanksgiving.  They made good on that promise.  I smartly/stupidly did not mention my fear of flying during the interview process.  I hate flying.  Actually, no, let me clarify.  Flying is pretty awesome.  It's the fear of plummeting to my untimely death that makes my stomach dance.  Luckily, that did not happen, which is no doubt due in large part to my ritual of leaning back during takeoff, closing my eyes, white knuckling the arm rests, and repeating "Lord, please get us there safely" over and over in my head until the ding goes off alerting me that we've reached 10,000 feet.  Then I can relax.  Until we hit turbulence.  Then repeat.  This method has a 100% safe arrival success rate.  Not so crazy now, is it fellow passengers who look at me with pity?  We all made it to Pittsburgh, despite a pilot who never met an air bump he didn't like.  You're welcome. 

Anyway, I flew a lot.  Fourteen times to be exact.  I took Amtrak 3 times and made 2 road trips.  I stayed in 21 hotels.  I rented 7 cars. 

I visited about 27 schools, attended 7 law fairs and 5 law forums. 

I spent time in 25 cities, including New York, New Orleans, Houston, Williamsburg, Atlanta, Boston, Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Chicago.

I had a lot of fun. 

I'm also a little tired.

Home

For the indefinite future.  I may never leave again.  Luckily, we're still enjoying temperatures in the 60s in Philly so looks like Fall tried to wait for me.  I'm very grateful.  I did not want to miss it.  I still haven't even made pumpkin bread this year, which is just a travesty.

That is all for now.  My body is home, but my brain isn't quite. 

If you need me, I will be either taking an offensively long shower, sleeping in my own bed, emptying the DVR of the 50+ shows I haven't had time to watch, or trying to cram all my favorite Fall activities into the week or so of it we have left. 

Kitchens are for Grown-Ups

Sometimes I forget my friends are grown-ups.  I forget that Sheridan and Holly are married, or Kel works for the Bronx DA's office, or that the whole lot of them have bills and checking accounts and go to work every day.  It still seems sort of strange to me even though I myself am growing up, am grown up.  When did that happen?

So when I got to go to New Orleans and see Kathryn it was a special reminder of how far we've come since we were 16 year old girls climbing onto the roof of my house to lay down and star gaze and talk about life.  Because, yes, technically I know she bought a house in New Orleans and has been slowly renovating it over the last year, but it still didn't feel quite real.  Until I got to see it in person and she got to show off her newly completed kitchen (literally newly, the backsplash had gone up the night before I arrived).  She's worked so hard and I'm so proud of her.  So I asked if I could show her new kitchen here and she said yes.  Thanks, buddy. 


This is the before.



The inspiration picture.



Painting the cabinets a perfect shade of blue.

Getting ready for granite.

After!  Just needing a few finishing touches, including shades for the chandelier bulbs.



Way to be a grown-up, Kat.  You are doing it so nicely.

Postcards from New Orleans

Though I was there for work, I still had plenty of time to hang out with one of my best buddies from high school, Kathryn.  She very kindly took some time off work so we could hang out and sight see.  And when I say sight see, I mean eat our way through the city.  I was born in New Orleans, I've been back many times, so there isn't too much left at this point that I haven't already seen.  The food, however, that I can do every single time.  Great city, great food, and great company.  There was more eating than shown, but honestly, enough is enough.

Wine, martinis, and crème brûlée at The Delachaise

Dauphine Orleans Hotel

Beignets and frozen cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde



me & Kat



Oyster roast and cucumbers & herbs in vinegar at Cochon



Muffaletta at Butcher

Effective advertising

Shrimp po'boy and sweet potato fries at Parkway

Bring on Thanksgiving.  I'm hungry.

Score

If ever in Atlanta, you must stop by the Dekalb International Farmers Market.  It is one of the places I miss most from my living in Atlanta days.  Not only does it have a remarkable selection of international products, including cheeses, wines, dry goods, fresh baked breads and pastries, and rows upon rows upon rows of fruits and vegetables many of which I've never heard of, but they also have freshly butchered meats at reasonable prices and a huge seafood section where someone will kindly clean and fillet the fresh catch of your choice. 

My absolute favorite part of the market though is the spice aisle.  Herbs and spices are freshly dried/ground, put into containers, organized on the shelves in alphabetical order, and sold at prices that are so low as to make you do a double take.  Generally, spices are ridiculously expensive and I've often lamented my hesitation at buying something new for experimentation simply because it cost $7.00 for a tiny container.  Not a problem at this market.  I mean we're talking over a cup of freshly ground cayenne pepper for 53 cents.  It sends a little shiver of pleasure up my spine just thinking about the cooking possibilities and the downright bargain of it all.  When I was in Atlanta for work last week, I stopped in to stock up.

All of that spicy goodness and my total was $11.43.  Eleven dollars and 43 cents!  It cost me about that just to ship it home and still it was a bargain.  

While you're in Atlanta for your spice shopping, should you find yourself driving among the gorgeous Buckhead mansions and see a sign for an estate sale, you should definitely stop.  Because you just might snag yourself an immaculate Armani coat, which I have on good authority would go for $2000+ new, for a mere $75.  Your mom might also snatch up a Bob Mackie silk scarf for a gleeful $10.  Millionaires: I will happily carry away your discarded bounty at rock bottom prices any day.  I am quite in love with this coat.  I'm considering sleeping in it.

Bargains to be had in Atlanta, people.  A very profitable trip.

I'm in Houston

It's not quite as exciting.  I'm happy that this is the last work stop.  After this, I head to Dallas to be with my family for Thanksgiving. 

Then home.  For days and days and days with no foreseeable end, I get to be home.  In my own bed, cooking my own meals, and spending some time with my fiance, whom I vaguely recall has blonde hair.  I think.  I can't quite remember. 

But first, a week with my mom and dad and brothers.  Not a bad way to wrap up my adventures in traveland. 

I'm in New Orleans

The city in which I was born. 

The current home of one of my best friends from high school. 

I have an amazing memory foam mattress in my French Quarter hotel room, the ability to take drinks from bars in a to-go cup, and a 3-day itinerary jam-packed with good times, interspersed with enough work to keep my head solidly on my shoulders.

Happiness is...

And Yet When I Discuss Baby Names He Has No Opinion

As we filled out the forms for Lily's first vet appointment:

Joe:  Should we spell Lily with one "l" or two?

me:  Does it matter?

Joe:  If we spell it with one "l" does it look like it should be pronounced "Lie-ly"?

me:  No, l-i-l-y is the traditional spelling.  I think it's fine.

Joe: ...

me:  What?

Joe:  Which spelling is cuter?

Venue #6

Venue #1.

Venues #2-#4.

Venue #5.

Are you guys having fun yet? 

This one could be it.  Truthfully, right now it's between this and Venue #1.  Even more truthfully, if Venue #1 was in New York, Joe and I agree it would be a done deal.  We really want to get married in New York.  But Venue #1 is so perfect.  I keep going back and forth about what wins in the end. 

I haven't been home since last Tuesday, so we haven't checked out any more places yet.  The past week and a half I did North Carolina to Atlanta to Virginia for work.  Now I'm home for three days.  On Monday I leave to do New Orleans, Houston, and then Dallas for Thanksgiving with my family.  After that, no more traveling and it'll be decision time. 

Venue #6 is in New York and is about 10 miles from Joe's hometown.  It's beautiful and cozy with amazing views surrounding.  We toured this venue the morning after the snow.  It was one of the places where guests had spent the night on the floor, and the planners were going on no sleep after spending the night at the venue and trying to recover and set up in time for another wedding.  They were still incredibly gracious and kindly took the time to show us around, but I could tell they were a little embarrassed because things were still kind of a mess.  So please overlook that in the pictures.  I think the charm and beauty shines through despite the disarray.

Cocktails.

They will light firepits out here and we can enjoy the evening and roast s'mores!

Venue #5

Venue #1 is here.

Venues #2-#4 are here.

Venue #5 is a contender.  Sort of.  I have my issues with it.  It's in New York, 16 miles from Joe's hometown.  The drive to it is idyllic, with the curvy, hilly, tree-lined roads and amazing views that I love about that part of the state. 

It's basically a big gorgeous house with sprawling grounds.  Very warm and cozy.  I love the idea of having everyone feel like they're attending an event at a grand estate, but with the coziness of feeling like you're in someone's home.  There are fireplaces in every room and lots of places for people to wander and lounge, chat and just enjoy.  It's also the least expensive option. 

Which is why it's such a shame that the only thing I don't like about this venue is the actual reception room.  I hate the chandeliers, I hate the layout of the room, I hate that the dance floor is separated from the main area, and I hate the columns dividing the room painted to look like faux marble.  This really annoys me because I adore the rest of the house.  I wanted so badly for this to be it, and maybe it still will be if I can get over those small factors, but I just don't love it completely.  Joe really loved this venue, but I think I ruined it for him when I started pointing out my issues.  Sorry, Joey.  This place is still in the running because there is so much going for it.  I am going to try to get over myself on this one. 

This is also where we were when it started to snow that weekend, so we got to see how the event planners handle the unexpected as they scrambled to come up with a plan B for that evening's wedding.  They were unfrazzled, professional, and extremely courteous.  Major points. 

There is a winding path leading from the side of the house where guests can stroll and enjoy some pretty.

The reception room.  Just not feeling it.  I also hate the mirrored wall.

Party room - this is where the dancing goes down.

Gorgeous bar.

Outdoor ceremony space.

This is my "I'm a good sport and the snow is totally not ruining my day" face.

Certifiable

I'm pretty sure the mark of an insane person is someone who willingly and voluntarily puts themselves through hell and actually pays for the pleasure.  In this category are marathon runners, the dominatrix/sadomasochist set, and people who take multiple bar exams. 

Yesterday, I registered for another round of bar prep to get me ready for the February New York bar exam.  If all goes well, and I don't die this go around, I will find out I passed in May, and with our current lease up in June, we will then have a nice, long talk about whether to move back to Joe's hometown about an hour north of NYC.  It's where he ultimately wants to be and I love it there.  So if I can't find a job I love here in Philly, we might as well head back and start building our lives there.  That is the tentative plan as of now.  Again, assuming I don't die.

Dear BARBRI: thank you, sir, may I have another?

Venues #2, #3, and #4

Venue #1 is here.

Venue #2 is in New York, about an hour and a half from NYC and about 16 miles from where Joe grew up.  It's a winery, which I've learned is different from a vineyard.  They make the wine, but don't grow the grapes.  It was lovely but they charge a $7500 site fee, which is before you even factor in catering.  Thanks, but no thanks.

Venue #3 is in Joe's hometown in New York but isn't complete yet.  They are renovating some old brick buildings and turning them into a restaurant, hotel, and event space.  It should be done by next summer.  We toured the site and saw some artist renderings of what it will look like.  It promises to be gorgeous with exactly the kind of vibe we want.  Also, getting married in Joe's hometown, where he grew up and our relationship really developed, would mean a lot to both of us.  However, new construction makes me nervous.  What if it's behind schedule or they haven't worked out all the kinks by the time our wedding comes around?  They also are asking a rather exorbitant minimum fee, which I feel is unrealistic for the town and the area.  They currently only have one wedding booked, so maybe the price will drop eventually.  But right now, it's out.  Anyway, no pictures of that because there's nothing to see yet. 

Venue #4 is it.  Probably over a year before we even got engaged, I came across this place and fell in love based on the pictures.  Since then, I've imagined the day there and based my mental planning around it. I couldn't wait to see it in person.  To make it even sweeter, they recently renovated and the place is even more beautiful than it was originally.  It's about 10 miles from where Joe grew up.  It has everything we wanted and would showcase everything I love about New York State in the Fall.  The views are amazing and they were smart enough to keep everything else elegant but minimal to highlight how beautiful the surroundings are.  However, this will have to be the "if money was no object" place of my dreams because it's just expensive enough to be out of reach, but not so outrageous as to make me resent it.  I just love it.  Joe agreed this would be it only if...

Plan B ceremony space in case of bad weather.  Or snow in October.  Normally, the cocktail space.

The intended ceremony space.  Insanely beautiful.  The camera could not capture it.



Venues #5 and #6 are actually contenders.  Coming up soon.

Introducing...

This is Lily.  She's new.  Joe named her.  He's in love.

Joe will adore and take exceptional care of her, whereas my tolerance will grow to distant affection. 

As we know, Joe likes cats.  I, on the other hand, respect them out of fear.

This one, though, is growing on me.  She's awfully adorable.

Now, to get it out of my system, please enjoy some gratuitous kitten photos.  Thank you.