What's in Season | November

Although the outdoor farmer's markets have closed until the spring, you can still get local products and produce.  Head to Liquor Barns, Good Foods Co-Op, or Whole Foods for all your KY Proud product and produce needs.  For produce, I'd stop at Good Foods Co-Op first because they are a locally owned store and more likely to carry local produce.

 {No strawberries are not in season; this is a picture from earlier this year that was never posted.  I didn't take a picture of the November produce when I was at the market last week.  Don't judge.}

Here's a list of produce available in November in Kentucky:

Apples
Beets (first part of the month will be the last of the season)
Broccoli (first part of the month will be the last of the season)
Brussel Sprouts (first part of the month will be the last of the season)
Cabbage (first part of the month will be the last of the season)
Carrots (until mid month will be the last of the season)
Cauliflower (until mid month will be the last of the season)
Greens
Lettuce (until mid month will be the last of the season)
Onions (until mid month will be the last of the season)
Pears (until mid month will be the last of the season)
Pumpkins (until mid month will be the last of the season)
Radishes (first part of the month will be the last of the season)
Sorghum (until mid month will be the last of the season)
Squash, winter (first part of the month will be the last of the season)
Sweet Potatoes
Turnips

See?  Still a decent amount of produce!  I've been making some recipes with sweet potatoes and beets that will be coming up in November!

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monthly munchies | November

November 1st, and there is snow on the ground (okay so maybe the cars, but it's cold and snowing--that's the point).  If this is any indication, this will be a long, cold winter.

Before we get to the heart of winter, fall winds down to Thanksgiving!  That's right; it's about 3 1/2 weeks away!  Start planning!  I know that my family is, and we are trying to get a jump-start on Christmas!

 {Let's be honest--any raw veggies with ranch is a perfect snack (at least in my book)}

So what's happening around a girl eats world in November?  Well...

• It's all about THANKSGIVING!  This week, I'm doing a recap of my past Thanksgiving recipes, just to get you in the mood to start thinking about a menu.
• Second week in November, I'll give you a sample Thanksgiving menu and tips to reduce the stressful holiday!
• In the second week, I'll also start sharing some new recipes (brined turkey anyone?) that will go into the third week.
• The fourth week is Thanksgiving!  I will be taking a short break from blogging on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Mainly because I have two Thanksgivings to make food for and attend.  Plus, this girl needs a rest!
• I'm also having another giveaway so check back throughout November for more details!
• Personally, I've gained some unwanted weight so I'm working on losing about 15 pounds.  I started last week, and I thought it would be hard.  I'm finding it's really easy (when I'm not stressed out, but I'm working on it).  I identified some unhealthy habits, kicked them to the curb, and added more intense walking to my routine.  Sorry--no desserts for a little while!

What are your plans for the month besides getting home to friends and family on Thanksgiving?

PS--Look out on instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for my contributions to HerKentucky.com and Mour Magazine throughout the month!

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Pumpkin Bacon Sauce

If you are looking for more of a "grown-up" Halloween dinner, this recipe for pumpkin bacon sauce will not disappoint!

Fall=pumpkin everything. That’s a fact. However pumpkin doesn’t always mean sweets like cookies, cakes, and breads (although I love those too!). Pumpkin works just as well in savory dishes! I always make it a point to make a new savory pumpkin recipe every year, and so far, I’ve never been disappointed. So grab some pumpkin and local bacon and head to the kitchen!

 {Pumpkin Bacon Sauce}

 {Serve the sauce over whatever you prefer be it pasta, rice or steamed veggies like cauliflower!}

 {Want a bite?  Head to the kitchen and get cooking!  This was done in under 30 minutes!}

Two years ago:  Lazy Pizza Dough

Pumpkin Bacon Sauce
adapted from Created by Diane

1/2 pound bacon (local), diced
1/2 medium onion (local), diced
4 cloves garlic (local), minced
12 oz tomato sauce
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup broth
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup Greek plain yogurt
Pasta, cooked (rice, steamed cauliflower, etc)

1. Fry bacon until crispy.
2. Turn heat down, and add onions and garlic. 
3. Cook onions and garlic until transparent and fragrant. 
4. Add tomato sauce, pumpkin, broth, nutmeg, and pepper flakes, stirring to combine. 
5. Allow to simmer 10-5 minutes or until thickened. 
6. Turn off heat and add yogurt. 
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 
8. Serve over cooked pasta. 

The Hubby loved this! Several co-workers were lucky that I was able to sneak some out of the house! Not a bad word to say about this recipe, and I even brought steamed cauliflower to serve it with at work instead of pasta. Everyone was surprised at how delicious a savory pumpkin recipe can be! Won’t they be even more surprised when I bring a Pumpkin and White Bean Stew for our potluck on Halloween? It’s just as delicious!

Do you use pumpkin for more than just sweets? Comment below with some of your favorite recipes because I am always looking for more ideas (and I don’t think I have all of my pumpkin-eating out of my system)!

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Halloween | Frozen Hand in the Punch

You can't have a Halloween party without red punch and a hand in that punch!  So easy but cool!

 {Frozen Hand in the Punch}

 {Freezing the water in the glove}

 {Set in the freezer, and be careful when peeling the glove off!  Mine broke several times}

 
Frozen Hand in the Punch

NON-latex, powder-free gloves
Rubber bands
Water
Punch

1. Fill each glove with water and tie off with a rubber band.
2. Freeze overnight.
3. Allow the hand to sit out for a few minutes before use so the glove is easier to remove; if you are in a hurry, it can be run under cool tap water.
4. Remove glove.
5. Place hand in punch.  Bonus if a "finger" falls off!

Hopefully these easy recipes gave you some ideas about your Halloween party this year!  Or at least with your family!

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