Dipping Bones

Breadstick Bones

Here's an easy and fun Halloween dipping bread bone,

that's versatile.

It can either be a sweet or savory treat.

Savory Method:

1 (11 oz.) package refrigerated soft bread sticks.
Working with one piece at a time, stretch each strand

 to  approximately a 5-6 inch length.

Tie a knot at each end forming the bone shape.

Roll in grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated

on all sides.

Bake as instructed on package, until lightly golden brown.

Serve with any desired cheese dip.

Or...my shortcut recipe calls for an extra cup of grated Mexican cheese  added to one jar of  Tostito's Queso con salsa.  

Heat together until creamy.

 Pour into a cauldron and serve. 

An additional savory option is a marinara dip. No doubt your culinary creativity will inspire many dipping varieties.  

Sweet (to no surprise) is my favorite dip.

There are many decadent dips to choose from.

Sweet Method:

The bones are made basically the same, excluding the Parmesan cheese. 

Rather than adding the cinnamon and sugar before baking,

I prefer basting the hot out of the oven bread bones with melted butter.

Followed with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar or confectioners  sugar.

The sugar will adhere to the melted butter.  

My go-to highly requested is my chocolate ganache dip.

The simple but effective secret is combing both semi sweet and milk chocolate morsels with 3-4Tbls. of heavy whipping cream.

Simmered slowly it's rich and creamy.

Also any fruit jam will make a quick and easy dip.

The sky is the limit.

Just a reminder....

I'm still posting on my Facebook blog.

Please come by for a visit.

I will also be returning  here with original posts in time for 

Halloween.
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Fall into Halloween

When Fall began to make it's  colorful  appearances, it brought about an anticipation for... sweaters, apple cider, pumpkins and the scent of  wood burning in the fireplace.  

  Fall decorating was on deck. 

Hubby planted our pumpkin patch during the summer to insure our crop would be ready in time for our October harvest.

(click on video to view on a larger screen)

Slowly and patiently  the pumpkins were redirected by wheel barrel to the front porch and 
walkway.





Working their way down from the front stoop.
It's quite the workout but,
I think Hubby likes to see the lineup gradually form and cascade down the pathway.

This year the back and front yards had a planting of,
 orange and yellow Marigolds.
The most beautiful shades of autumnal colors!
How he times everything to make their debut
 just when he wants, is magical!

 Mother nature adds her final touches as well,

blending in perfect harmony.

Fall is also the time of year we anticipate...HALLOWEEN!
It's been a traditional event we've participated in for years.
As you've seen in previous posts...it's a fun filled evening!

With the length of time it takes to gather all the Halloween treats, it may at times delay  preparations for home baked goodies. That's when I appreciate the inspiration that Pinterest offers for last minute treats.
I discovered two perfect DIY's that were easy-peasy! 
With just the add of a simple cello bag, ribbon and a Halloween tag, treats were all wrapped up and ready for delivery.

DIY #1.
Milanos Mummy's

https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/mummy-milanos/



DIY #2
Peanut Butter Mummy

http://yummiestfood.com/peanut-butter-mummy-no-bake/


Although Yummiest Food recipe calls for a home baked cookie, I changed it up with store bought peanut butter granola bars.
This worked out fabulously!


I also added these cute googly eyes.


The vintage Remix

 ON ETSY

                                  is my go-to shop for retro tags.
                                                  

                                     
                                    Halloween circa 2008

                     
                             

          From Sara's Sweet Surprise, 

I'm wishing everyone a Purr-fect Halloween!

Come visit me...

Posting on Sara's Sweet Surprise on Facebook

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Fall fell into my frappe & salad.

I've got to say....I love me some pumpkin!

Whether it be savory or sweet or in a Frappe or shake.
I never tire of this seasonal taste treat.

The "Pumpkin Spice Frappucino" is the fall season opener.  For most it is greatly anticipated with bated breath.

(Goggle Image)

As much as I adore any of the pumpkin  drinks offered, they come with a hefty calorie count.

Until now! 

Here's the low calorie recipe I created for my morning pumpkin smoothie/Frappe.

For a single serve I combine into my blender glass the following ~ingredients~
1/2 cup crushed ice with any
 milk of choice, just enough to top the ice.  
I prefer a low fat milk and or unsweetened almond milk.  

This is where you add the amount of organic canned pumpkin pie mix or puree you so desire.  If you use the pumpkin puree alone,you'll need to add the spices.  For me it's 1 cube of each...pumpkin pie mix and organic pumpkin (puree).
The pumpkin pie filling provides sweetness and spice.
Where he plain pumpkin gives the flavor but cuts the sugar content.

  Add a flavorful vanilla protein powder.
Freezing the pumpkin into cubes has up my game!

  Blend thoroughly. 

Top with a small dollop of .....

 So Delicious CoCo Whip

or...
Truwhip natural real cream topping.

 Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

It's the combination of pumpkin pie mix with the puree that makes this a go-to for my breakfast routine.

Savory Pumpkin Salad

Along with pumpkins there's an abundance of Fall squashes available.

When grilled it makes a delightful companion with leafy greens for a fresh salad.

For this particular dish I grilled up a variety of  squashes & veggies.    
Pumpkin, butternut squash, (yellow) sweet potato, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers.  Served over a generous mixture of leafy greens.  Topped with a splash of vinaigrette dressing or homemade avocado dressing. 
Blend an avocado with lime juice and a splash of water to create a dressing consistency.  I added season salts, Mexi spices and a little  fresh garlic.  

On occasion I'll add grilled seasoned chicken breast tenderloins.