Signs of autumn are all around as I went through the kitchen this morning, camera in hand, looking for something to share. The night time temperatures have dropped into the low thirties. Time to gather up the last of the tomatoes and put them on the windowsill to ripen. How nice they look lined up there tanning themselves in the sun.
Pumpkins from the farm-stand and a friend's backyard garden sit awaiting their fate on the counter. The large bluish-gray one is an old heirloom variety called a "sweet meat" pumpkin, reportedly the best for pies. We plan to put it to the test after we're done admiring it. (Thanks Missy!)
Grace had just finished baking a batch of Gingersnaps. The spicy aroma filled the house. It's actually what lured me into the kitchen in the first place. Her cookies (as always) turned out so yummy. Just used the old-fashioned tried-and-true recipe that calls for molasses and cinnamon. Here's the recipe if you are looking for a good autumn cookie. It's one of my favorites anyway. If you store them in an air-tight plastic container they become soft and chewy. And Grace adds her own special touch with vanilla frosting in between two cookies. The likes of which is just too good for words...so, I'll leave you with this mouth-watering picture instead. It's the best I can do!
I love the fall and that post just got me into the mood to go to the farmer's market tomorrow for pumpkins! Thanks!
Posted by: Michelle | October 13, 2006 at 01:54 PM
Your kitchen pictures are making my want to spend my weekend in my kitchen. The cookies look delicious. I may have to stray from my usual chocolate chip and try these, especially with the frosting in the middle, YUM!
Posted by: lucy | October 13, 2006 at 02:03 PM
Those cookies look yummy! I printed the recipe, I might just have to try them. And I think Fall is my favorite season too, too bad it doesn't last long.
Posted by: Beth | October 13, 2006 at 02:33 PM
Yum! I can almost smell them if I try hard enough!
Posted by: Julie | October 13, 2006 at 02:41 PM
Oh I wish I could reach into the picture for one of those cookies--yum!
Posted by: beverly | October 13, 2006 at 02:44 PM
first of all, i absolutely adore your blog. it is one that i check daily.
as a student of english, tho, i have to admit that i cringe every time i see the word "coarse" used in the place of "course" incorrectly. i believe the usage you are looking for is #32 on this page http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/course
thanks for the gingersnap recipe. it looks so delicious. this is definitely going to be tried out this weekend. :)
reply: Oh so sorry I made you cringe, anon (is that short for anonymous?) how dreadful! I must be more careful. Thank you so much for pointing out the blunder, it's nice to know my readers are on their toes. I'm aware of the correct usage and spelling of both words, but perhaps my typing could use some help. :o)
Posted by: anon | October 13, 2006 at 02:45 PM
Vickie I love your blog no matter how you spell! The photos today are wonderful. When you have the chance will you tell me what Cookie flour is and why you and Grace like that instead of regular baking flour. Obviously something special for cookies, but like cake flour, it must have some cooking magic in it. Thanks!
Posted by: Pam | October 13, 2006 at 06:33 PM
I LOVE FALL!
And, ginger snaps are my favourite cookies!
I always LOVE seeing all the different types of pumpkins that are out there.
Posted by: Dale Anne | October 13, 2006 at 10:49 PM
your photos are as always so impressive...
love it to watch them...
oh, and the yummy cookies..i will bake some cinnamon elks today :)
Posted by: isa | October 13, 2006 at 11:53 PM
I love how Anon forgets to capitalize and spells though tho. :-)
Posted by: KievMama | October 14, 2006 at 06:22 AM
kievmama - that would be because i am a student of both english and the modern internet. :D
vickie - i certainly hope there are no hard feelings. and, yes, that would be for anonymous because i am such a chicken. i am a longtime lurker who may one day come out of the closet and would hate to have that lingering over my head. :)
Posted by: anon | October 14, 2006 at 06:45 AM
That picture of Grace is beautiful! It looks like something out of a magazine. So sweet.
We're off to the Gold Country for a field trip as it's the current homeschooling subject. Everyone in period costumes at Gold Rush Days at the site of the first gold discovery. Your field trips with the girls inspired me!
Have a lovely weekend,
lauren
Posted by: lauren | October 14, 2006 at 07:49 AM
Those cookies look delicious - I'll defintely be trying out the recipe. I've enjoyed your blog since I found it a while ago... it's a daily read.
Posted by: Jill | October 14, 2006 at 07:58 AM
I like the pictures.. the light in them is really autumnal..
and those cookies..
enjoy your week-end..
Posted by: pinar | October 14, 2006 at 01:54 PM
I love these photos. I can tell you often enough, your blog is like having a little window of sunshine I can peek into each day. Thank you!
(Of course, it would be even better, if I could reach through the window and help myself to one of those scrumptious cookies! :)
Posted by: tinker | October 15, 2006 at 12:52 AM
I tried the gingersnaps yesterday... I loved them. I will be keeping this recipe. I did chop up some crystallized ginger in it also. I've posted a picture of my cookies at my blog: http://simplicity.efx2.com/
Posted by: Angie | October 15, 2006 at 05:59 AM
Definitely very inspiring photos! I think I'll have to try the cookies and also look for autumnal touches to add to my kitchen.
Posted by: Lina | October 15, 2006 at 07:50 AM
Thanks for giving me a glimpse of your happy kitchen.
Posted by: littlejennywren | October 15, 2006 at 03:11 PM
Hello dear Vicki! Yes, that is a lovely picture of Grace surrounded by bright sunshine. I can see her sweet smile now. Tell her hello from me and Hannah. xo.
Posted by: Toni | October 15, 2006 at 04:27 PM
Oh your kitchen looks like a lovely place to be today. I can smell those cookies now. Hi Grace!
Posted by: blair | October 15, 2006 at 05:56 PM
What a lovely series of photos! Thanks for sharing the recipe too! I'll definitely be trying it! :)
Posted by: Marianne | October 15, 2006 at 07:27 PM
Oh my, this makes me want to be in the kitchen baking up a storm!
Posted by: beki | October 16, 2006 at 07:21 AM
I must say, you have one of the most beautiful blogs that I've seen! I've just discovered it after following a link from Posie Gets Cozy.
I'll be reading regularly.
PS Yay for homeschoolers! (I homeschooled my daughter in the early 90s.)
Posted by: Becky | October 16, 2006 at 12:38 PM
Amazing Grace strikes again!!! I will be sure to give this recipe a go!!..hopefully this weekend!!!
thanks bunches!!
xoxo Jenny
Posted by: jenny holiday | October 18, 2006 at 01:42 PM
My family and I enjoy the smells from baking. Especially in the cooler seasons. We then box up the extras and give them to neighbors and friends.
Posted by: Rona | October 23, 2006 at 10:48 AM