The pumpkins go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah!
Stocked up, yes?!
I had a lovely photo shoot with my army
Found them at Food Lion (at Ridge Rd + Harris) and wanted to buy even more. There will never be a shortage of pumpkin in this house! Maybe I will even loosen up enough to bake with a can (previously they have been too precious to bake with). They were $1.59 a piece, so I spent $26 on pumpkin. How appropriate for my Fall birthday month. This should last me until spring – when I’m usually sick of it! Mabye a few cans will even last me until next fall!?
Here’s what the general thinks of pumpkin. Boo him!
Upon arriving home (did I mention we BIKED with these pumpkin cans on Matt’s bike rack!?), I broke in
SMOOTHIE!
I don’t remember the exact measurements, but I believe it was something like this:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin
- 3/4 cup milk
- 6ish rounds of frozen banana thick slices
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch all spice
BLEND = pumpkin pudding!
Topped with coconut, chia seeds and Hungry Bar
Around 5:15, Matt and I got in a funk. I work all hours of the day. I blog at midnight. Answer comments and take conference calls morning to evening. Sometimes I write articles on Saturday mornings. So really, my workweek doesn’t really have weekends. [And I like it that way!]
However, my body still knows when it’s Friday. And when the rest of the world is celebrating.
We had plans for dinner at home tonight (to curb our restaurant + travel spending). But it just felt so DULL to stay home. And the weather was so nice.
So we went biking – with our destination carefully planned
Yes, it’s already glove weather!! However, within 5 minutes of our bike ride I was already hot.
We arrived downtown
And found ourselves at a BUSTLING free wine tasting! The Market Street Wine Shop has one every Friday, and we were more than excited to find it to be a true event.
We tasted a flight of 3 whites, 4 reds and 2 beers. Loved ’em all! We discussed during our tastes how extremely excited we are about our trip to California in November. You see, I’m going to the Foodbuzz Festival (for a business trip of course!) but since we’re a bit idle in life right now until we get our business moving forward (which is happening as I type!), we figured now would be a good time to take a bit of a bakery babymoon trip. Matt is going to join me in San Francisco on Sunday and we’re spending 3 days in wine country! Can’t. Wait.
They had cheese + bread at the tasting – excellent appetizer.
Love all the free events we have uncovered in this town. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE living here!?
Once we biked back on home, we did make that planned dinner. Jenna’s Channa Masala! I’ve been meaning to make this recipe for years!
We followed it exactly except I subbed red pepper for onion and we – gasp – were out of coriander! So we used the zest of a lemon and grapefruit instead. Worked quite well!
Loved the recipe!! It was super spicy, as promised, and had great chew!
Wish we had served it with something green – like sauteed collards. But all we had was Flax Oat Bran, which made excellent naan!
Matt and I are now sharing this from the freezer:
Another movie time!?
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
What is the freezer treat?
Kath says
Gingerbread from our Housecooling
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I almost died laughing when I read you biked with all of that pumpkin. Honestly, that is so funny. I’m surprised no one got hurt!
Evan Thomas says
Wow! I think you’ve more than stocked up. You’ll be pumpkin ready until August!
Heather says
yay pumpkin! Our stores got some about a month agao and I bought 5 cans!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
So glad Matt will be able to join you in SF!
Tabitha (From Single to Married) says
You’ve made me want to go buy some pumpkin asap… I’m headed to the store tomorrow so I’ll pick some up and try your smoothie!
Kel says
Fear not! The Great pumpkin has arrived and the shortage has been declared over!
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2010-09-27-pumpkin-shortage-over_N.htm
I am excited to be making our monthly field trip across the Minneapolis Metro to Great Harvest tomorrow!
Christine says
Are you *sure* that’s enough pumpkin? 🙂
I am amazed by how many events Charlottesville has (just by looking at your blog) — it sounds awesome!
stacey-healthylife says
Wow that is a ton of pumpkin. But it’s a good price and you will have a nice stock.
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Awesome army of antioxidants!! 😀
Heather says
I just bought 3 cans of pumpkin myself today – the supermarket shelves were stocked so I wasn’t too fearful of not being able to find it again. I think I paid $1.69.
Looks like you found a great way to break the evening up – at a low cost!
Enjoy movie night.
Kris says
I looked all over when we were in NC to find pumpkin; finally found it in Huntersville at Food Lion. Now that the shortage is over, no prob finding in FL and I pick up a can at Wal Mart every grocery trip. Today was pumpkin soup and pumpkin scones for friends arriving back in FL for their three month stay. And, best of all, it’s so fall like and cool here so it’s fun to bake and make soup! Glad you’re loving Cville — our one and only visit there was our honeymoon 🙂
hippierunner says
What a great thing to be able to hop on your bike to go to a free wine tasting! If only all of America were as livable!
Marisa @ Loser for Life says
You are stocked up, girl! LOL!
Looks like a great free night out! YAY!
Jen says
That is incredible! Those cans of Libby’s are $3.59 here in Vermont. Everywhere else is so much cheaper!
Kath says
GOL!
Camille says
Haha, I totally bought 9 cans from Costco the other day. I plan to buy about 20 asap in case they stop carrying it!
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
Oh man, I bought 6 cans and I thought I was crazy…I might go back for more only because the store was running low.
I need to find free events like that close to me, it looks like a great way to spend an evening!
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes says
i too, bought a ton of pumpkin when it first “reappeared” in stores…my insecurities on being left without it for a year are not completely gone… 😉
Love,
Cathy B @ brightbakes
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
you are HILARIOUS kath!!!
wendy sue says
given all the hills here in cville, I can’t believe you biked back. not a fan of that food lion, though its the closest market to me too. I pick up a can of pumpkin pretty much every 2 weeks, but think I have only stockpiled about 6.
Meg says
HAHA this made my night 😀 Thank you!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
So.much.PUMPKIN!!! I love it!! 😀
Nora@LifeLifeEatRight says
AH!! Jenna’s Channa Masala is my FAVORITE!! Good choice 🙂 Glad you are stocking up on pumpkin!!
Hannah says
Um, yeah. This is pretty much the cruelest post you’ve ever written. There is not such thing as canned pumpkin in Australia! SOB.
Meagan says
Bakery babymoon trip? I am not quite sure what this means! I loved the pumpkin shots. That’s fun! I got some at my local Vons a few weeks ago. I made some orange vegetable soup out of it, with red pepper and sweet potatoes. It was so good! It’s on my site if you want to check it out!
Kath says
You know how people take a babymoon trip before they give birth? Cause their lives are about to be tied down with the newborn? That’s how we are with the bakery. Once it opens we’ll be pretty tied down. Make sense!?
MonsteRawr says
Usually your blended concoctions look pretty grody, but that pumpkin pudding/smoothing thing looks yummy. I shall try.
Emilyeatsclean says
I definitely think you have enough pumpkin to last until spring! 🙂 Cute pumpkin can photos btw….
Char says
You are so beautiful in orange. Great colour on you! Wow, so much pumpkin! Can only imagine the fun you’re going to have 😀
xoxo
Kath says
Thanks!
Krystina (Organically Me) says
I think you should have picked up a few more cans!
Sarah says
I’m not sure if you are ever looking for a movie rec. but My Name is Khan, is one iof the best movies I have seen in a while! I loved the message, very powerful. TGIF 🙂
Kath says
Wrote it down. And funny because Matt’s nickname is Kanz!
skinnyrunner says
oh wow. that is the most pumpkin ive ever seen outside of a grocery store. and i liked that you matched it too. nice.
claire says
This just reminded me that I only have one can left! The horror!
Oh, and I can’t wait to meet you during “business trip weekend” in SF!
Alaina @ The Jogging Concierge says
Oooh, enjoy your trip to wine country!! I went there for my honeymoon. My favorite wineries in Napa were Honig and Kuleto. 🙂
Krista (kristastes) says
Hahhaa! Kath, you crack me up. Love the lineup!!!
Rachelle says
Whoooooo hooo!
Love that pumpkin. I have my 2 year old screaming for pumpkin bread. I am enthralled with all things pumpkin and squash this year (mainly b/c of your recipes and those from the front burner blog). You also said my two favorite words. Baby Moon 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Loving your pumpkin action! You can never have too much pumpkin, I say.
thetreadmilldiaries says
Wow – You’ve got a whole lot of pumpkin going on over there. 🙂 But if it gets put to good use, why not. I know that I’ll be whipping up that smoothie you took a pic of with my breakfast in the am. Can’t wait.
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
You are all stocked up until Libby’s goes out of business (j/k, hopefully not) $1.59 for a can? Were they on sale? They are being sold here in California for $2.59 and that’s on sale? What a difference. huh?
I can’t wait to see your creations with your army of pumpkins Kat.
Kath says
They used to be $1 a can before the shortage! I think the grocery stores are taking advantage of us
Marina says
so much pumpkin! awesome pictures 😀
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I’ve made that curry before, and it is amazing!! I was wondering how the business was coming along. Glad to hear you’re getting closer to opening.
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
I know I’ve said this many a times before, but you look SO good in orange!!
Kath says
HA, thanks!
Hope says
Wow that is a lot of pumpkin!!!
Did you know that in New Zealand you can’t even buy pumpkin in a can! Gosh that would save soooo much time!
Lucky you have so many cool events in your area!
Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) says
I have YET to find Libby’s Canned Pumpkin! Not for lack of trying…but like you I will most likely be biking (or walking) home with my load of pumpkin once I find it!
Cara Craves... says
I love how you match your pumpkin!
Looking forward to see all the ways you use that pumpkin.
Does Matt dislike everything with pumpkin?
Kath says
He tolerates it..
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Today is pumpkin picking/carving day and I am so excited! I still haven’t bought pumpkin yet. I have one calling me name to roast right now! I LOVE pumpkin!
Nathalie says
Total pumpkin envy!!! Canned pumpkin is such a rarity here in the UK- it’s tragic 😉
Brenna [fabuleuxdestin] says
Looks like so much fun 🙂
freck says
We are on our way to San Fran right now! Too funny! Have fun 🙂
Simply Life says
I have yet to try canned pumpkin but something tells me I may have to change that 🙂
MaryB says
I’m not sure that will last til Christmas! I bet you end up buying more. Congrats on the trip!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Haha wow you are stocked up! Did you match your shirt to the pumpkin intentionally? 😉
Kath says
Accident!
Brooke says
omg, tell me you didn’t bike home with all of those cans? it’s all i can do to carry my 8 cans of pumpkin up the steps to my kitchen in my townhouse!!!!
christina cadden says
Looks like a fun evening!
Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun says
Oh. My. Gosh. Look at all that pumpkin – I think you are addicted. LOL 😉
Kim says
Your housecooling inspired me to have a Fall party of my own. It’s tonight!! It’s a pumpkin carving party and I’m even making your butternut squash soup and those cookies!
Kath says
Have fun!
carpensm says
OMG that smoothie looks so good! I just recently came over to the dark side and found the love of pumpkin…experimenting with pumpkin pancakes this morning actually…. but then I think I’ll have to try your smoothie!! YUM!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
This is probably one of my favorites of your posts.
My stock of pumpkin looks pretty similair…isn’t it the best thing ever?
And I’m making that channa marsala next week. I’m always looking for quick ‘n’ easy (and delicious!) vegetarian recipes for the fam. Thanks! 😀
Lindsey says
Let me know if you need winery/dinner suggestions while your in wine country – my husband and I just went to Napa in the spring and loved every minute of it! It’s beyond beautiful and the wineries are amazing!
PS – I think you should be the spokeswoman for Pumpkin!
Kath says
We will probably stay on the Sonoma side, but I’d love some recs
Krista @ Can't Survive on Yarn Alone says
The pumpkin army cracked me up esp since the first can is turned so it is more so “looking at” the camera.
Kath says
Haha. It is!
Jaime says
Love how you and your “babies” match! NO, I’m not saying you look like a pumpkin, just the same color. 😉 Enjoy!
Bree says
My husband doesn’t care for pumpkin either. He will eat pumpkin baked goods only if generously slathered in some kind of ridiculous frosting.
Jessica M says
I love the pic of matt making the face. Too funny!
I think you and matt love wine and beer as much as me and my husband!
Have a good day! 🙂
Krit says
I bought my FIRST EVER can of Libby’s pumpkin yesterday. It was $1.37 at SuperTarget, I had no idea there was a shortage at one time?? Now I just have to scour all the food blogs and pick a pumpkin recipe to try. =)
lee says
Pumpkin is one of my favorite baking foods…it’s so comforting to find someone else who understands my relief and joy that canned pumpkin is once again available in the stores after a long, sad absence!! When I first saw it in the stores a few weeks ago, I bought half a dozen cans, and have been adding to that stock a can at a time, here and there. Trying not to become a hoarder, and crossing my fingers that last year’s outage will NOT be repeated!
Happy pumpkin eating! =)