Friday Favorites – Excited Edition

Hello Friday!!!

 I’m so happy you’re here because that means tomorrow is Saturday, which means our kids are coming home.

#smilingfromeartoear

Now that I’ve said that, it’s time to link up with Erika, Narci, and Andrea  to check out what their Friday Favorites are along with quite a few other blogger friends.

Let’s get to it.

ONE

Have you tried these?

We discovered them a couple of years ago and love them. I think they might be Katie’s favorite and since she’s coming home (and they were on sale?) I stocked up. They are the perfect combo of salty and savory and go great with cheese or dips.

TWO

This cheese!!!

Oh my goodness, if you are a cheese lover you are going to want to try this cheese. I get it at (where else) Costco. It’s seasonal and only around for Thanksgiving and Christmas but I’ll let you in on a little secret. You can freeze it and have it for later in the year.

#geniusifidosaysomyself

THREE

Confession time…I used to make my pumpkin pie from scratch and a few years ago I tried Costco’s pumpkin pie and was hooked. Why would I spend time making one when I can get a giant one at Costco for $5.99? This is now a no brainer for me.

The recipe I use to make came from a Mrs. Fields cookbook that I bought over 20 years ago. It wasn’t your average pumpkin pie though because it had a chocolate ganache topping on it. Sounds crazy, right? This is the pie that convinced my kids to eat pumpkin pie.

If you want to give this a try for your Thanksgiving dessert table it’s super easy to do. Now I just make the topping and put it on my Costco pie and BOOM! everyone is happy.

Chocolate Topping

4 ounces semisweet chocolate coarsely chopped (or use chips)

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 T. granulated sugar

Place the chocolate in a small bow. In a Small saucepan, bring the heavy cream and the sugar to a simmer, then stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Chill the chocolate topping mixture until thickened but still pourable (apx. 30 minutes)

Pour the chocolate over the pumpkin pie and chill until the chocolate is set. (at least an hour)

FOUR

If you missed it yesterday I talked about a recipe that is a tradition at our holiday meals and how you can make it ahead of time.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Check it out HERE.

FIVE

Earlier this week I did a post on a recent visit I made to the University of Virginia and gave a pictorial tour. The architecture and history at this institution are quite an experience. If you missed that post, check it out HERE.

What are your favorites this week?

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

If you are going to be traveling this weekend, be safe.

Have a great weekend!!!

Lisa

XOXO

Don’t forget to stop by these other blogs and find some new favorites from these friends.

High Five for FRIDAY / Five on Friday / Friday Favorites / oh hey FRIDAY

 Life in Leggings