My Dollar Store Halloween Haul

Hello, I'm Alicia, and I love Halloween. I really, really, do. So today, I made the long trek across the street to the dollar store, and availed myself of some of their seasonal items. It was a success in that I managed not to buy All The Things, but that I bought enough to make it feel like a proper haul. Go me!
Here is a photo, for your enjoyment:

Clockwise, from top left: retro-style Halloween cupcake picks, cardboard skeleton, foil Jack O' Lantern garland, napkins, cupcake liners and picks, and plastic Jack O' Lantern baggies (for stuffing and hanging on trees)

In all honesty, the retro-style Halloween cupcake picks were purchased on eBay (months) in advance. I just wanted to show them off, because they are kitschy and I love them.

Soooo retro!

And now, I'd like you all to take a moment to appreciate the awesomeness of Mr. Skeleton. Here he is, chilling in his coffin. Like a boss.

"'Sup, ladies."

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my little Halloween geek-out. Till next time!

Pumpkin Soup

As a child, I used to really dislike pumpkin. I grew up in France and thankfully (for my preteen self) "Citrouille" is not a staple vegetable in their cooking. Even in the United Kingdom it doesn't tend to make much of an appearance except in photographs and recently--due to the ever increasing encroachment of American holidays-- at All Hallow's Eve.

I can't even recall exactly what it was about the dreaded pumpkin that caused me to develop such avoidant behaviour. As with most things, it was probably due to unimaginative and just plain awful preparation.

A few days ago, one of my good friends dropped by with a basketful of vegetables. I cooked up a storm with most of the offerings (curry, ragu etc) but the world's smallest pumpkin has been sitting on my kitchen counter for almost a week, taunting me. I decided to tackle it today.

I don't make soup that often, but it seems the best way to try out pumpkin for the first time in 15 years. Right now there's a tray of pumpkin flesh, chopped carrots and a giant bulb of garlic roasting in the oven.

I'll let you know how it went.