Get Ready to House Hunt!

in I Love Pumpkin!

This week is going to be quite exciting!  My mother-in-law is visiting for the week, and it’s up to us to find and buy my in-laws a house in three days.  They’ve sold their Florida home and must move up here as soon as possible

 

So tomorrow is going to be House Hunters Healthy Tipping Point-style!  House Hunters is one of my favorite shows so it will be fun to do it in real life (plus, I don’t have to spend any money- heh!).

 

Today was also very exciting because I finally found Libby’s Pure Pumpkin at the grocery store!  It’s been out of stock because of the harvest shortage.  I went bonkers in the grocery aisle and bought 10 cans!

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I had already eaten my snack of the afternoon or I definitely would’ve cracked open a can!

 

Museli with fruit and Greek yogurt:

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And I made an Indian-inspired dinner for dinner with my mother-in-law (her name is Rosalind, by the way – isn’t that a pretty name?).  I love combining roasted veggies with Indian sauces – and I’ll admit – I take the easy way out and buy pre-made sauces.

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The finished product included roasted potatoes, Brussel sprouts, mushrooms, and chickpeas with Rogan Josh curry, which was super spicy!

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No rice or bread with dinner because I was anticipating that I’d be consuming QUITE a few cookies for dessert. 🙂 🙂 I cooked a batch of the world’s best Gingerbread cookies for Kristina, who won my little men for Tina’s Team in Training online bake sale.

 

Seriously – this Gingerbread cookie recipe (and icing recipe) is a perfect, no-fail recipe.  I’ve made it three years in a row now around the holidays (or in September… whatever).

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I love this icing recipe because it includes lemon juice and, as a result, has a really great tang to it.

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It’s starting to smell a lot like CHRISTMAS!!!!

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Pumpkin + Gingerbread cookies?!  I’m in heaven now!

 

Yay, Fall!

{ 70 comments }

 

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 19, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Those cookies are so cute! Great job with the icing 🙂

    Jason and I just watched some House Hunters today — I could watch that all day! Have fun looking at houses tomorrow!

  • Lisa September 19, 2010, 10:07 pm

    House Hunters is an addiction. I could seriously sit and watch 5 hours straight of that show. I have NO idea why.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 19, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Pumpkin and gingerbread… HEAVEN! My favorite time of the year!

  • ashleigh September 19, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Yay you finally found some pumpkin! can’t wait to see what you whip up with it!

  • Sana September 19, 2010, 10:10 pm

    I love your men 🙂 Indian inspired meals are always my go to meals. This also could be because of the fact that I am Indian…

  • Liz September 19, 2010, 10:10 pm

    I have a question for you Caitlin. I really like your recipes since they are easy and vegetarian, and I was looking for some inspiration. Do you have any good ideas for what to do with a bag of bean sprouts? I’ve only had them on sandwiches, and we got about two cups of them with our CSA this week. Know of any good recipes? Thanks!

    • caitlin September 19, 2010, 10:28 pm

      stirfry it up! that’s the only thing i’ve done with them

  • Kristy @ KristyRuns.com September 19, 2010, 10:11 pm

    1. Thank you for buying 10 cans of pumpkin. I don’t feel so crazy now. (I still have many cans from last season)

    2. I am already counting down the days until Christmas music is blasting on the radio. Thanks for the sneak peek of Christmas! 🙂

    Good luck house hunting!

  • Shari September 19, 2010, 10:13 pm

    Those cookies are adorable!!

  • Jacqueline September 19, 2010, 10:14 pm

    Caitlin: how much was the pumpkin per can? I went to the store today and they said it’s going to be scarce this year so I thought about buying some online. How does this price compare to what you found today: http://www.amazon.com/Farmers-Market-Foods-Organic-15-Ounce/dp/B000HDI5O8/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1284948699&sr=8-1

    • caitlin September 19, 2010, 10:29 pm

      they were ridiculous! 1.79 a can

  • yummiee cupcake September 19, 2010, 10:21 pm

    don’t jump to christmas yet.. i’m so scared of 2011.

    i went to the market today, no libby’s!

    • Annie September 19, 2010, 11:26 pm

      I haven’t found it here yet either! Hopefully soon. 🙂

      I live for dinners like you made tonight. Really simple but packed with flavor. Yum!

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul September 19, 2010, 10:22 pm

    I can’t imagine having to find a house that quickly. It took us over a month to choose an apartment! Good luck =)

  • Jess @ atasteofconfidence September 19, 2010, 10:22 pm

    good luck house hunting!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite September 19, 2010, 10:33 pm

    Those cookies are too cute 🙂

    Best of luck house hunting!!

  • Elizabeth September 19, 2010, 10:34 pm

    Wow and I thought I was nuts when I bought 5 cans yesterday. haha good to know I’m not the only one. I have been on the hunt for what seems like forever now I couldn’t pass it up.

  • Christina @ Food.Fun.Fabulous September 19, 2010, 10:35 pm

    Wow 3 days to find a house?! Good luck!

  • carlee September 19, 2010, 10:35 pm

    I’m like the only pumpkin freak at my house! ha
    and those gingerbread look mighty good! but lets get one thing straight! it is nott time for Christmas!lol

  • carlee September 19, 2010, 10:36 pm

    I’m like the only pumpkin freak at my house! ha
    and those gingerbread look mighty good! but lets get one thing straight! it is nott time for Christmas!lol

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day September 19, 2010, 10:37 pm

    Hooray for House Hunting! I dream about the time when I get to do it! Your cookies have me yearning for Christmas…

  • Emma September 19, 2010, 10:39 pm

    Ahhh what grocery store did you find pumpkin?? I’ve been looking all week, found 1 can of organic at a small market for $2.79 per can!?!?! Not acceptable

    • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 10:45 pm

      Harris Teeter

  • maria @ Chasing the Now September 19, 2010, 10:44 pm

    I want to make gingerbread cookies now! AHH!

    Good luck house hunting. It can be stressful, so I hope it is quick and painless for you and your in-laws.

  • Amy B (Second City Randomness) September 19, 2010, 10:44 pm

    Yes, I just found Libby’s in my store today. I assume I’ll be one of those crazy woman during after holidays sales with a cart full… ready to hoard it over the rest of winter…

  • Stephanie @ Laugh and Cook September 19, 2010, 10:47 pm

    MMM!!! Yummy!

  • christina cadden September 19, 2010, 10:51 pm

    Have fun shopping for a new house for your in-laws.

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini September 19, 2010, 11:03 pm

    So cute. Gingerbread cookies are underrated!

  • Susan@MomSwimBikeRun September 19, 2010, 11:13 pm

    ok you talked me into it… i’ll be buying some pumpkin and making some pumpkin yumminess!

  • Gina September 19, 2010, 11:18 pm

    That concoction for dinner looks so good. What temperature do you roast your brussel sprouts at? I want to make them, but I’ve heard if they aren’t cooked right, they’re gross 🙁

    • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 11:18 pm

      375 degrees!

  • Caitlin September 19, 2010, 11:25 pm

    Any date after August 31st is the holiday season. That’s why Fall is so fun!

  • Charlie September 19, 2010, 11:28 pm

    I’m jealous – I haven’t found pumpkin anywhere yet! 🙁

  • MoniMeals September 19, 2010, 11:46 pm

    What! I still can’t find Pumpkin! I am happy for you though and good luck house hunting, yippee!
    I loved your photo from the last post btw, you should see some of the outfits I come up with for workign out- A lot of Neon is involved, don’t ask how, it just it. 🙂

  • Amber K September 19, 2010, 11:49 pm

    I have never heard of House Hunters, now I feel like I should check it out!

  • Kristina @ spabettie September 19, 2010, 11:52 pm

    I agree… September is a perfect time to make gingerbread men!! It’s my birthday next week, so these men will arrive for that too!! 😀

    makes more sense now – I saw you tweet House Hunters (love!) and thought, GEEZ, they just moved into their place, they’re already looking? 🙂 either way, it is SO fun.

    ha – I usually buy pumpkin by the case (I use it a lot!) so now I feel better knowing I’m not the only pumpkin hoarder!

  • Camille September 20, 2010, 12:21 am

    Oh man, the holidays really are almost here!
    That is a short amount of time to have to get a house! Good luck!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) September 20, 2010, 12:29 am

    Baked my first loaf of pumpkin bread for my husband. Love the smell of pumpin pie spices baking in the oven!

    Can’t wait for house hunters!

  • Tiffany (Stuffed With Fluff) September 20, 2010, 1:09 am

    Have fun looking at houses tomorrow! I love House Hunters and totally pretended to be “on the show” when we were house hunting earlier this year

  • Marina September 20, 2010, 1:11 am

    10 can’s of pumpkin sounds perfect 😀
    good luck with the house!

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life September 20, 2010, 2:01 am

    I love House Hunters! Before house shopping last summer I did lots and lots of ‘research’ by watching House Hunters and Property Virgins. I say kind of jokingly, but I actually learned so much from those shows!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) September 20, 2010, 2:13 am

    oooh good luck for the house hunting!

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 20, 2010, 2:30 am

    :'( they don’t sell pumpkin over here..I’m so jealous!
    Good luck house hunting 😀

  • Wei-Wei September 20, 2010, 2:33 am

    Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. I would have just had a can of pumpkin and a spoon for a snack 😉

  • Janessa September 20, 2010, 3:30 am

    PUMPKIN!

    Your love of pumpkin is adorable and contagious.

    I bought 3 cans for a buck each today. So. Excited. Am going to try a baked pumpkin ziti with sage bread crumbs for dinner this week.

  • Little Bookworm September 20, 2010, 4:31 am

    Good luck house hunting! Love the look of those gingerbread men. 🙂

  • Michelle September 20, 2010, 6:03 am

    I’ve never seen house hunters before, but it sounds like fun! That dinner looks amazing, I love curry anything 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) September 20, 2010, 6:12 am

    Best of luck with the house hunt!!

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life September 20, 2010, 6:22 am

    Those cookies look so yummy! I’m glad you found pumpkin, there’s still a shortage up here.

  • Lauren September 20, 2010, 6:51 am

    I can’t wait for HTP House Hunters!!! 🙂

    I finally found Libby’s yesterday too! Only I limited to 4 cans because we are moving in 2 weeks and I’m trying to eat down the pantry. Ugh, I couldn’t resist. 🙂

  • Lindsey September 20, 2010, 7:09 am

    You make me miss fall so much! I can’t wait till it gets here. Good luck house hunting!

  • Maryea September 20, 2010, 7:11 am

    I feel the same way about pumpkin! I haven’t had any problems finding it this season, though. Your gingerbread cookies are adorable. 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 20, 2010, 7:21 am

    Yum! 10 cans? You’re my kind of lady! I bought 2 cans last weekend, but I have a feeling I’ll be needing more… a lot more. One can is already gone just from my oatmeal alone. This girl NEEDS some pumpkin bread, so I need to go on a hunt!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 20, 2010, 7:22 am

    Fall…how I love thee! My mother-in-law actually asked around here stores for pumpkin (just for me) and they still don’t have it either….I am so ready. I saw pumpkins at Kroger the other day…I may go get one and just roast it up myself. Enjoy your day of house hunting!

  • Erin September 20, 2010, 7:23 am

    Everyone’s finding pumpkin except me!! When will Maryland get pumpkin again?! 🙁

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 20, 2010, 7:32 am

    House hunters is always on when I go to the gym, so I like to watch it as I run! Good luck with the house search! 🙂

  • Kelly September 20, 2010, 8:09 am

    Gah! I’ve been looking everywhere for pumpkin!! You are a lucky girl 🙂

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) September 20, 2010, 8:09 am

    Pumpkin is sooo hard to find right now! I stocked up with 5 cans myself, and everyone else in the grocery store had done the same thing. It’s literally gone right after the shelves are filled. Craziness!

    I’ll have to try your gingerbread cookie recipe!! They look so thick and delicious. Yum! 😀

  • Neen @ Broad Bean to Runner Bead September 20, 2010, 8:37 am

    ohh happy house hunting, have fun x

  • Kelly September 20, 2010, 10:21 am

    How exciting. Happy house hunting! And I need to go buy some pumpkin asap!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 20, 2010, 11:09 am

    3 days?!? how crazy. good luck with that!

  • Kristy September 20, 2010, 11:36 am

    I saw a bin full of libys over the weekend first reaction was a squeal then I thought of you 🙂

    • Caitlin September 20, 2010, 10:20 pm

      hehe you are so cute.

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous September 20, 2010, 1:04 pm

    Oh my WORD! The only thing better than a gingerbread cookie is a gingerbread cookie WITH ICING! Yummm.

  • Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) September 20, 2010, 1:54 pm

    Have fun house hunting! That sounds like a blast 🙂 Those cookies…too good for words!

  • Julie (Etsy Stalkers) September 20, 2010, 3:01 pm

    those looks so amazing. i was totally about to buy a pumpkin muffin from Starbucks this morning but i held back – step away from the 1,000 calorie breakfast!

  • corinne September 20, 2010, 3:35 pm

    six cans of pumpkin here! finalllllllllllly! i did the dorkiest happy dance in the grocery store when i saw it on the shelves ha! enjoy your cookies 🙂

  • Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice September 20, 2010, 3:59 pm

    I love that you are making gingerbread cookies already! I went bonkers too when I saw canned pumpkins recently stocked up at my grocery store. I bought the HUGE cans, and I’m excited to use them in my recipes!

  • amanda September 21, 2010, 12:19 pm

    Cookies look delicious! Fall’s definitely the best season!

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