Friday, April 11, 2014

Colorful Sundance Necklace

Today when I was browsing Pinterest I saw the most beautiful fabric:

(you can find it here if you are interested)

I like the color combination of this fabric so much that I decided to make a piece of jewelry in those colors. I dug through my beads to see what I had, and this is what I came up with. What do you think?


I'm pretty excited about this one! It will be available soon in my Etsy shop.

If you have a dress or other piece of clothing that you would like jewelry to match, I will be happy to make something for you! Send me a message and let's talk!

Go here and click on "Request Custom Order" in the left hand column to contact me.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Quick & Easy Sangria

Fruity, sweet, and refreshing - Sangria is the perfect cocktail for any casual get-together. It goes great with typical cookout fare such as ribs and burgers and of course, Mexican food!




The first time I had sangria it was homemade by the mother of a friend of a friend. I was spoiled for life: I never could find any that was quite as tasty as that first time no many how many recipes I tried or how many Mexican restaurants I ordered it in (it was usually disappointing sugary bottled stuff). I guess sangria is like meatloaf - there are a thousand and one recipes and everyone has their favorite, but theirs might taste NOTHING like yours.

Then, just yesterday I stumbled upon this super-easy way to make my version of the perfect sangria. And it is amazingly easy. My husband came home with some SanPelligrino blood orange soda. I don't usually drink soda, but I tasted it, and it was delightful. I was drinking a glass of red wine at the time, and thought it would make a good combination. As it turned out, mixing them half and half made an amazing sangria! I added some frozen berries to chill it a bit more (and for fun). That's it! Yummy!


1 cup blood orange soda (make sure it is sweetened with sugar - not high fructose corn syrup)
1 cup red wine
1/2 cup frozen fruit
lemon, lime, or orange slices for garnish (optional)

Stir soda and wine together; pour into glasses and add fruit.

Makes 2 servings.


I have seen blood orange soda in liter bottles that you could use if you are making a quantity of it for several people.


Cheers!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

I Don't Want Earl's Baby Pie Recipe (from the movie 'Waitress')

This pie is also known as 'Bad Baby Pie' and is from the movie Waitress starring Kerri Russell. It is a cute movie and it will make you want to make (or at least eat) pie!

This quiche-style pie is my favorite. I have seen a few variations of this recipe online, but this is the one I like the best. It is wonderfully rich and is delicious for dinner or brunch.

I Don’t Want Earl’s Baby Pie

1 pie crust*
4 Tbs butter
3 slices ham
8 green onions
1 cup brie or other creamy cheese (I used creamy Havarti)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup cream**
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg


*If you are on the GAPS diet use a grain free crust or make a crustless quiche
** If you are on the GAPS diet use sour cream instead





  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover pie crust with foil and bake for 10 minutes. 
  2. Remove foil and bake 5 minutes more.
  3. Remove crust and reduce heat to 325 degrees.
  4. Julienne ham and chop green onions.
  5. In skillet, saute ham until brown. Remove and set aside.
  6. Saute onion until tender. Remove with slotted spoon and sprinkle on the bottom of the pie crust with the ha
  7. Sprinkle the cheeses over ham mixture.
  8. Combine eggs, cream and nutmeg; pour over cheese. 
  9. Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until set. (will be a little brown on top) 



Cool slightly, cut into wedges and serve.



Makes 8 servings

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

52 Easy Steps to a Frugal New You

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step
–Old Chinese Proverb


Like any other change in habit, the prospect of living a more frugal lifestyle can be intimidating. 52 Easy Steps to a Frugal New You will guide you through 52 weeks of small changes, one simple step at a time so you won’t be overwhelmed by trying to do too much at once.


In addition, the book includes a special resources section which covers:
• Saving electricity
• Frugal grocery shopping
• Leftovers recipes
• How to avoid dry cleaning
• Successful garage sale shopping
• Homemade food gifts
• Starting a babysitting co-op
• and much more

One reader calls this book: “…a light-spirited, easy to follow book that… can help anyone downsize a budget with empowering choices rather than fearful limitations.” 

More Information or Download it Now for just $4.99

Friday, May 10, 2013

E-Book Sale: Get $450. worth of books Only $34.95!

9 E-books about fertility and health

Fertilise Yourself by Natalie Kringoudis of Melbourne Natural Fertility ($19.95)
This ebook is all about priming your body for fertility, with plenty of tips and tricks for a wellness overhaul, and the ‘how to’ steps to set yourself up to win. If you’re struggling with your fertility, or even just your general health, this ebook can help you navigate your way to being fueled and fighting fertility fit!
Making Super Sperm by Bridgit Danner of Joyful Mammas ($29.00)
The genetics of your baby are 50% from the dad, and 30 - 70 % of
infertility cases involve male factor. Get a strong start for your baby by Making Super Sperm from the start!
Fertility Smoothies: Elixirs for Optimal Fertility by Hethir Rodriguez of Natural Fertility
Info
($19.95)
In this book Hethir shares with you how to create a wide variety of delicious superfood smoothies to help boost your fertility naturally.
Overcoming Infertility with EFT by Sarah Holland of Fertile Mindset
($20.00)
The ultimate guide and practical workbook using the cutting edge technique of EFT for emotional healing on your fertility journey. Includes detailed but simple to follow EFT instructions, and easy to use worksheets to recognize and reverse your own negative beliefs and self-talk surrounding trying for a baby, heal yourself from traumas and damaging experiences that may be harming your fertility and much much more!
Eat Your Way to Parenthood by Gabriela Rosa of Natural Fertility
Breakthrough
($35.00)
Gabriela Rosa reminds us how a balanced and nutritious diet provides
the building blocks for a healthy sperm, egg and baby. This book is both a guide to the process of
fertility and the basics of good nutrition, as well as a manual of recipes that cleverly combine the
scientific research with balanced, tasty and nutritious ingredients.
Maiden to Mother by Stephanie Brandt Cornais of Mama and Baby Love

The Mama and Baby Love Guide to a Conscious Childbearing Year, containing easy-to-understand information about everything you absolutely must know as you begin your journey to motherhood. Stephanie gives you all the juicy tidbits, and lessons she has learned from working with pregnant couples for the past decade and from her own experience with being pregnant and a new mom.
Zero in on Ovulation by Sally Moran of Get Pregnant Fast ($17.00)
Knowing when you ovulate shouldn't be a mystery, but many women struggle to understand when their most fertile time of month is. Learn about the different methods of determining ovulation, what can delay ovulation, what herbs help promote ovulation or cervical fluid, symptoms of ovulation, problems with ovulation (including PCOS and luteal phase defect), the effects
of using Clomid or Femara, and more. Bonus sections on male infertility, baby gender selection,
frequently asked ovulation questions, as well as one-on-one e-mail consultation with the author.
A Modern Girl's Guide to Natural Fertility by Marni Hotchkiss of Bridge to Baby
($15.00)
Natural fertility in today's modern world encompasses the foods we eat, our behaviors, and our thoughts. Take a deeper look into how tools/apps as well as the right foods and other holistic approaches can positively impact pregnancy success.
Cleansing for Conception by Donielle Baker of Naturally Knocked Up
($6.95)
There are times in our life where we need to simply slow down and allow our bodies to clear out the toxins we're exposed to on a daily basis. One of these times is when you're thinking about becoming pregnant. This ebook will show you the many ways that you can alter your diet and lifestyle so that your body naturally and gently cleanses in preparation for conception.
(pre-release copy - no one else will see it until late summer 2013!)
Three Strategies for Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Russell Davis of The Fertile Mind
($9.97)
Research shows utilizing mind-body techniques can double your chances of getting pregnant. This ebook contains practical steps to get off the emotional roller-coaster, find a sense of peace on your journey and actively utilizing your mind-body link to increase your chances of success.
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2 ebooks that speak to the heart

Pain Redeemed by Natasha Metzler of NatashaMetzler.com ($4.95)
The author of Pain Redeemed takes you on a journey through her own walk with infertility and with honesty and raw truthfulness tells the story of God meeting her there, right in the middle."
Celebrating Pregnancy Again by Francesca Cox of so this is love ($8.00)
This book is to encourage any bereaved mother experiencing pregnancy again, and help her embrace this bittersweet journey.

12 real food recipe ebooks

The Food Healing Recipe Book for Endometriosis by Melissa Meyer of Cure
Endometriosis
($27.00)
Specifically chosen recipes to help women with Endometriosis. Having personally used these recipes and this way of eating, I decided to compile some of my favorite recipes. My partner, also happens to be a chef, so they are all tasty and nutritious!
Meal Planning Guide for Healthy Thyroid by Magdalena Wszelaki of The Thyroid Diet Coach
($17.00)

Struggling with meal ideas? No time to cook? Bored with the same menu each week? Confused what you can or cannot eat for thyroid health? Then this guide will equip you with tools to make cooking fun, easy and nourishing. Learn about evolving meals, 15-min meals, dressing ideas, get healthy snack lists and a meal plan.
Thrifty Food Plan Experience by Millie Cooper of Real Food for Less
Money
($8.95)
You can enjoy traditional foods while on thrifty budget. 67 pages of thoughts, tips and ideas plus a 2 week menu plan, over 40 recipes and links to many more.
Divine Dinners: Gluten-Free, Nourishing, Family-Friendly Meals by Lydia Shatney of Divine Health From
The Inside Out
($14.95)
A collection of recipes that can be paired together to make entire meals. All the recipes are lower in sugars/carbs than that of the standard American diet. Recipes are gluten free and tested time and time again on family and friends with great results.
Lacto-Fermentation by Wardee Harmon of GNOWFGLINS ($20.00)
A 155-page, 23-lesson digital book with detailed instruction on fermenting fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, dairy, and grains. The book will expose you to a variety of fermentation methods — using salt, whey, or other starter cultures. Recipes go beyond fermentation methodology and include spices and seasonings to improve the flavor of the final product.
Real Food Ingredient Guide by Kelly of Kelly the Kitchen Kop ($22.95)
Confused about which ingredients are good for you and which ones to avoid? Get a quick-reference list of what to look for at the store or farm, with many listings including a good-better-best recommendation. Also this newly REVISED edition includes bonus material: Bringing Your Family from Junk Food to Real Food!
The Everything Beans Book by Katie Kimball of Kitchen Stewardship
($8.95)
Fall in love with legumes because they're frugal and delicious. Kimball's recipes span everything from appetizer to dessert, and the introductory pages will help you cook dry beans like a pro, understand their health benefits, and even get ideas to reduce the...you know...flatulence often connected with beans.
Just Making Ice Cream my Marilyn Beard of Just Making Noise ($12.00)
Because we all deserve a special treat now and then - but it doesn't mean we can't choose to do it in a healthier way! It includes 113 pages and over 70 recipes to choose through all 4 seasons of the year... who says ice cream is only for the summer?!
Grain-free/Gluten-free Baking by Stephanie Brandt Cornais of Mama and Baby
Love
($9.99)
If you can’t cook and you can’t bake – this book is for you. I taught myself how to cook, and then I taught myself how to bake. You can too. 20 easy recipes, full of tips and tricks for beginners; recipes for cookies, cakes, pies, pizza crusts and more!
Simple Food for Spring by Shannon Stonger of Nourishing Days ($10.00)
Simple Food {for spring} is a grain-free cookbook that emphasize real food and sustainable living. This 80-page edition contains all of the freshness of spring with a focus on cultured dairy salad dressings, wild edibles, and using all of those fresh greens. Each of the 28 recipes includes full-color photos.
Simple Food for Winter by Shannon Stonger of Nourishing Days ($10.00)
Simple Food {for winter} is the first of what I hope to be four seasonal cookbooks that emphasize real food and sustainable living. This 58 page book contains 30 recipes, 10 full-color photos, and three essays.
Happy Mom, Healthy Family Meal Planning Workshop and eCookbook by Lisa Byrne of Wellgrounded Life ($29.00)
A practical, flexible and enjoyable way to make peace with the task that comes every day: preparing meals. This workshop equips you with techniques to make truly family-friendly, whole-foods recipes through a webinar presentation, meal planning templates & worksheets, demo videos plus a downloadable cookbook filled with 89 tried-and-true delicious recipes. Who could want more? (Besides a personal chef perhaps!)
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6 pregnancy and birth ebooks

Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods by Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative
Mama
($8.95)
If you're struggling with how to eat healthy to prepare for and during pregnancy, simplify it with this book. There are only two rules: avoid junk, and eat super foods. Plus 30 healthy, super-food-filled recipes!
UnBound Birth by Jenny Yarbrough of UnBound Birth ($4.99)
Unbound Birth: How to Have a Natural Birth in the Hospital is an inspiring collection of natural hospital birth stories. With determination, information, preparation, and support, Jennifer offers women hope for the beauty of a natural birth within a hospital setting.
Breast to Bib by Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative Mama ($8.95)
Make feeding babies easier with this practical guide to healthy breastfeeding, introducing solids, and handling picky toddlers. The book also includes over 30 baby and toddler-friendly recipes.
My Buttered Life: Baby Edition by Renee Harris from MadeOn Skin Care ($5.00)
This ebook includes 5 recipes, each with 5 ingredients or less. The recipes include baby massage oil, baby balm, creamy baby lotion, diaper rash cream and oatmeal milk bath. Each recipe has an accompanying video, a list of where to buy ingredients and supplies, and a cost analysis to compare with store-bought products.
Forty Weeks of Pregnancy Development by Angela England of The Untrained
Housewife
($9.95)
What happens during each week of pregnancy? Now you'll hear how each week of pregnancy brings changes to both you and your baby! Enjoy the extra information about common issues such as morning sickness, back pain, and more!
Embracing Beauty: practical style for every shape and season of motherhood
by Trina Holden of trinaholden.com ($9.00)
A style guide that gets to the heart of beauty, and helps women identify and embrace their personal style through all the changes of motherhood.
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Bonus Material

7 week long meal plans

To help you get started on a whole foods diet, we've also included a variety of meal plans to fit your needs!
  • Jess Pedersen CHHC of Be Mama Be Well The Be Mama Be Well Meal Planner is an alkalizing plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free plan that excludes highly processed foods. The Be Mama Be Well Meal Planner is meant to help you detoxify your body, cleanse your liver, balance your hormones, eliminate food-induced mood swings, and boost your nutrient intake.
  • KerryAnn Foster of Cooking
    Traditional Foods
    The Cooking Traditional Foods' Menu Mailer covers breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the guidelines in the Naturally Knocked Up Fertility Foods Checklist.
  • Mary Vance of www.MaryVanceNC.com Autoimmune plan for those who have Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis or other autoimmune conditions. Excludes the inflammatory foods most likely to aggravate autoimmune conditions: gluten, dairy, soy, grains (for the most part, at least corn), nightshades, nuts, eggs.
  • Jill Marks of Modern
    Alternative Pregnancy
    Proper nutrition plays a vital role in fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. This meal plan is gluten-free with real, whole foods to optimize your health and give your baby a wonderful start!
  • Therese Asmus of Artistta
    This menu plan does it's best to include a variety of meals that aren't only pleasing to the pallet, but are also excellent sources of the many nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Amy of PCOS
    Diva
    Spring Meal Plan (includes: Getting Started Guide, Recipes and Shopping List) is a whole food based, gluten-free, processed soy-free, and low dairy (or easily can be made dairy-free) plan. You don’t need a crazy diet to increase your fertility, you just need to get in the kitchen and start cooking delicious, nutrient-dense meals.
  • Joanna Steven, author of Well-Rounded. Plant based, whole foods based, with a mix of nourishing raw and cooked recipes for the vegan or vegetarian woman.

Bonus Offerings

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Giveaways worth $1130.00!

But that's not all - it's $1130.00 times two!  

There will be one grand prize winner who will receive each and every one of the following products/services.¹ All of which will help you on your way to growing your family. And then we'll be giving away each of the products separately to individual winners as well, so you get more chances to win these fabulous products.

$25 gift certificate to MadeOn Skin Care ($25.00) - Choose from Simply Soothing Rash Cream, or Beesilk Jr for your baby. Or, shop for you and buy Beesilk hard lotion bars or a pack of tinted lip balms. All products are made with safe and natural ingredients. (includes free shipping)

Fertility Detox Cleanse Program from Bridgit Danner
($125.00) - Get your body primed for baby with this professionally-led detox program (food supplies to
be purchased by recipient.)

Still Standing mug from Still Standing Magazine ($13.99) - Still Standing is an online magazine for those dealing with infertility and baby loss, offering resources and hope.

Making Babies DVDs from Bulk Herb Store ($75.00) - Three fun, informational,
and colorful DVDs include deliciously healthy recipes, remedies and herbal concoctions that cover the
fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum time in your life. At the Bulk Herb Store we want to teach you
what we know and inspire you to learn and research beyond that with our homemade herbal remedies,
our experiences, and the tested wisdom of others.

ibasal thermometer from FairHaven Health ($59.95) - The ibasal is a computerized digital basal thermometer that helps you maximize your changes of conceiving by accurately measuring your BBT and interpreting this data to produce a fertility prediction in advance of ovulation.

One bottle of FertilAid for Women from FairHaven Health ($28.95) - FertilAid for Women is a
fertility enhancing supplement designed to help restore hormonal balance, support reproductive
wellness, and optimize your chances of conceiving.

Femmenessence MacaHarmony from Natural Health International ($69.98) - Femmenessence
MacaHarmony is a natural approach to hormone balance and supporting fertility without introducing
hormones from outside of the body.

Medium Fertility Kit (LH and HCG tests) from Kisses from Above ($18.00) - Includes 30 ovulation and 10 pregnancy tests. Everything you need in one easy-to-order kit! Both the ovulation and pregnancy tests will come in the strip format, as shown in the picture.

Herbal kit from Mountain Rose Herbs ($56.20) - FecundiTea, Nurse-Me Rhyme Tea, “Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years” by Susun Weed, Evening Embrace Aroma Spray, and 4 oz. each of Red Clover, Dandelion Leaf and Raspberry Leaf.

One bottle of cod liver oil from Green Pasture ($44.00) - Green Pastures is dedicate to providing their customers with high-quality sacred-food oils just as they were made prior to the industrialized food and farming revolution. They are committed to providing the community with nothing but pure, unadulterated, non-industrialized wild-caught fish liver oils.

Set of six essential oils from Plant Therapy ($48.68) - Romance Set Includes 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade of: Sensual, Peppermint, Energy, Headache Relief, Tranquil, & Invigor- Aid. 10 ml each

Natural Cycle Relaxation Program from Circle and Bloom ($59.00) - Start today to feel in greater control over your fertility success with our downloadable program which includes 28 unique guided meditations to support you in communicating with your body and tapping into your innate ability to create.

Year subscription to Fertility Flower (sympto-thermal charting) ($40.00) - Fertility charting is simple, effective and teaches you about your body. When you "chart", you learn to recognize when you're fertile and when you're not so that you can target your baby-making activities at the most fruitful time.

Complimentary consultation at the Metabolic Treatment Center ($100.00 value) - Dr. Schuler or another metabolic treatment specialist at Metabolic Treatment Center will review an individual's history, medication, supplementation, diet, and symptoms and provide an initial assessment review (phone, Skype, or at the Bloomington office).

SpermCheck Kit ($39.99) - The only at-home sperm test for men! Results in 10 minutes, 98% accurate, private and convenient!

Preseed lubricant from Baby Hopes ($21.50)- Pre~Seed lubricant replenishes your natural moisture while providing an optimal environment for sperm.

Fertile Soul of Yoga DVD from Nourish and Bloom ($25.00) - Fertile Soul of Yoga DVD offers fertility enhancing yoga, meditation, and abdominal and femoral massage demonstration.

What to Eat & Why audio program by Nichi Hirsch Kuechle of My Healthy Beginning 
 ($197.00) - This program is set up with three modules: Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum with nearly two hours worth of content that you can immediately implement.

A Practical Guide to Children's Health ebook by Kate Tetje of Modern Alternative Mama ($17.95) - A well-researched ebook on raising healthy children.

The Woman Code book by Alisa Vitti ($25.99) - WomanCode by Alisa Vitti will guide you on how
to Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source.

Naturally Knocked Up book by Donielle Baker ($18.95) - Your guide to increasing the odds of conception through natural living and nourishing foods.

Rebuild from Depression book by Amanda Rose ($19.97) - This book on depression describes the research basis for the nutrient-depression link, highlighting the nutrients with the strongest basis in research. With seven specific nutrients in mind, the authors review each of the food groups recommending how to improve the diet for the long-term.

Extra discounts for bundle purchasers

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Important fine print to read
1) All purchases are non-refundable due to the short duration of this sale and no late sales will be offered. 
2) All giveaway products are sponsored by the individual companies, most of which are limited to shipping within the United States. The grand prize package will be shipped by Naturally Knocked Up LLC and is available to US and Canada, excluding the consultation which is available only in the US. ¹To enter the giveaway without purchase send a 3x5 postcard to Naturally Knocked Up LLC PO Box 26 Burnips, MI 49314 by May 14, 2013.  
3) All products are downloadable ebooks and audio files. You will not be shipped any physical goods with your purchase of the natural fertility ebook bundle, but will be sent a link where you can download all of the material.
4) It is your responsibility to download all the files before June 1th, 2013. 
5) Bonus offers are only eligible once per purchase, expire at midnight on May 31, 2013 and are the sole responsibility of the sponsor. 
6) The above links are affiliate links, thank you for supporting this affiliate partner. 
7) Please understand the information shared through this natural fertility ebook bundle is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, but rather to encourage perhaps a new discussion or conversation with your own physicians and health care providers and to inspire you to continue to research healthy alternatives.

Crock-Pot SCCPLC200-PK 20-Ounce Lunch Crock Food Warmer, Pink
 







Sunday, January 13, 2013

Paleo Breakfast

Stir-fried kale & bacon
 This morning I had the most delicious breakfast of stir-fried kale and bacon (recipe from Nom Nom Paleo), some avocado slices, and my usual morning beverage of hot Bengal Spice tea with coconut milk. It was so good that I felt inspires to share! :-)

Why am I eating greens for breakfast?

Starting January first (a very good place to start, right?) I embarked on a paleo diet in hopes of:

1) losing at least a portion of the spare tire around my middle,

2) finding out if I am eating anything that is causing me to have an allergic reaction like poor digestion, joint pain, etc., and

3) clearing up my skin - I have been battling rosacea for almost a year and I also have a lot of brown splotches on my face (and the rest of my body for that matter...).



After almost two weeks of eating this way I am starting to really get the hang of it and enjoy eating this way. 

My diet plan includes NO
  • grains
  • legumes (beans, peanuts, etc.)
  • sugar or other sweeteners
  • nightshades (common allergens; tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc.)
  • eggs (common allergen)
  • caffeine
I am also limiting nuts and seeds to one serving or less a day (some diets recommend excluding them altogether, but I am afraid I will be too hungry!) and fruit to 3 or fewer servings a day so my fructose level won't be too high.  

Here are some more paleo breakfasts that I have enjoyed:
  • fish stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables (you could use meat instead of fish, too)
  • sliced banana or berries with coconut milk and toasted coconut - very yummy!
  • dinner leftovers (this chicken stew made an especially good breakfast the next day)

Are you on or have you tried a paleo diet? What was your favorite breakfast?



Bengal Spice Tea

Related posts:


Friday, November 30, 2012

Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe

The best pumpkin pie I have tasted was made with fresh pumpkin - instead of canned. It is a little bit more work, since you have to cook the pumpkin, but it is so worth it!


Actually, the hardest part is scraping the seeds out. After that it is pretty easy. Basically, you just:
  1. Cut the pumpkin in half (use a small pie pumpkin - I don't know if all pumpkins are good for baking)
  2. Scrape the seeds and membrane out
  3. Put both halves upside down in a baking dish with 1/2 cup or so of water (to keep it from drying out) and 
  4. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes or until you can poke a fork into it (through the skin)
  5. Let it cool a little and scrape the pumpkin out of the skin
But that is not what I wanted to talk about. Now that that is out of the way here is the good part! The PIE RECIPE! :-D

Oh, and also - since I can't eat gluten - it had a gluten free crust - which was AWESOME! 

What you need:
FILLING
  • 2 cups cooked fresh pumpkin
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. allspice
  • 1/4 tsp. cloves
  • 1/2 cup milk 

CRUST
  • 5 Tbs butter
  • 8 oz. gluten free cookies or graham crackers - I used Trader Joe's Gluten Free Ginger Snaps

DIRECTIONS

Start with the crust:

Turn the oven on to 300 and melt the butter in a pie pan.

Crush the cookies.  I used the whole bag and crushed then right in the bag. You can put them in a food processor to make them finer if you want.

Swish the melted butter around in the pie pan to coat it and then pour it into a bowl and mix it with the crushed cookies.

Press the cookie mixture into the pie pan to form the crust. Put it in the refrigerator to set while you make the pie filling.

Pie Filling:

Heat the oven to 425.

Beat all the filling ingredients together until smooth (I burned out my mixer a couple of weeks ago, so I used the blender. It worked fine.)

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared crust and bake at 425 for 10 minutes.

Lower the oven temp to 350 and continue to bake for 40 - 50 minutes or until the filling is set (stick a table knife into the middle - if it comes out clean, it is ready).

Take it out and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Top with whipped cream. Share with your friends and/or family and be prepared to be praised for your culinary prowess! :-D