October

I picked up these acorns while on a run with my mother-in-law.

October has always been my favorite month. 

In our house, it means fall, birthday, and orchard. 

Aside from the spicy scents and the sweet celebrations, I love the simple things about it. 

The smell of a rainy morning.

The simpleness of baby pumpkins and gourds. 

This year, I have embraced fall more than ever before. (Blame it on Pinterest.)

If a recipe doesn't have the word "pumpkin", "squash" or "soup" in it, color me uninterested.

I'm currently planning my third trip to the orchard. 

Either a candle is lit or a homemade pot of oranges and spices is simmering on the stove. At.all.times.

Dear, Fall, 

Last forever and always?

Please and thank you very much. 

Love,

Hilary 

No surface has been missed in the fallifying process this year.

 Mulling spices make my heart happy. This Williams-Sonoma version has become a quick favorite. 

images: hilaryclair

Apple Cider Margs

I once heard someone say, "I don't like to drink my calories." 

Meaning he/she would rather gobble down a burger than a venti, extra whip Frappuccino. 

I heed by this advice too --- if today is opposite day. 

Here is my second post on delicious sips in 2 days.

First, I added a sprinkle of brown sugar to a saucer to rim the glasses with. 

I ran a wet paper towel along the rim and then tapped in the sugar until it stuck. 

Added the ingredients.

Makes 2 servings.

7oz. good quality apple cider

4 oz. Tequila

2 oz. Cointreau

1 lime

Pinch of brown sugar

I used gold tequila which added a bit of warmth to the drink. 

I'd imagine silver would be just as delicious and a little lighter. 

I cut the lime in half, juiced it slightly into the shaker, and threw in the entire half for good measure.

Topped with a pinch of brown sugar. 

Then, I was ready to "Shake It" - Metro Station style

(I used to LOVE this song in college. Ah, the memories.)

I poured the shaken contents of deliciousness into the brown sugar-rimmed glasses. 

I added an ice cube to each glass since the shaker was too full to add ice when shaking. 

They were delicious. 

Cheers!

Next time, a drizzle of caramel would up the ante even more. 

I've also been wanting to try apple cider mixed with Kissed Caramel vodka for a caramel apple in a glass.  

Oh Fall, how I love you. 

What about you - any fall drinks obsessions? Please do tell.

images: hilaryclair

Milk & Honey

I love this weather. This season. This time.

The rain reminds me of overcast days in London.

Stomping in puddles and oohing and aahing over the charm of the city. 

The chill makes me feel less guilty about moments spent on the couch. 

Wrapped in a blanket, doing nothing whatsoever of the productive sort. 

I find myself indulging in all things comfort. 

Blankets, candles, risotto, squash, pumpkins, spice, cider, mulled wine.

My dear friend, Jae, shared one of her favorites of the season with me: 

Steamed almond milk with honey and spice. 

Yes, please!

This is the perfect treat before bedtime. 

Warm with a hint of sweetness and spice.

Drizzle a teaspoon of honey into the bottom of a cup.

Add a bit of ground cinnamon and grated nutmeg.

 Add milk to Aeroccino for an effortless steaming. 

It froths, whips, heats, and cools. 

The life of lattes, whipped creams, cocoas, and milk will never be the same.

This can easily be done over the stove as well. 

While milk heats over low, whisk to achieve desired level of froth.

NOTE: Do not let it boil as this will change the flavor.

Pour the milk into the cup, gently stirring so the honey and spice swirl together.
Top with froth and another pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. 

So simple, light, and delicious. 

The perfect night cap for a fall evening. 

Thanks, Jae.

images: hilaryclair