Festive Pumpkins

Sometimes I just don't feel like carving a pumpkin. I'd much rather play with spray paint and tape. Since my Punk-O-Rama entry is due on Saturday I figured I would get a jump start. After seeing a post on happy mundane, I decided to recreate the painted pumpkin and then play with some stickers for the larger pumpkin. Actually, in an effort to create a display that can last into the month of November, one side of the large pumpkin says "Trick or Treat" and the other "Give Thanks." I figure I can just rotate the pumpkin on Sunday.

Vistors!

"We LOVE Memphis" - Mom

It appears to me that there are two kinds of visitors: those with preconceived notions of Memphis and those without. I love the latter group. Peter and I have grown very fond of our current hometown and we like to share this affection with our visitors. Last weekend Mom and Rodney came to visit. The timing was great with River Arts Fest in South Main and beautiful weather. As expected, we did a bit of culinary exploring while they were in town as well as a bit of shopping.

First thing on Friday, we made sure to hit Central BBQ which is a must as far as Rodney is concerned. (Granted- Peter and I were not complaining as it is the best barbecue in town in our book). After lunch Peter and Rodney ventured to the Stax museum while Mom and I did a bit of shopping. Saturday we made our way down to the River Arts Fest then the Mississippi. On the recommendation of a dear friend we went to Petra for dinner on Saturday night. Simply put it was amazing. I cannot believe it has taken Peter and I three years to get to there. Beauty Shop for dessert was also pretty fab. I've got a couple of pictures below- not the best quality since I was toting our point-and-shoot rather then the decent camera.

Our vistors.

The Hakuna Matata fish at Flying Fish.

A very cool couple of doors I fully intend on revisiting with a nicer camera.

Bi Bim Bop at Petra. Yum.

Me at Beauty Shop- with a tan.

Creamed Chipped Beef

Since moving South, I have found there are only a few foods that I cannot buy regionally: UTZ chips, Rapa scrapple, Esskay products, Berger Cookies. It's when I get a craving for one of these foods that I start to wish I had a Giant I could run to. Instead, I head to the local grocers. Believe me when I say I am serious about my cravings. Without hesitation I will go from one grocery to the next. Last night, my search for Esskay Chipped Beef meant bouncing to four different stores. Ultimately, I ended up buying Amour Dried Beef.

The Dried Beef wound up being a suitable alternative. I sliced the beef, cooked it in some butter and Worcestershire then added a bit of pepper for flavor. While that was cooking, in a separate saucepan, I mixed 3 tablespoons of melted butter with 3 tablespoons of flour. I whisked the two creating a roux. I added a cup and a half of milk and continued whisking. Once that had thickened I added the beef and a bit more Worcestershire then I put some bread in the toaster.

All in all dinner was pretty great. All of the ingredients, save the dried beef, were in my pantry (or fridge) and fortunately the dried beef only cost $1.83. *For those of you wondering: Yes, it tastes much better than it looks!