Wild-Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

I discovered Martha Stewart's vegetarian recipe collection so, needless to say, I was on a Martha kick this past week.  Here is another one of her recipes I prepared.  It was SO good.  You HAVE to try it!

Ingredients
2 acorn squashes, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 box (6 ounces) wild-rice blend (seasoning packet discarded)
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Directions
1.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, arrange squash cut side down; cover sheet tightly with aluminum foil. Roast until tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, about 40 minutes.
2.  Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add shallot, garlic, and sage; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add rice and 1 3/4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until tender, without stirring, about 25 minutes.
3.  Remove rice from heat, and stir in cherries and pecans; season stuffing with salt and pepper. 4.  Season the inside of each squash half with salt and pepper. Dividing evenly, mound stuffing into halves, and serve.

Fall Wreath

Today I decided it was time to check a couple things off my decorating to do list.  The first item I tackled was creating a wreath for our front door.

My inspiration for my wreath came from the Pottery Barn catalog a few months ago. (See Below)

Pottery Barn Faux Bittersweet Wreath

The faux bittersweet wreath was the perfect example of something I was looking for.  I wanted a Fall-inspired wreath but nothing too bold.  I already owned a plain grapevine wreath so I figured I would give it a shot.

"Before" Plain Grapevine Wreath

I went to AC Moore and bought berry twigs that were on sale for $0.50 each.  I then bought some floral wire to attach them with.  I started by disassembling the large branches.  I wanted to break each one down because the tiny stems were easier to work with and it made what I bought go further.  I then took each branch and slipped it into the wreath and used floral wire to fasten it.

Close-up of attached stems.

Finished product.

I worked my way around and attached a small piece of brown fabric on the back of the wreath so it wouldn't scratch my front door.  Below is a picture of the final finished product against my burgundy front door.

I blurred my door number, if you were wondering.

Overall, I am very pleased with the quick project.  The total cost was $5.67.  It may not be an exact replica to my inspiration piece but I think it's pretty close .. especially since the original would have cost me the $45 asking price at Pottery Barn.  Here's the breakdown on what I spent:

Grapevine Wreath $0.00 (already owned)

Faux Berry Stems $3.50 ($0.50 each/purchased 7)

Floral Wire $2.17

TOTAL $5.17

This is a great afternoon project and perfect if you want something special but are working with a tight budget.  The next time you want to purchase a wreath or a similar item, I encourage you to take a closer look and ask yourself "can I re-create this for cheaper?"  Chances are you can .. and you will have fun doing it, too!

Oh, Fall, how I love thee...

I LOVE Fall!  The crisp weather, the warm colors and the spice in the air all give me a certain energy that I can't get any other time of the year.  I adore it!  Favorite. Time. Of. The. Year.

With that being said, I have lived in my home for almost four years and I have yet to capitalize on the Autumnal inspiration around me and get in the decorating mood.  I just haven't made the time.  Well this is the year!  I am determined to decorate for the holidays and start some traditions!  I will post pictures of my efforts once I am done but, for now, I will leave you with the pictures that I will use as my inspiration.  Happy Fall!