eggnog pumpkin pie with pecans & brown sugar on top!

i made two of these delicious pies to take along to the two thanksgiving dinners to which we were invited. i've made eggnog pumpkin pie before, but saw this topping on bakerella and adapted it to use what i had on hand. i used marie callender's frozen pie crusts (shame on me) and they were tasty! beau found some 'pumpkin spice' flavored eggnog, and that's what i used. this recipe makes two pies.

1 large can pumpkin puree
2 1/2 cups eggnog
scant 1 1/3 cups white sugar
6 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp cinnamon
scant tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp vanilla extract

either prepare your pie crusts or take them out of the freezer to thaw, and preheat the oven to 375.

in a large bowl, beat all the above ingredients. i gave my custard mixture a taste and adjusted the spices and salt. you might want to try doing that too. i think i added extra salt and cinnamon. if you have pumpkin pie spice, try using that. i didn't have any. anyway, once the mixture is well-blended, pour evenly between two unbaked pie crusts. bake for 30 minutes.

meanwhile: in a medium bowl, combine:

2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp agave nectar (bakerella used maple syrup; i didn't have any)
1/8 tsp kosher salt

after the pies have baked 30 minutes, sprinkle this mixture evenly over both pies. bake an additional 20-30 minutes or until pies are puffed and still a bit jiggly. cool several hours and serve either at room temp or chilled.

at-home mocha (single serving)

this is SO yummy. the hubby bought me several tins of peet's dutch cocoa, and i adapted my recipe based on the one on the side of the tin.

1 tbsp dutch cocoa
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
pinch salt
sprinkle of cinnamon & nutmeg
1 packet starbucks via (instant coffee)
1/4 cup water

combine above ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. whisk until smooth. add in 1 cup of milk and a few drops of vanilla. heat until almost boiling. enjoy!

things to take on an extended trip, pt. 2

http://www.gentsupplyco.com/All-In-One-Cook-Prep-Set mixing bowls, measuring spoons & cups that all nest together.

http://www.gentsupplyco.com/Non-Stick-Serrated-Knife-For-Top-Chefs might be a good little knife.

things to take on an extended trip

now that we've become semi-nomadic, i'm learning a few things about what to take if we'll be away from home for a month or two or three. here's a list of pantry staples that are a pain to buy and easy to bring along. i made the mistake of not bringing any of this with us, and i have it all at home. in addition to wasting a lot of money, i now have enough cinnamon to last until the apocolypse.

bring your own:

salt & pepper
baking soda
baking powder
spices & herbs
flour
sugar
cocoa powder
vegetable/olive oil

good knives(!!!)
kitchen scissors
french press/coffee grinder
mixing bowl
hand mixer
spatula
microplane
measuring cups/spoons

that's all i can think of for now.