i'd rather be baking

I’ve heard of these things called pizookies for awhile now. They’re like a deep dish pizza turned cookie — baked directly into the dish you’re going to serve/eat from. And it’s pretty important that you top them with ice cream and eat them immediately. This is when you break out the iPhone and Instagram that sucker.

I’m not pretending this is glamorous; this is real life, people. This is a Saturday night, dark and rainy, popped in the oven and barely photographed before devouring. This is cozy in pajamas and fleece blankets, with puppies sleeping on the couch and your favorite show on tv. Scoop that ice cream and most definitely eat your pizookie while it’s still hot from the oven! It should be warm and gooey in the middle, and taste heavenly. Don’t blame me if you end up making it the next night for dessert too…I may have done that.

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Inspired by Taza, here are a few things that make me happy:

1.  candy corn (obviously)

2.  sweater dresses and leggings

3.  snuggling with my dogs

4.  my new Kindle

5.  the fall colors that are finally showing up in Portland

6.  this coffee

7.  this show (despite the fact that it makes me cry every week!)

8.  planning out Christmas gifts for family and friends

9.  driving through my favorite neighborhood in the misty rain

10. the smell of cinnamon in my kitchen

What makes you happy?

Happy Friday! Personally I could not be more ready to start the weekend. My plans include watching movies, eating lots of this (lightened but still delicious — check it out!), buying another zillion apples, and hanging out with Ryan. Good stuff! If you’re looking for something cozy to do this weekend, I have an idea for you: make some pumpkin butter!

I made this a few days ago and it turned out so well! It tastes like pumpkin pie…only better somehow. More pumpkin-y. It’s a beautiful blend of spices and earthy goodness. And it comes together so quickly.

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On Friday I woke up with the strong urge to make bread. I also woke up utterly exhausted. I can’t reconcile the two either; it happens. It was Friday! Whatever.

Somewhere between multiple cups of coffee I found this recipe from the Joy of Cooking and like most of their recipes, its text was very simple, really only a few lines. The Joy of Cooking does not mess around and generally expects you to either (a) know what you’re doing, or (b) read their extensive notes on every food-related subject known to man. Being half-awake on a Friday, I was not particularly inclined to read anything, so I put on my yoga pants and hoped for the best.

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Ryan loves coffee cake almost as much as he loves coffee. I probably have the planet’s biggest sweet tooth, but he’s happier with desserts that aren’t over the top. Opposites attract! True story.

This coffee cake is perfect for both of us! I don’t mind a lack of sugar when there is a CINNAMON punch involved. I’m not talking about a hint of cinnamon, I’m talking about a PUNCH! It’s October, folks. Let’s get on board with cinnamon everything (including candles, obviously).

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