Monthly Archives: October 2014

The Bishop Creek Project…Behind the scenes

For your viewing pleasure of The Bishop Creek Project, please visit the YouTube link below. 

Mamunia

Mamunia

The Bishop Creek Project

This past summer I had decided to take my daughter, Isabella, on a camping adventure to my favorite spot, Bishop Creek. It was the first time she and I would camp alone for a few nights, bears and all!  The magic started to unfold as we laid together under the shining stars and the beaming moon.  It was as if Mother Nature had set up the perfect scene for two girls with curly hair who would be camping amongst nature.

Nature Girl

Nature Girl

When adventuring outdoors we often leave the luxurious of technology behind…well at least that is what I thought. “I have a great idea mama!” is what she had said to me with the biggest grin on her face.  You see, while adventuring through the forest she found a very “spooky” creek trail.  A trail that she said was full of magic.  As I looked around at the scenery she was describing, the sensation of “spooky and magical” hit me like a bolt of lightning.  In that very moment I knew something amazing was going to arise out of her little imagination.  And so, this is how this tale begins…

As we sat by the campfire Isabella whispered to the sky, “Can we make a spooky movie Mother Nature?” It was the perfect camping spot to film and I of course couldn’t wait to see what was about to unfold.  I quickly grabbed my journal as Isabella started to explain the movie plot to me.

The spooky film’s plot from Isabella’s perspective is just this…

Once upon a time there was a girl with curly hair named Mamunia. She and her baby Snow White, went camping in the magical forest of Bishop Creek.  The townspeople of Bishop Creek had warned her about the wild animals, the forest witch but most importantly about the myths of The Bishop Creek man.  Mamunia sings a lullaby to her baby as she puts her down for a nap.  Prudence senses that the baby is in danger and decides to rescue Snow White.  The baby is safely being watched over by the friendly forest ghosts.  While Mamunia is on a hike, the Bishop Creek man is on the loose.  The dramatic creek trail chase is underway and the witch is now determined to rescue the nature girl.  The Bishop Creek man is outsmarted by the girls with curly hair.  Prudence and Mamunia are reunited with Snow White and are forever grateful to be alive.  The Bishop Creek Man still exists and wanders the forest of the Sierra Mountains.  The end, that’s all.

My father, papa John, would be joining us over the weekend to go fishing. When he had arrived Isabella couldn’t wait to tell him about the film.  With such excitement she asked, “Papa, do you want to be in my spooky movie?”  Papa quickly glanced at me as I nodded yes, and he then replied, “A spooky film, absolutely.”  It had just so happened that we all had packed outfits that would be turned into the official wardrobe for “The Bishop Creek Project.”

The high Sierra Mountains are notorious for late afternoon thunder storms. The dark gray cotton ball clouds had started to roll in quickly producing large rain drops and loud thunder.  We decided to pack up the fishing gear and head back to camp.  Isabella knew that it was the perfect time to film.  She quickly grabbed my Iphone and began filming the thunder clouds.  Mother Nature had provided us with the perfect scene to start filming the spooky movie.  The Bishop Creek Project had officially started production!  The entire production was filmed using an Iphone 5.  All film editing was done using Imovie on an Ipad.

bishop creek movie and random 630

My promise to Isabella since she was a very small baby was to always foster and nurture her passions, imagination and dreams. I had often whispered these words in her ear as I rocked her to sleep, “Always have a passion for life, run free with your imagination and never give up on your dreams.”  I will continue to honor my promise to my darling daughter, Isabella Gwen.  Papa John has already plotted the next upcoming film…Johnson’s return in the North Pole!

As one very proud mother all I can say is…Watch out Steven Spielberg you might have just met your match!

Yours truly with love and peace in my heart,

G-

One Love!

One Love!

 

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oMvfXE0QIU

While visiting the pumpkin patch this past weekend we bought several fairytale pumpkins for recipes that call for pumpkin puree. For fall recipes I generally will roast about a dozen pumpkins and freeze the puree for later use.

Ingredients for the crumb topping:

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt (kosher optional)

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature preferred

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup pecans, chopped

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Ingredients

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Ingredients

Ingredients for the cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 ½ teaspoon salt (kosher optional)

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature preferred

1 cup light brown sugar

2 eggs, brown preferred

2/3 cup pumpkin puree

1/3 cup sour cream

Roasted pumpkin sprinkled with brown sugar

Roasted pumpkin sprinkled with brown sugar

Now let’s get mixing!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Butter (or Pam baking spray) a 9 inch cake pan.

Preparing the crumb topping:

Whisk together the sugars, cinnamon, salt and softened butter in a medium bowl. Add flour and chopped pecans to the sugar mixture. This combination should resemble thick, cohesive dough. Set aside for later use when topping the cake.

Preparing the cake:

Using a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Using a hand mixer (electric mixer with flat beater) beat together the butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed. Once thoroughly combined, beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the pumpkin puree and sour cream and mix well. Slowly mix in the flour mixture. The batter will became slightly thick.

Pour batter and spread evenly into pan. Top the cake with the crumb topping. Place cake on middle rack and back for 45 minutes. Using a toothpick, insert into the center of the cake. The cake is finished baking once the toothpick comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for about 15 minutes. Remove the cake slowly using a butter knife to loosen the cake from the edge of the baking pan. Remember to always allow time for your baked goods to cool. It truly is a Golden Rule.

This is a great crumb cake to serve in the morning with coffee or tea to your holiday houseguests. Happy baking!

pumpkin crumb cake

I like to use Swans Down cake flour instead of the all-purpose flour. I really love how this flour bakes and it always adds extra fluffiness.

Swans Down Cake Flour

Swans Down Cake Flour

Yours Truly with Peace and Love in our Hearts,

Bella Gwen and Gina Misty

Underwoods Fall Harvest Festival Film

Enjoy some of the captured moments Isabella and I had on our Underwoods Family Farm adventure!

The beautiful song featured in this film is by our favorite, Elizabeth Mitchell.  Visit her website at: http://youaremyflower.org/.  She is such a breath of fresh air and inspires us daily!

 

The Charm of Underwood’s Fall Harvest Festival!

 

Admiring the incredible pumpkin house!

Admiring the incredible pumpkin house!

In the beautiful city of Moorpark, CA lives one of the greatest farms I have ever been to, Underwood Family Farms. With acres and acres of “Pick-Your-Own” seasonal crops, incredibly fresh farm stand, and adorable furry farm animals that you can pet and feed, is an all-around amazing family fun experience.

Sara Jane and I.

Sara Jane and I.

 

I had the pleasure of visiting with Sara Jane, farm owner, about how magical and inviting her property is to us all.  I found myself charmed by her passion and adoration for the farm and harvest festival.  Being that Sara Jane is typically the first one to arrive at the farm, she loves the early morning’s natural serenity while listening to the chickens and roosters cluck and crow.  As an early riser myself, I couldn’t help but feel the peacefulness of the farm she was describing.  The crisp air and sunshine of Mother Nature at its best!  Her husband Craig is a fifth generation farmer and all I can say about that is, “You’re doing it right!”

 

Lil B taking a tractor for a joyride!

Lil B taking a tractor for a joyride!

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My daughter Isabella and I have been regular farm visitors for the past five years. In fact, she has been picking vegetables in the fields of Underwood’s since she was just 7 months old.  We would arrive in the early morning to watch and enjoy the farm animals routine activities.  Feeding carrots to the Billy goats was by far her favorite thing to do.  For small children this is a great foundation for early teachings of Mother Nature, animals and healthy eating habits.

Amazing varieties of squash.

Amazing varieties of squash.

The  Harvest Fall Festival typically begins the last weekend of September and goes until October 31st.  Prices for admission is very reasonable considering the amount of entertainment, food and photo opportunities they have to offer.  Isabella and I spent six hours at the farm and really could have stayed to watch the sunset!!!  The tractor-drawn wagon ride, free with admission, is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and charm of the farm.  The music we heard today was fabulous!!!  Teresa Russell and the Acadiana rocked the stage with songs that had people groovin’ away, including me!  It melts my heart to see mothers, fathers, children and grandparents singing and dancing to melodies that make them smile.  It was such a treat to hear Teresa play the stage again, as it has been many moons since I’ve seen her amazing and phenomenal guitar skills live.  Don’t miss out on the hysterical pig races that always have the crowd shouting and rooting for the lil piggies!!!  I will admit, it’s one of my favorite events of the festival!  To obtain more information on Underwood Family Farms please visit their website at:  http://www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/.

The Underwood Family Farm fed our soul with joy, laughter and pure magic! Our adventures at the farm will be cherished in our memories forever.  We are so thankful and grateful to the friendly and courteous staff members and a special thank you to the farm owners for welcoming us to their harvest festival.

Team Bella and Gina!

Team Bella and Gina!

With love and peace in my heart,

Yours truly, G-

The Magic of a Farmers’ Market!

The beautiful colors of Mother Nature!

The beautiful colors of Mother Nature!

In the quaint little town of Ojai lives one of the greatest Farmers’ Market’s. The beautiful scenic drive on route 33  makes this road trip so worth it!

herbs

Fresh garden herbs!

I was very impressed with the selection of produce booths they had to offer.  The knowledge from the booth owners was extremely informative.  When I didn’t recognize a variety of a particular item, they went above and beyond with explanations and even gave examples of how to cook the produce.

I was even more fascinated with the gentlemen who offered “Free Hugs.” I of course gave him so many hugs and was given even bigger hugs in return.  Even though we had never met before, I couldn’t help but feel loved.  He made me smile Big Time!!!

Love One Another Always!

Love One Another Always!

As I leisurely walked the market, making sure not to miss anything special, my eye was quickly drawn to the “Range Free Eggs” booth. The simplicity and folk like décor is something my eyes couldn’t resist.  The handcrafted signs, which I later learned were made by the booth owner’s grandfather, stole my heart.  So amazing!  I ended up purchasing a few dozen eggs and used them for various recipes.  The flavor and fluffiness from these eggs were incredible!

Fresh Range Free Eggs

Fresh Range Free Eggs

I’m a huge fan of lavender and had to treat myself to a small bouquet. The lavender smell made me feel so calm, so peaceful and brought huge comfort to my soul.  I couldn’t help but fall in love with all the small gifts they had to offer.  I promised to visit again soon to purchase some holiday gifts for my family and friends.

My love for lavender!

My love for lavender!

While admiring some spectacular heirloom tomatoes, I was being admired by an extremely handsome gentlemen. Who knew that a Farmers’ Market is a single girl’s paradise!  A perfect place to find healthy, handsome and courteous fellas.  As the two of us engaged in a friendly conversation, I unfortunately become very bashful and politely excused myself.  As I walked away I thought to myself, “I’m definitely going to become a regular Sunday market shopper!”  I was on assignment and didn’t want to lose focus on my work however, I thought about his adorable face the rest of my day!!!

Breathtaking!

Breathtaking!

The Ojai Farmers’ Market is open (rain or shine) every Sunday from 9am-1pm, located behind the Arcade and one street over from downtown Ojai. I highly recommend that one brings cash as most of the vendors only accepted that form of payment.  The energy I felt was full of love, laughter and wellness.  I drove home that afternoon feeling alive and thankful to Mother Nature for sharing her beauty with me.  I was also very grateful for how friendly and down-to-earth the townspeople of Ojai were and how lucky I am to live so close to this little piece of heaven!!!

The welcoming sign!

The welcoming sign!

Yours truly with Love and Peace in my heart,

G-

Zesty Pumpkin Soup

Tis the pumpkin season!

“Tis the pumpkin season!” Love baby Elody!

October is such a wonderful month to use and experiment with pumpkin.  I love to make this Zesty Pumpkin soup and serve in little carved out mini pumpkins!

This makes a great presentation if hosting a Halloween or Fall Festival party.

Ingredients

¼ cup butter

1 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 teaspoon curry powder

2 teaspoon salt

white or rainbow crushed pepper to taste

½ teaspoon ground coriander

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

3 cups chicken broth

1 ¼ cups (16-ounce can) Libby’s Solid Pack Pumpkin

1 cup half-and-half

Sour cream and chives for garnish (optional)

Zesty Pumpkin Soup with Homemade Garlic Toast.

Zesty Pumpkin Soup with Homemade Garlic Toast.

 How to make this delicious fall recipe:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, garlic and sauté until soft.  Add curry powder, salt, coriander and crushed red pepper.  Cook for about 2-3 minutes.  Add the chicken broth and boil (uncovered) gently on med-heat for 15-20 minutes.  Slowly stir in the pumpkin and half-and-half.  Cook 5 minutes, stirring soup slowly.  Once the soup is nicely blended remove from heat.

Pour the soup mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend soup ingredients until creamy.  Make sure to give the soup a taste and add any spices you feel needed.  Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives.

You can always add more pumpkin puree and chicken broth to double the recipe.  I usually add 1 more can of Libby’s pumpkin puree and 1 extra can of chicken broth.  Serve with garlic toast for dipping!  A fresh garden salad is always a good healthy side to choose.  Enjoy and happy cooking!!!

pumpkins