Pumpkin Season, Part II: Glass pumpkins

Our glass pumpkin patch, with two new additions this year

Fall is the time for colorful leaves, cooler temps and pumpkins. But, while some of the season's best features don't last long, pumpkins - the glass variety, that is - keep their festive appearance all year long.

I've been a fan of glass-blown pumpkins for years, starting over a decade ago when I first saw a display at a local art fair.  I didn't purchase any that first year, but, when the same art fair came back the following summer, I had to indulge. My first pumpkin was of the traditional sort, generously sized and a dark orange hue. It looked amazing on my Thanksgiving holiday tablescape.

My second and fifth pumpkin purchase came from Boyer Glassworks in Harbor Springs

But, my glass pumpkin collection was destined to grow. I found a fellow glass gourd enthusiast with good friend, Carol.  On one of our early, annual northern Michigan vacations we take together with our spouses, Carol asked me if I liked glass pumpkins. This was not long after my first purchase and I was delighted to share my new passion. Turns out, Carol was a big fan, too. She also just happened to know a great place to shop for glass pumpkins in Harbor Springs. Next day, we were off and running to Boyer Glassworks.  Appreciating that glass pumpkins need not be limited to orange, we were both drawn to the Monet series and each purchased one to bring home.

Great fun and finds at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, including a gold pumpkin

A few years later, when my husband and I were in Newport, Rhode Island, we came across a glass gallery and took a tour. While Chris was drawn to spindly, blue octopus (which he bought), we also perused the "pumpkin patch".  We found another multi-colored pumpkin to gift to Carol and I selected a dazzling, translucent green one for myself (thinking this could cover at least two holidays: Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day).

Glass pumpkin with artist Mary Cash, made within a week of purchase

Then, my collection remained static until this year when a new crop and an old "haunt" offered up some fine additions. At the Funky Ferndale Art Fair last month, I found a beautiful gold and white pumpkin from RNG Originals. It brings to mind a miniature version of that "plain yellow pumpkin" that became Cinderella's "golden carriage".

Carol with artist Mary, with a smaller version of her purchase

And, just one month later, Harbor Springs was back in rotation for our fall vacation with our bonne amies, Carol and Rik. Was glass pumpkin shopping on the agenda? The answer is sitting comfortably with its diverse pumpkin family on my fireplace mantle. This one was made within the week of our visit by artist Mary Cash. It's bright orange with a dark green stem, no curls. It's adorable.

Colorful leaves and crisp temps may not last, but glass pumpkins do

We at BTS love Pumpkin Season. And, with glass pumpkins, we can enjoy the festive fall fruit all year long.

 

Pumpkin Season, Part I: Pumpkin spice tea latte!

Pumpkin season:  a time for pumpkin tea lattes (and glass pumpkins)

It's pumpkin season and we love all varieties of pumpkins:  Jack o' Lanterns, glass pumpkins and pumpkin spice everything. This year, we upped the ante on the latter and put together our very own pumpkin spice, ready for pies and lattes - and when we say lattes at BTS, we're talking tea lattes, of course.

And, when I say "we", as in most things that concern the kitchen domain, I mean my husband, Chris. He's the gourmet chef in our house, having his own special mix of patience and fearlessness, which I believe are keys to a good cook.

Pumpkin spice latte, starts with freshly brewed black (or chai) tea

Recently, we were the recipients of a collection of high quality spices and seasonings, which Chris bottled and labeled with care. He's been experimenting with them, including creating a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg (hand grated), allspice and cloves for a fresh concoction of pumpkin pie spice. The aroma alone is worth the effort.

For my part, I searched for recipes to make my own pumpkin spice tea. It wasn't as easy as I thought it might be, but I found one that called for just a few ingredients and not a lot of time in the kitchen (playing to my strengths) at Dreamy Cup.  Here's the link:  Quick and easy Pumpkin Spice tea latte.

Pumpkin puree is added to the tea

The foundation of the pumpkin spice tea latte is black tea or chai. I used a straight up black tea and steeped it for three minutes. Once the tea is brewed, a tablespoon of pumpkin puree is added along with pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and sugar. (The recipe also suggests using vanilla-infused honey as an option).  After that, pour in milk of choice, frothing optional. (I didn't have a frother at the ready, so whisked a cup by hand.)

Mix in vanilla, sugar and pumpkin pie spice

Final step is to top it all off with whipped cream and a dash more of pumpkin pie spice.

Visually, it turned out rather well, but as for taste? It was pretty good for being "quick and easy". I'd say for a little more umph, I might use the other suggested options of chai tea and vanilla-infused honey and then, froth the milk. 

Add milk and top off with whipped cream and a bit more pumpkin pie spice

It may require a few extra minutes in the kitchen (which I'm working on).

In the meantime, a pumpkin spice tea toast to Pumpkin Season, Part 1.  Stay tune for our next blog, Pumpkin Season, Part II:  Glass pumpkins.