It's finally, finally, finally September!  Fall weather on the horizon, football in full blown action, and foodie fun (always!). 

This past week, I made a few new recipes that turned out just lovely!  First, I made a Toasted Butter Pecan Cake.  The recipe came from the Taste of Home Church Supper Desserts.  It turned out pretty, dense and tasty.  I *love* butter pecan ice cream, and this was essentially the cake version of that.  Here is what you missed:

It is loaded with pecans and lots of butter flavory goodness.  Hmm....  guaranteed to knock yer lips right off.   You can find the recipe if you click here. 

I also made a batch of cookies, Oatmeal Scotchies.  Basically they're oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips.  If you or someone you love enjoys butterscotch, these are a must-try.  I think the most important trick to making successful cookies is not to over bake them, and with these, it is easy to do - so let's be careful out there!  (Cue theme music from Hill Street Blues.)



I think it is fair to say that this time of year is perfect for baking and taking walks with Bender.  The weather is just so accommodating to both of those things.  I took Bender to one of our favorite places again, the waterfront of the Columbia River, the other day.  There had recently been a fire on the Oregon side of the river at an old hotel, and it was still smoldering and smoking a little bit.  You can see the smoke if you look across the river under the bridge. 


The river itself was beautiful, though.  This is truly one of our favorite walking places. 


Also, last weekend, I went to Bella Organic Farms out on Sauvie Island (same general place I took The Mob when by brother was here) and attended the Blackberry Bluegrass and Country Festival that they had going on.  I think it'll be an annual event, and I would definitely go again!  Bender was allowed to attend and I had the wonderful company of a great friend.  It was beautiful there and the bands that were playing were fun and impressive!