However, in case you need to return to that thread the link below will return you to the Beginning of the thread!
Posted on 11/01/2026 6:19:40 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
The MONTHLY Victory Garden Thread is a gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you.
If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located.
This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.
It is impossible to hijack the Victory Garden Thread. Planting, Harvest to Table Recipes, Preserving, Good Living - there is no telling where it will go - and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us! Send a Private Message to Diana in Wisconsin if you'd like to be added to/removed from our New & Improved Ping List.
NOTE: This is a once a MONTH Ping List, but we DO post to the thread all throughout the month. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest to Gardeners are welcomed any time.
Time to start thinking about staying warm this winter for those of us north of the Mason Dixon Line. :)
Yes, she’s a cartoon but the advice is good.
13 Poor Woman’s Ways I’m Cutting Winter Expenses — And Proud of Every One - Thrifty Eleanor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyewocD8WQ4
Time to start thinking about staying warm this winter for those of us north of the Mason Dixon Line. :)
Yes, she’s a cartoon but the advice is good.
13 Poor Woman’s Ways I’m Cutting Winter Expenses — And Proud of Every One - Thrifty Eleanor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyewocD8WQ4
However, in case you need to return to that thread the link below will return you to the Beginning of the thread!
And I am sure you know that you can also feed pumpkins not ruined by wax or paint or chemicals to your "Cattle herd", Brisket, and to your "Horse" (meaning Mule.) I suppose that you could use them for bear bait too!
Texas Farm Bureau...Are pumpkins safe for livestock to eat?
I would compost my daughter's pumpkin but it would probably attract squirrels!
Heavy cream. This is very, very similar to my husband’s family’s favorite frosting for angel food cake. It is so simple and SOOOO decadent. Top with berries of your choice. A can’t beat dessert!
We are reaching the end of our Halloween adventure long weekend with our grandsons (5 & 2.) Our son and his wife returned a few hours ago. The kids are in bed, and we get to relax “for real” now. What a whirlwind!
Being in the SF Bay Area for even a few days has me saying, like Dorothy, “We’re not in Kansas, anymore, Toto!” It always feels like another country here to me. Life is over-scheduled, and full of pressures and stresses that I don’t feel in the Midwest or the South. Is it pretty? Sort of. But yeah, it has it problems.
Here, the roads are blocked periodically because it’s flooded over. Why? Because they don’t build a sea wall to keep the high tide out. It will harm the animals. (Will it really? Don’t people count at all?)
Look, I love the environment, but shouldn’t there be a happy medium? Because 2-3 blocks of roads are underwater, you must take a 20 minute detour. Makes no sense to me, not that anyone has asked.
I will miss our grandsons till our next visit, likely February or March next year. I had to set limits on their behavior a couple of times, and tears do not sway my mind when a child crosses my line. Cry as long as you want if it makes you feel better, but Grandma & Grandpa call the shots and have the final say. You can go to your room and sulk until you feel like cooperating.
Still, the hugs are heartfelt. There’s not anything you can do to make your Grandma not love you forever. I just want you to grow up with some discipline and respect. Those things will make you a far happier and successful adult than getting your way ever will.
Chocolate Whipped Cream is very, very similar to family favorite frosting for angel food cake.
It is so simple and SOOOO decadent. Topped with berries of choice, a can’t beat dessert!
Mmmmmm............a delicious combo to be sure.
Per the weather forecast, 0% chance of rain ..... and we’re having showers. It’s cool, 51°. No killing frost or freeze to date. I haven’t been able to plant my wildflower seeds yet - with our current weather, they would be germinating & coming up just in time to get swacked by a freeze! I am really curious to see what does come up.
“I just want you to grow up with some discipline and respect. Those things will make you a far happier and successful adult than getting your way ever will.”
My Aunt Linda LOVES to tell stories of what a spoiled brat I was as a kid and a total Drama Queen. I was the beloved First Grandchild to FOUR Grandparents (and one Great Grandma!) who got away with murder for nearly 4 years until Baby Sister came along and I watched my ‘beautiful world’ fall apart like the Wicked Witch of the West, LOL!
But, Auntie always comments at the end of her stories that I eventually turned out all right. ;)
You’re being a good Grandma. My BFF cares for her four grandkids on alternate days and she runs a tight ship. Those kids don’t get away with anything as ‘Grandma’ is a retired Army Major! But they know they are loved, that’s for sure.
Thanks. I know I’ve been doing the right thing. I’d rather spoil them with laughter and hugs and real interest, than spoil them with getting their way all the time. I would love for my son and his family to move back to the Midwest, but they seem to really love California (and the way Californians think it makes them superior to everyone else). To me it’s just a crazy place, with nothing but fake people everywhere you go. It’s all a facade, and my grandsons are having to grow up under these circumstances.
15 Ways To Use Pumpkin Spice In Savory Dishes
Classically, we use pumpkin spice in sweet foods. Pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin spiced muffin donuts, autumn spiced biscotti, pumpkin pancakes ... the list goes on and on. However, a standard pumpkin spice mix can be used to warm up many savory dishes, too. The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves can bring spice, life, and depth to your rubs, pasta dishes, and beyond. Even a pumpkin spice mix, including sugar, can be used to balance a strong umami flavor or bring duality to a spicy or savory recipe. However, the standard mix of spices (sans sugar) pairs well with meats, vegetables, cheeses, and grains alike, so it's no surprise that you might find them in your dinner instead of dessert. These ways to use pumpkin spice in savory dishes will help bring that "Gilmore Girls," red flannel, hot cider vibe into almost any recipe.
As a Vermonter gone Mainer, I've spent my life in the Pumpkin Spice Belt (also known as New England). Even before the first maple leaf changes colors, folks are sprinting to get their hands on a nice hot pumpkin-spiced latte. However, you don't see too many pumpkin-spiced savory dishes, and that's an atrocity. It's time you stepped outside of your comfort zone and brought the warming flavors of autumn to your main course, and as a recipe designer and chef, I'm going to help you get there.
Soups
Root Vegetables
Dry Rubs for Meat
Risotto
Salmon
Marinades
Curry Dishes
On Popcorn
Chili
Aug Gratin Potatoes
BBQ Sauce
Mac and Cheese!
Winter Squash
Seasonal Salad Dressing
Cheese Ravioli
More at link: https://www.tastingtable.com/1956163/ways-to-use-pumpkin-spice-savory-dishes/
Thanks for the kind words - I saw you on another thread and was going to respond but couldn’t b/c I was in a hurry and needed to leave (can’t remember why) - and I never got back to that thread.
I cook turkey pieces all year - my family loves turkey, the local Ralphs has them all year.
Tiki loves turkey as much as the rest of my family.
Looking forward to Thanksgiving, it is my favorite holiday. Family is politically divided but know not to bring any of that up - at least in my house. My neighbor across the street had a physical fight at the Thanksgiving table that spilled out onto the lawn!
She was mortified, I wasn’t home but would have liked to have witnessed it.
Thanksgiving is my wheelhouse, too. Told Mom and Sis I was hosting every year from here on out. Take it or leave it, LOL!
We used to alternate, but I just want ONE set of dishes that I can use for Thanksgiving, along with Grandma’s collectables. I don’t need three sets of dishes (T-Day, Christmas and Easter) for entertaining. ;)
Thanksgiving is my wheelhouse, too. Told Mom and Sis I was hosting every year from here on out. Take it or leave it, LOL!
We used to alternate, but I just want ONE set of dishes that I can use for Thanksgiving, along with Grandma’s collectables. I don’t need three sets of dishes (T-Day, Christmas and Easter) for entertaining. ;)
The year my mother died, right before Thanksgiving, 2019 - I wasn’t up for shopping, cooking, clean-up, etc., something I’ve never minded before.
I made reservations that year for all of us at a “fancy” restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner - we ended up loving it so much that this has now become our new tradition.
This allows me to spend a lot more time with my out-of-town guests without having to do all the work for the dinner, far easier and more relaxing for me - and the food is great. I always order the Prime Rib b/c we have turkey all year long, those who want a traditional turkey dinner can have that.
Egg Nog! (Splash in a shot of Grand Marnier and some grated orange peel too!)
Spiced rum!
Aqua vita (Anise flavored neutral grain spirits!)
Glogg
About the only time I drink is on dark winter nights around Christmas and once the tree is up and decorated!
BTW Pumpkin pie spice is on my list along with kale, olives, blue cheese, anchovies, kimchi, fudge, and more just can’t think of them all right now.
Southern Corn Pudding / holiday side
ING: pkg Jiffy Cornbread Mix 1/2 pint whipping cream 1 c sour cream 1/2 c butter, melted 1 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp sugar 2 cans whole kernel white corn, drained 1 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1/2 chp small onion, 6 egg whites s/p. Sour cream, chives garnish.
METHOD: w/ spoon in lge bowl mix Jiffy, h/cream, sour cream, butter, ol/oil, sugar. Add corn, cheese, onion, egg whites. Mix to blend. S/p. Bake in sprayed b/dish 350 deg 30-40 min. Garnish and serve.
Bon! Prime Rib. Thank you! I like that idea better cooking a turkey and ending up with 1/12th of the year devoted to meals made of turkey leftovers!
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