Welcome to Happy Hour at the NewsViews Lounge on a fantastic October afternoon!
It’s been one of the most beautiful times of year here in my Midwestern back yard, with so many, many days of blue skies, calm breezes, and cool nights. It’s the perfect time of year for an early evening at the firepit, sipping on something boozy from a warm mug with a light lap throw, waiting for the leaves to start losing their chlorophyll.
This weekend I’ll be dragging the lucky mister downtown for our first glimpse of ArtPrize 2021, an exhibit of approximately a thousand indoor and outdoor art installations spread out over the city of Grand Rapids. While both the public and an educated jury judge the competition, it’s mainly an opportunity to expose oneself to infinite inspiration. And, it makes one thirsty, so there’s always a stopoff somewhere for a beverage and a snack.
Tomorrow is the last forecasted day of over-the-top meteorological optimism, and on Sunday, the clouds and cool temps look determined to set in. I’m thinking some pumpkin pancakes will be just the ticket for Sunday brunch.
Pancakes give me an opportunity to have a taste of pumpkin decadence without the committment of an entire dessert.
And while we celebrated National Coffee Day this week, today happens to be International Coffee Day, so I will make mine Irish with a little Bailey’s or Russian with a little Kahlua and cream.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ Tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 3 Tbsp butter melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup pecans chopped
Happy Weekending, and Happy October on this fine Friday, where it’s 5:00 Somewhere!
Cheers!