happy friday, gang. another week has come and gone. it’s time to kick off the weekend! as you can see, the djalali gang is here and raring to go. or is that lounging to go… either way is a-okay with me. sometimes a weekend is jam-packed full of activities. other times r&r goes a long way. this weekend is crazy as i’m packing up for Tybee, which means tying up loose ends before i head out the door. the new air conditioning unit is installed today, YouTube videos filmed, and we still have one or two more photoshoots. will i get all my tasks ticked off my to-do list before it’s beach time? somedays, i wonder. but i always give it the old college try. guess that’s the midwest girl in me. my mother and i always joked that we’d just put our heads to the plow and till that field. ha!
today, i’m dishing up a tasty recipe pumpkin alla vodka pasta and a cranberry vodka spritzer. both are perfect for a crisp fall day. can you believe the low was in the 50s this morning in Georgia? i’ll take it! cooler weather is on the way, even if the temps will bounce around for the foreseeable future. one day, it’s sweater weather. the next, we’re back to sleeveless tees. gotta love fall as fickle as she can be.
pumpkin alla vodka pasta
pumpkins abound this time of year. years ago, when my kiddos were young, we grew pumpkins in our garden. one year, we harvested a 100-pound pumpkin! it was proudly displayed on our porch right up until Christmas decorations took front and center stage. can you believe the largest pumpkin on record is a whopping 2,625 pounds? wowza! that’s a lot of pumpkin seeds. but fall and pumpkins go together much like peanut butter and jelly. pumpkins on my porch, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, even pumpkin alla vodka pasta. it’s a tasty and nutritious fruit that features flowers, seeds, and flesh that are all edible and rich in vitamins. the entire pumpkin is basically a superfood! no wonder we incorporate pumpkins into so many recipes.
since i’m getting fall recipes together, it’s time to slip into a fall outfit. fridays with oscar are always casual, so a vibrant green v-neck sweater from Banana Republic and boyfriend jeans from Frame is just the ticket. suede mules from Jenni Kayne are easy to slip on and off, but they add just the right amount of texture to my off-duty outfit. use code ACERTAINAGE for 15% off your order.
Fill a stock pot with water and heat over high. Season liberally with salt and bring to a boil while you prep other ingredients.
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a Dutch oven or large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Arrange mushrooms in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until bottom side is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Toss and continue cooking 2 to 3 more minutes, until softened. Transfer to a bowl.
Add remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and onion to pan. Cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg; cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and stir to evenly coat onion. Continue to cook, stirring often, until paste is deep red and starting to brown on the bottom of the pan, about 5 minutes. Add vodka to deglaze pan, stirring to scrape up browned bits of tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to allow some of the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and sautéed mushrooms; reduce heat to low.
Once pasta water is boiling, add pasta and cook until almost al dente. Add kale during final minute of cooking.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked pasta and kale to skillet with vodka sauce. Stir in pasta cooking water in 1/2 cup increments until sauce turns smooth and glossy and coats each piece of pasta. Stir in fresh thyme leaves and garnish with Parmesan, if desired.
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
The colour of your sweater is beautiful. I love that you are not afraid of colour, pattern and fun prints.
Pumpkins on my porch are a dream here.. The raccoons and skunks had a feast last year.
This Fall baby is over the moon with today’s post! Loving everything, especially the reference to your Mom! That lounging pic gives insight into how you get so much done. When it’s time to recharge, it’s time to recharge! Wish you the best Tybee time ever, Beth 🧡
Have a great vacation! Love your casual Friday outfit. With Oscar and Ollie and you in that fab green sweater…..that picture could be on a Christmas card!!
Great casual fare and outfit! Love your Friday’s with Oscar. I was considering the mules until I saw the price. Yikes.
No wonder they look super cute! Not in my budget though…maybe one day…
Enjoy the weekend Beth!
The colour of your sweater is beautiful. I love that you are not afraid of colour, pattern and fun prints.
Pumpkins on my porch are a dream here.. The raccoons and skunks had a feast last year.
those skunks and raccoons filled up on vitamins! never a dull moment.
Once again, you’ve made the ordinary special. Thanks for enriching my life.
I admire all your energy! Love today’s outfit and write up…have a wonderful vacation!
The pasta sounds wonderful! Giving it a try. Thanks for the great ideas!
i think you will like the pasta! it has a nice flavor. even better the second day.
This Fall baby is over the moon with today’s post! Loving everything, especially the reference to your Mom! That lounging pic gives insight into how you get so much done. When it’s time to recharge, it’s time to recharge! Wish you the best Tybee time ever, Beth 🧡
no better memories than those of my Mom!
OLI…ESTÁS DIVINO!!!!
Even Ne Florida is getting just a little bit cooler. Not in the 50iees, but lo 80ies and that cool for us right now. not ready to turn off the AC yet!
cooler weather is bound to come sooner or later even in Florida. but the snowbirds are happy that the low 80s are cool.
Have a great vacation! Love your casual Friday outfit. With Oscar and Ollie and you in that fab green sweater…..that picture could be on a Christmas card!!
thanks, Deanna! I alwyas love to head to the beach.
Great casual fare and outfit! Love your Friday’s with Oscar. I was considering the mules until I saw the price. Yikes.
No wonder they look super cute! Not in my budget though…maybe one day…
Enjoy the weekend Beth!
i will share another reader who wrote saying these mules walked her all the way through Ireland.