Free [Fall]ing

I made this wreath as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving at my parents' house. The cupcakes were devil's food, and the leaves were peanut-butter flavored. I really loved making the leaves. Each one was completely unique, and inspired by the colors of fall in Georgia. I added gold shimmer to them, just a tiny bit at first to make them pop. Throughout the day, I found myself adding more and more sparkle. By the time we were done with Thanksgiving dinner, they shone from across the room.

A friend of mine was eating one of these last night. He's had quite a bit of dental work done recently, and so he isn't able to eat chewy or hard foods that may get stuck in his teeth. I warned him about the caramel acorns, but he forgot (typical) and bit into one anyways. I feel bad for his teeth, but I can't (honestly) say that what followed wasn't funny. Sorry Jamey.

I saw a turkey design in a friend's cookbook and couldn't resist trying out the idea, with my own spin, of course. I made them last Thanksgiving and they were a hit, especially with the under-ten crowd. My dad thinks that their eyes make them look a bit crazed. I'm inclined to agree, and can't help but laugh every time I see a picture of them glaring up at us.

I made these pumpkin cupcakes for Halloween. When they were all together, the tray looked like a miniature pumpkin patch, but with sparkles, so better. I baked Devil's Food cupcakes , because I thought that those would be appropriate for Halloween. Devil's Food just sounds creepier than vanilla.