 Hola,
No, I haven't been in hiding I've just been a busy girl expanding the designs in my ornament collection. We started the design process in February and after much ado they have finally arrived! We put together a quick slide show to illustrate the process. See Creation of an Ornament.
I never thought much about it but after pouring over pumpkin recipes for this month's Chit-Chat I realized... I really like pumpkins! Pumpkin cheesecake, soup, muffins, empanadas, and of course pies.
And with the ever growing popularity of Dia de Los Muertos I'll share some historical tidbits on grand dame of these festivities, Jose Posada's La Catrina.
¡Felicidades! Darlene
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| Jose Posada's La Catrina
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Jose Guadalupe Posada, born in 1852 in the Mexican state of Aquascalientes, began
his career as a teacher of lithography. In 1887, he moved to Mexico City where he worked as an illustrator for hire. 
Much of his work reflected his and his compatriots disdain for a corrupt government during dictator Porfirio Díaz's rule over Mexico City. While a vast majority
of the poverty-stricken population was illiterate, Posada's
illustrations told the story of the current news and happenings. While he satirized people of all classes, it was his rendering of the
aristocrats, whom Díaz held in such high regard, that remains the most
popular of Posada's vast catalog work. Posada's most celebrated illustration was that of "La Calavera de la Catrina" a 1913 etching. La Catrina today is arguably the most recognizable image of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.
"Catrina"
is the feminine form of the word "catrín," which means "dandy" signifying a rich, society person.  With
her flamboyant hat and dress, La Catrina humorously communicates the
concept that death is the great equalizer of all. Despite all the riches you may have in
this life, one cannot take them after death.
Posada earned just pennies for his work throughout his humble life and died the same year shortly after sketching La Catrina.
More about José Guadalupe Posada >
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,Day of the Dead Ornaments
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 One of the most requested ornament designs last year was for Day of the Dead ornaments. Go figure? At first I thought that's like putting the Easter Bunny on the Christmas tree, I don't get it? But I embraced the concept and began to design a La Catrina ornament. 8 months later, here it is! And I think she is beautiful, if I must say so myself!
Purchase La Catrina Now >
2008 CasaQ Ornament Collection >
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Vote on November 4th
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If you've ever wondered if your vote really does matter, check out these facts from some extremely close elections. (courtesy of Declare Yourself)
1800 - ONE VOTE in the electoral college made Thomas Jefferson President over Aaron Burr.
1845 - ONE VOTE brought Texas into the Union.
1847
- ONE VOTE elected Whig candidate George G. Dunn over Democratic
candidate David M. Dobson for the U.S. House of Representatives in
Indiana.
1867 - ONE VOTE decided on the purchase of Alaskan territory.
1868 - ONE VOTE prevented President Andrew Johnson from being impeached.
1916 - ONE VOTE in each California precinct re-elected Woodrow Wilson to the Presidency over Charles E. Hughes.
1955 - ONE VOTE elected the mayor of Huron, Ohio.
1960 - ONE VOTE per precinct made John F. Kennedy the President over contender Richard Nixon.
1977
- ONE VOTE determined in a recount, decided that Robert Emond won the
seat for Vermont State Representative over Sydney Nixon.
1999 - ONE VOTE per precinct elected Leslie Byrne to the Virginia Senate.
AND in the 2000 Presidential Election
237 VOTES in Florida resulted in the election of George W. Bush to the Presidency.
Your one vote counts!
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holiday customs, traditions, entertaining tips and recipes from Mexico,
Spain, Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Latin American countries |
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Pumpkin Apple Pie
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I got this slightly altered recipe off a Libby's pumpkin can years ago and was hooked on the sweet twist of apple butter. I didn't even know what apple butter was at that time but eventually located it near the jams & preserves. INGREDIENTS:1 cup apple butter1 cup fresh or canned pumpkin1/2 cup packed brown sugar1/2 teaspoon salt3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/8 teaspoon ground ginger3 eggs, slightly beaten3/4 cup evaporated milk1 unbaked 9-inch pie shellWhipped cream, for garnishDIRECTIONS:Preheat Oven to 425ºCombine apple butter, pumpkin, sugar, salt and spices in a bowl.
Stir in eggs. Gradually add milk and mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell.
Cover crust edges with foil to keep from burning. Bake for about 40 minutes or until set. This pie is best served slightly warm with whipped cream or ice cream sprinkly with candied pecans.
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Curry Pumpkin Soup
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INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cp chopped onion
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp curry powder
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp butter
1 cp pureed pumpkin or 1/2 can of pumpkin
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp sugar
2 cps chicken broth
1 1/2 cps milk
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp heavy cream
DIRECTIONS:
In large pan cook chopped onion, garlic, and curry in the butter for a few minutes until onion is tender. Add pumpkin, nutmeg, sugar and the bay leaf. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. Take out the bay leaf. Stir in 1 cup of milk and cook over low heat for a few minutes. In another bowl, stir together the remaining milk and the cornstarch until dissolved and add to the pan. Cook until slight bubbly and mixture is thickened. Let simmer an additional 3 minutes on low heat.
Serve with cream swirled on top and sprinkled with chives.
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Pumpkin tidbits
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Pumpkins, which are a fruit not a vegetable, have been grown in the Americas for over 5,000 years. They are indigenous to the
western hemisphere and were completely unknown in Europe before the time of Columbus.
Besides carving a Jack-O-Latern and roasting the seeds, consider using your pumpkin to make scrumption recipes, or used the hallowed out shell to serve soup or fill with flowers. And there's always Pumpkin bowling!
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