Okay, maybe I am a little dramatic. But this recipe is damn good. Taco Soup doesn’t sound very good, but it is. Promise!!! Football season is in full gear, baseball season is wrapping up, and with the holidays coming up…everyone is gathering around food!!! I love to hate potlucks. An event where there’s a great variety of food, but ugh…jello salad and main courses that are meant to be warm but are soggy and cold. Uhm, yeah. No. Nooooooo!!! #depressing
Don’t stress. Sit back and relax. I have the best recipe for you. It’s perfect for the fall and your friends are going to think you’re a whole lot of awesome. As long as you know how to open canned goods, you’re golden. This recipe is so simple.
Recipe: Taco soup
Ingredients:
2lbs ground beef
4 TBSP of oil (I use Avocado oil)
1 onion chopped
3 cans (4 oz) chopped green chilis
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 can 15-16 oz of each, rinsed and drained- pinto beans, kidney beans, hominy, black beans and corn
3 cans of stewed dices or petite tomatoes
1 package of taco seasoning
1 package of dry ranch dressing
1 to 2 cups water (I like my soup on the chunkier side, so I use about 1 cup)
Shredded cheese and sour cream to top*
5 cloves of garlic, minced*
4 stalks of celery, chopped*
*These are optional ingredients.
Instructions: If you like diced onions, garlic and celery, go ahead and add oil to a pan. Add onions, garlic and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent. If you don’t like celery and garlic, skip this.
Cook beef and chopped onion in a pan. Drain fat. In a large pot, add cooked beef and onion and chopped green chilis, ranch and the taco seasoning. Allow these to merry. Once mixed, add all remaining ingredients except the cheese and sour cream. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. If you’re serving this at a potluck or an ongoing event (such as a game), transfer this to a crockpot and keep it on warm. If you’re using a crockpot, be sure to line it with these handy crockpot liners found here. These things are life-savers…ok, not so much but they save you time and the hassle of cleaning. Thank me later.
Serve and top with cheese and sour cream. You can also serve this with tortilla chips or over white or brown rice.
You’ve accepted the rejection. You have grit. You want this deal more than anybody else. You are tested and are just about ready to throw in the towel. But you don’t. You close the deal.
This blog isn’t about me. BUT…I recently closed the toughest sales deal in my entire sales career. Many people love to hate sales people. I don’t blame them. They’re We are easy targets. They’re We are known to be annoying, self absorbed, terrible listeners. We have long lunches, come and go as we please and we come back to the office dressed well, laughing out loud with with our big white shiny teeth and with a (insert your favorite drink) in hand. The reality is sales people often feel alone in doing what we do. There are days where we put on our Sunday’s best only to be denied. And the best ones are opposite of what I just listed. Often alone when cold calling, rejected, hung up on, oh and yes…even breaking down after pounding the pavement and out of answers. It’s not all roses, but this isn’t a pity party. Even though Sales professionals are movers and shakers, we are only as good as our last deal and as trying as it may be, it’s ALL WORTH IT.
Here are five lessons and takeaways from my toughest sales deal to date (a deal that took me over three years to close). My hope in sharing with you is that in the event that you need to dig deep and may be experiencing a deal (or even a project) that is testing you…that this will keep you going. Onward and upward.
It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Good selling.
Pace yourself. That saying, “it’s not over till the fat lady sings…” well, a lot can change. The bell cannot be un-rung. That commissions check is not yours until you have earned it. Avoid burn out. Enjoy the ride and ensure that you have it in you to keep going…until the very end. Until the very end. It’s a marathon. Not a sprint. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Know that you are great at what you do. Own it. Your prospect/ buyer may have a fancy legal team and more resources than you can imagine. Many times, they don’t know what they want or what they’re doing. You need to guide them. You are their advocate and #1 resource. Having this conviction is a must in everything that you do.
Focus on your customer’s problem first and your solutions second. Especially in layered selling where there are many influencers or sponsors, know what each department’s goals are. Can you really be a part of their solution? If so, tell them how. Differentiate yourself from your competition who is likely talking price and product. Help them visualize your mutual success. Clients do not know how valuable you are until you show how much you care.
Do not give up. Sometimes your customers will ask you questions and demand answers. You may have no idea what they’re talking about. Understand why it’s important to them, how they’re doing it, what are the consequences if there is no change. Go find the answer. Utilize your resources.
Know when to walk away. It’s a lot like dating. You may not jive. If it’s not a good match, it’s not. You may not meet their requirements, and that’s okay. Don’t force it. Walk away. You will be glad you did.
It’s Halloween week!!! So you know what that means!!! The Pumpkin Decorating Contest is just around the corner. The competition is always fierce. This year, I wanted to use supplies I had on hand. I don’t like carving my pumpkin…too much work and not enough joy. So, I looked at what I had in my craft supplies…and this is super easy, fun and great for kids and adults alike. I love how crafts can bring people together and how relaxing it is.
This year, I decided to make a Minion pumpkin. The best part is that I didn’t have to buy a single thing, used materials I had and had so much fun making this!! I hope you enjoy this DIY!!! Happy Decorating. Happy Halloween!!!
Here’s what you need:
Scissors
Glue Gun
Paint Brush
Pumpkin
Newspaper or trash liner
1 canned good
Yellow Spray Paint
Black Acrylic Paint
1 sheet of black construction paper
1 sheet of white foam paper (or white construction paper works fine)
2 mason jar lids
2 googly eyes (if you don’t have this, making eyes using paper is fine)
Black Ribbon (you can use black paint, black tape, or even black paper)
Blue Tape (you can use blue paper if you don’t have blue tape
2 Black Pipe Cleaners (Cut this up into 1 1/2 in.)
Instructions:
Go outside and line your work space with newspaper or a trash bag
Sit your pumpkin on top of a canned good
Easiest way to spray paint your pumpkin
Spray paint your pumpkin, ensuring it’s evenly applied, allow to dry (at least 4 hours)
Get your black acrylic paint and paint the stem
Paint the stem black
While your pumpkin is drying, get your mason jar lids and white foam paper and cut two circles (you can use the lids to guide/ trace the circles)
Glue the white circles to the jar lids (the inner side)
Glue the googly eyes on top of the white foam
Glue the googly eyes on
Cut the black pipe cleaners (this will be the hair)
Cut the black piping cleaners
Using the black construction paper, create:
a lip (you can add teeth if you’d like)
Cut 2 small circles (quarter sized), these will be the buttons on the overalls
Cut the G logo –> you can download the template by clicking here
When the paint on the pumpkin has dried, apply glue and stick the black ribbon across the top of the pumpkin, this will be the strap to the goggles/ glasses
Glue the eyes (mason jar lids) over the black ribbon
Glue the lips
Glue the black piping cleaners (hair) by apply dots of glue using your glue gun
Using the blue tape, create the overalls. I simply taped the blue tape parallel to the black ribbon (these are the overalls) and then tape strips downward to make up the bib of the overalls.
Apply the black buttons where the overalls and the bib meets
Minion Pumpkin
Place the G logo on top of the middle of the bib
Place it in an area to greet your favorite trick-or-treaters!!!
Whatever you end up decorating (or not) Have Fun!!! Be sure to share your ideas with me. Happiest Halloween wishes!!!
How fitting? I just watched the Steve Jobs movie. A must see, but not necessarily at the theatre. What a remarkable guy. Tony just gifted me my first ever Apple laptop for my birthday; and I was definitely impressed as this gift keeps me learning. Since this is my first ever Apple laptop, there’s a lot to learn. I’m not familiar with the programs, apps and interface…even the way you mouse, scroll and click. Somehow, somewhere…my brain recognized the icons. Icons I never knew of but were all so familiar. It took me back to the time I was five. FIVE years old!!! In Mrs. Kern’s 1st grade class! The screen was black and green, and all I was told to do was to click “save.” Wow!! Little did I know…I bit the apple many moons ago, way back in the first grade!!
How did I become this person? While I love the power of technology, I wouldn’t say I am a technologically savvy person. I do appreciate it though. Five years ago, I swore that there is no way that I’d be able to let go and ditch my beautiful, efficient Blackberry. I never imagined that I would be THAT person, that crazy apple fan. Never say never.
I’ve been looking forward to this all week!!! In a few hours, I will be attending my first (of many) Apple classes. It feels like the first day of school. Ready to impress, feeling vulnerable, and ready take it all in. I am very much so looking forward to my Mac Basics workshop and am determined to challenge my brain and become a MacBook PRO!!! I have no idea what ever happened to my Blackberries? This was never intentional. It’s been an organic process. I have since abandoned my camera, GPS, Zagat books, palm pilot, walkman, books, camcorder…the list is endless!!!
San Francisco Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building
Bay Bridge
Dried peaches
Oh Lavendar!
YUM!
Roli Roti…pork knuckles?
What a great gift idea!
Truffle Salt, cures all
Frog Hollow Farm’s Conserve
Mushrooms at Far West
Philz Iced Mint Mojito
Mmmm. Beets!!!
Heaven in your mouth…
Mushroom Terrarium
Flowers Galore
Ahhhh, the Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building…hands down, one of my most favorite things to do while in San Francisco. I celebrated my 35th birthday this past week in SF which explains why I have been MIA. But now I am back and ready to ATTACK!!!
I have a love affair with San Francisco and started to romanticize over this beautiful city as long as I can remember. I’d day dream about being a San Franciscan and how I would wake up early on a Saturday morning, grab my hand crafted bags and head over to the Ferry
Be sure to bring your best friend and enjoy!
Building for the farmer’s market. This market is no joke. I’d have my well thought out weekly shopping list with plenty of blank spaces, allowing for intuition to play. On the way, I’d stop by Philz Coffee and satisfy my caffeine fix. My choice is their signature mint coffee mojito sans the sugar.
Finally, I’d make my way to the Ferry Building. The first stop is the Roli Roti truck! If I am lucky there’s no line and they still have some pork knuckles available. I’d start up a conversation with their efficient staff and if luck continues to be on my side, he’d give me some crispy pork fat. Salivating.
YUM!
I’d walk around and explore. Get to know the vendors who got up extra early to share their gift with me. Smell the fresh lavender. Admire the beautiful flowers of the season. Touch the beets. Sample the fruit. Mingle with customers. Buy some of my favorite jams and dried fruits…they’re gonna make some great stocking stuffers. I’d make my way to the back food court area and stop by 4505 Meats. Stock up on their chicharrones…
Heaven in your mouth…
paleo friendly and so damn good. My friends are gonna fight over them! Oh and speaking of 4505 Meats…Tony loves their burgers.
I’d make my way around and find a place to sit, eat, enjoy the seagulls, embrace the street performers and the lovely view of the bay bridge. After soaking up the Farmer’s Market. It’s Ferry Building time!!!
Time for a refreshing pressed juice from Pressed Juicery. Stop by the Far West Fungi and pick up the jar of magic…truffle salt! It cures all!!! Add it to anything and everyone will think you’re the best cook ever! When really…it’s just the salt at work, not you. Pick up some more for stocking stuffers!!! Admire the fancy terrariums of mushrooms and salivate over the white truffle$ I will have yet to afford. $312.50 per ounce…sweet Jesus!!!
If you need some more caffeine, take care of business at the Blue Bottle…be sure to grab their made to order waffles…yes, it’s worth the wait!!! There are so many great finds while at the Ferry Building. Hog Island Oyster Bar, Cowgirl Creamery…so much more! I should share that after all this galavanting and eating, I did the Nike’s half marathon the next day…Thank God for that. If you’re ever in SF, I hope you get to experience the Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building and get joy out of it.
I am generally not a big fan of squash…but roasted butternut squash soup, now that’s something I love!! Ideal for a cozy day in and so soothing. Oh, and it’s also Paleo friendly. Enjoy this simple, delightful recipe and share it with our favorite friends. This comforting soup is perfect for any fall or winter evening.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Lay the squash on to a baking sheet
I use chicken broth that I have frozen (time saver)
Enjoy!
It’s so good…you’re going to want to share it!
Ingredients:
3 to 3 ½ pounds butternut squash (about 2), seeded, cubed
Avocado Oil (you can use olive oil or whatever you prefer)
Salt to taste
1 t ground white pepper
Slices of ginger*
¼ t freshly grated nutmeg*
5 garlic cloves*
3 C broth (I use chicken)
½ C Coconut milk (recipes typically call for heavy cream, but I don’t like cream)
roasted sun flower seeds for garnish*
Instructions:
Heat the oven to 400 degrees
Mix the top 7 items and lay onto a baking sheet (line it with foil to save on cleaning)
Put it in the oven for 30-35 minutes
Lay the squash on to a baking sheet
Meanwhile, boil the broth
I use chicken broth that I have frozen (time saver)
Remove the squash from the oven, transfer to your food processor (I use my Vitamix)
Add the broth and coconut milk to your food processor, process on soup mode
Ladle into your favorite soup bowl, top it off with sunflower seeds and Enjoy.
Enjoy!
You’re going to love this so much, you’re going to want to pack them up and share.
It’s so good…you’re going to want to share it!
*These ingredients are optional. I tend to like very strong flavors. If you don’t like them, don’t include them…but of course, if you love them, add more!!
Unless there is an ice-cream truck, shark or a sample sale, I am not much of a runner. I enjoy a good run when I want to and will be doing my second half marathon in a few days. I am not a pro. I haven’t really trained much but managed to put in a long run today. I thought about how prepared I was last year when I actually trained for my first event.
Take time to enjoy the beautiful view. I love this view at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Pretty views make everything more pleasant.
If this is your first ever half marathon or if you’re considering doing one, I am sure you have already done your research like any responsible half marathoner would. Unlike me, you have your training schedule and have a really good idea of what you need to do. I wanted to provide you with my list of pointers that I wish I would have known at my first race. I gathered this from friends who are pro marathoners and this is also from my first hand experience. Here are some tips that nobody may have ever told you.
Half Marathon Tips for Rookies
Hydrate. Drink plenty of water weeks before the race.
Trim your toe nails. The week of the run, get a pedicure or trim your toe nails.
Play Dress Up. The week before race day, have a dress rehearsal during one of your long runs. From the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, ask yourself how do you feel? Check your visor, head band, arm band, underwear, top, shorts, leggings, socks, contacts, and shoes. Have a trial with whatever you intend to wear on your race day. Does your sports bra fit fine? Does that armband rub against you? Are your socks quitters?Are your sunglasses going to bother you? Make adjustments if need be.
Prevent Chub Rub. Apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly in areas where you may experience chafing (your armpits where they may rub against your shirt/ tank, upper thighs, etc.)
Layer Up. Since you will be up extra early and it will likely be cold, you may need to dress in layers. Wear a layering piece (one that you don’t mind donating). Take it off and throw it on the ground when you no longer need it. Most well organized races will have volunteers who will do a sweep and then donate your garment.
Nothing New. Race Day is not the time to be experimenting with anything new. Avoid trying anything new the day of and make sure that any chews, energizers, etc…have been sampled and approved by you. There will be plenty of sponsors giving away samples, only take these if you must or if you’re familiar with the product and know you can handle it. You don’t know how many horror stories I have heard from people who did not respond well and had a bad time because of trying a new product on race day.
Don’t zig zag. Why expend more energy and add more distance than you need to? Yes, there is going to be a lot of people…but zig zagging your way in between them is only going to add more distance to your race. I ended up adding unnecessary distance to my run. Don’t do what I did.
Apply the Run/Walk strategy. Apply the run/ jog for 3-5 minutes, and then walk 1 minute strategy. This is supposed to give your legs a break.
Stop at all water stations. Yes, even if you’re not thirsty, grab a water cone. This will force you to slow your roll, as you stop by the water station and at the very least take a sip. You will be glad you did. Oh and be sure to thank the volunteers who got up so early to make sure you’re hydrated.
Do not hold it in. Speaking of water…don’t hold it in. Accept the fact that you will be using a porta potty. Build a bridge and get over it. It’s all good.
Embrace the Moment. Stop and enjoy the view. You’ve put in so much work…so be sure to embrace it. Look at the signage, people cheering you on, everything! Take it all in. –I recall the simplest sign that said, “Run, Auntie, Run!” That was all I needed at that moment. If you’re a people person, make friends. You’re around like minded people who all share the common goal as you, to finish the race!!
Enjoy the race and those around you. I met Bernie during today’s run. A fellow Bruin who also studied Political Science and went to Law School at UCLA. A retired judge at the young age of 87. We talked about Economics and many other things. His wisdom and encouraging words left me inspired. You just never know who you’re going to meet out there.
Stretch. Stretch, stretch, stretch after the run, and then stretch.
Have a salt bath. Soak yourself in an Epson salt bath after the run.
The last pointer, 13.1 is the most important one. Know that you got this. Having this conviction makes a world of difference. Have a great attitude and I am sure you’re going to have an excellent race…you got this!
“We try to ‘out cutesy’ all of our neighbors,” a customer once told me when I was working a home decor trade show in Atlanta. There’s just something so very warming about the South. Wreaths on their doors, mailbox decorating, tablescapes…they just get into things that we don’t really see here in L.A. I miss teaching and selling to crafters. One of my most favorite crafts is wreath making. It’s super easy and the final product is rewarding. A customized door wreath says, “Welcome, Welcome!!! You’re so important to me, I want to make sure that you’re greeted by a customized wreath I made as you enter nest…so please, come on in. Welcome!!”
Wreaths can be an expensive seasonal item, and who wants to buy a typical wreath that your neighbor may be flaunting? Not I! The best part about wreath making is that they’re very inexpensive to make (the one you see here cost me less than $10), requires very little time (less than 20 minutes), and it’s an original!!! Oh and did I say? It’s SUPER simple!!! It requires only 5 simple steps…5…That’s it!!!
May you continue to welcome guests in your home (with or without a wreath), but hopefully after this DIY tutorial, you can welcome them with your very own customized one. What better time to start on this DIY? After all, the holidays are right around the corner.
I hope you get much joy out of this week’s DIY! Please feel free to message me with any questions. Let me know if I can help.
Welcoming Wreath Details
Materials
Wreath making supplies
Scissors
Jute or Mesh netting (you may not need this, but I prefer to use it as it adds volume to my wreath…and more volume means more drama). If you don’t want to add mesh netting, that’s okay too. It’s a matter of preference. If you don’t want to use netting, skip steps 2 and 3.
Ribbon or fishing string (if using ribbon, choose a color that matches the decorations you’re using) cut about a foot long (about 10-20 strips)
Decorations such as silk flowers, ornaments, flower picks (for this DIY, I used silk florals and selected my favorite colors) The sky is the limit, so choose whatever decorations that tickle your fancy!
Any circular wreath of some sort (it can be foam, garland, I used a wooden one since it was on sale for 99 cents)
Directions:
Tie the ribbon/ string around the wreath, ensure that they’re equal distance apart (see photo)
Tie cut ribbon/ string around wreath
Start to lay the jute or mesh on top of the ribbon. Tie it.
Tie down the netting and scrunch it. Continue.
Scrunch up the jute or mesh and tie it. Continue around the entire wreath (I like more volume, so I added a second layer). Once completed, this is the base of the wreath. Do not cut the excess ribbons/ strings as this will be used to tie on your decor.
Add your selected decor/ ornaments. Using the ribbon, tie it.
It’s time to add decorations (floral or any picks/ ornaments). Use the excess ribbon that you tied down to form the base.
Using the excess ribbon, continue to fill with decorations, and tie them.
Cut off any excess ribbons/ strings. Hang it up and welcome your guests.
My finished fall wreath. Made with love. Welcome, Welcome!
Whoah. That was fast! In less than a week, I will be right in the middle of thirty and forty. Thirty five!!! I still remember when I turned twenty-five. My sister sent me a bouquet of flowers and the card said, “Enjoy your twenties, they will fly right by you.” I knew then and I know now that she was right.
Equipped with what I know today, here are 25+1 things I’d share with my 25 year old self (some of which I still need to remind myself in my thirties).
Please share with me what your hindsight wisdom has taught you? What would you tell your 25 year old self? I look forward to hearing what you have to share.
25+1 things I would tell my 25 year old self.
By now you should have a list of those whose opinions matter to you and deserve to know your story and truth. If you don’t have a list, grab a pen. Make your list and put it somewhere where it will serve as a constant reminder. This list will make your choices and priority setting much easier.
Appreciate your body. You are likely in the best shape of your life with very little discipline required. Exercise and set yourself up for a physically fit future.
Empathy can be taught and learned. It does not mean that you make somebody’s problem your own. You are not the solution to everyone’s problem. Empathy means that you are with someone else in what they’re going through.
Forgiveness and Kindness. Practice these acts with others and especially yourself. Do this more and more each day.
Your brain starts to solidify by the age of 25. Though not as flexible, change is still possible. Get uncomfortable. Challenge yourself to take on different interests. Study or do things that you normally do not gravitate towards. Take on a new language. Learn something new. Put that lazy brain to work. Do not get stale.
While you’re rapidly adulting, your parents are aging just as fast. Enjoy your parents as much as you can.
Help!!! Asking for it doesn’t make you any less. Ask for it when needed and help others when you can. The most successful people I know, know how to ask for help and delegate well. There is always someone willing to help.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Remember that powerful zit that would resurface all throughout high school and make a special appearance every now and then in college? Well that’s the same with underlying issues. Spend time and do the work to tend to things that are broken. They will resurface until there’s resolve.
Buy well. Buy once.
Your gut. Trust it. You may not have the tools to know what to do with the information it’s sharing with you and that’s okay. Just listen. You are more in tune with yourself than you give yourself credit for. Start cultivating a trusting relationship between you and your inner-self.
Know that you are enough.
That quote, “If you truly love someone, set them free.” Well, eff that. When someone truly loves you, they will make sure that you’re theirs. None of this “set you free” fluff. Do not waste your time on someone who is not as committed or does not share the same goals as you.
Keep dreaming, darlin’. Keep dreamin’. You have the time and energy to make them happen. As you continue to take on more and more each day, you will also take on the dreams of others. Your dreams need you to be selfish. Don’t push them to the back burner.
We all speak a different love language. Just because you are not being loved and cared for in the way that you want, it does not mean that you are loved or cared for any less. (Of course this is not referencing the unhealthy kind of love/ care, to which I would say, run!)
You should have a good idea of what your values are by now. Align and surround yourself with people who share the same values as you.
Set expectations and boundaries in every aspect of your life.
Marriage and Divorce. Between 25 and 35, a lot of your friends will be getting married. Some will be getting divorced too. Be there for them. You may (or may not) be getting married or divorced. Operate on your own timeline. Not society’s timeline, your own.
Start to cook for yourself. Start with once a week then take on some more if you can. Over time, you will get better at it. You can never be accountable for your health if you don’t start by prepping the very food that goes into your body.
You probably have a damn good PPO plan, giving you the flexibility to see whatever doctor you want. Spend more time finding yourself a great doctor than you would finding a good hair dresser. Don’t hop from one doctor to another. Having a doctor who knows all about you and your medical history is a luxury you can make happen and something you will definitely appreciate in your thirties. Once you’ve done this, find yourself a good hairdresser. It’s all about priorities.
Protect the Relationship (PTR). Your parents, true friends, esteemed colleagues, partner, endearing siblings, children, nieces and nephews. They are all evolving, just like you. Dynamics change. While we are all at different phases, we owe it to ourselves to do our part to protect our valued evolving relationships. Do your part. Always PTR.
Everyone tells you and you know it. Time is on your side. It’s paralyzing. Start by doing something that brings you joy. Do this each day (even if just for a bit). While you’re doing that…make time to get your real estate license. You will be glad you did. Speaking of time, have fun! Make time for fun.
In a few years, you will be invited to your 10 year class reunion. Go. Yes, you’re already connected to all the people you want to be connected to on Facebook. This is true. As the years go by, your class is only getting smaller and smaller. People die.
Sunscreen, water, and floss. Apply lots of it and drink lots of water. Oh and floss. You’ve got some decent genes, but you still need to take good care of yourself. Your skin will thank you for this.
Now is your time to define and develop healthy habits. Remember what I said about the brain earlier (#5)? In your thirties, you’re going to be more and more set in your ways. May as well make them healthy habits that you’re sticking to. Your thirties will be so thankful you did.
One of my favorite things about Autumn is all of the harvest and abundance of hearty fruits. For Mooncake Festival Day, we celebrate the harvest by gathering with family and bringing fruit and mooncakes. Persimmon, apples, pears…what’s not to love? We end up with so much fruit, I always end up baking or making some type of jam, ensuring the fruit won’t go to waste. This time, I made an apple and pear torte for my office and one for home.
Pick your freshest fruit, wash ’em up.
Slice ’em up.
Bake it with love.
Slice it up, serve it with some ice-cream Mmmmm.
While I don’t enjoy baking as much as I do cooking, it excites me to create some deliciousness. When I think of fall baking, I smell cinnamon. Mmmmm. I am very happy to share my dear friend and mentor Judy’s famous torte recipe. It’s famous because everyone loves me when they’ve had a slice of this heaven. Make this and everyone will love you too.
It’s super simple, will make your house smell like fall and will leave you wanting more. Perfect for the holidays and you can even make it in advance, put it in a freezer ziplock bag and nuke it for a few minutes. Buen Provecho.
In a food processor, blend the softened butter with the sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then the flour and everything else. Process until it’s smooth. Use a spatula to spread the batter in the bottom of the springform pan.
Slice fresh peaches, apricots, plums or pears ANYTHING BUT NECTARINES and put the slices on top of the batter. I have made this using pears, apples and persimmons. Bake for 45 minutes or until it looks light brown and not wiggly.
Slice it up and enjoy by itself or with a scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream.
Seriously, Sammy?! 
