Obsessions are things you love so much you can’t put into words how much you love them. And how life changing they are.
You guys know I’m obsessed with oat breakfasts. Obviously. And peanut butter and granola.
I am also obsessed with Brendan James, who I am seeing tomorrow night in concert after my yoga teacher, Tanner, gifted me the CD (Tanner and his yoga studio are other obsessions!)
Today at yoga the first song I recognized yet could not place. And it was about UFOs just like my breakfast post!! After a little help from Twitter, I found out it was “Ghost in the Machine” by B.o.B. and it was the closing song on Gossip Girl on Monday! TOTALLY OBSESSED!
Another obsession: Pumpkin Ales of all kinds!!
This afternoon Matt and I were running errands. We had plans to bike to Beer Run (<– obsession!) and do the Schlafly beer tasting. But the skies were not looking pretty.
Since we were already in the car and the tasting was free, we just drove there.
Turns out we were 45 minute early!!!
I believe this was a scheme by Matt to get me to stay for a beer 🙂
It worked. They had TWO pumpkin beers on tap!!
Including, PUMKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Butterbeer!!!!
Toffee. Butterscotch.
Vanilla. Cake.
Mmmmmmm!
This was just a 10 ounce and I sipped it slowly
He got the Williamsburg Pumpkin, which is a damn good beer. VERY sweet and malty.
NO he di’ent!
BAD stink bug. I think THEY are obsessed with ME! He kept landing on me!
Soon enough we’d talked each other’s ears off and it was time for the 6PM Schlafly tasting.
I was SUPER impressed by all of the beers!! Including the Kolsch, which I normally find to be too boring and dry. This one was slightly sweet and Iiked it a lot! the Dry Hopped APA was also delish – I loved the packaging too!! It perfectly showcased hops as they should be.
Of course we all know why I was there:
Pumpkin. It was just as good as I remembered, and we bought a 6-pack. Worth every expensive penny! Because it’s almost my birthday month and I <3 pumpkin!!
Once home, we started on dinner
Shrimp + Grits with Greens!
The shrimp were sauteed in Old Bay and salt and Garlic Gold. The greens in Garlic Gold nuggets plus water and salt/pepper. The grits were from South Carolina, a late-cooked gift from my Winthrop friend Lauri! Butter was involved, as was sherry for de-glazing the pan
Consumed by candlelight.
Add MUSHROOMS to the list of obsessions, especially stuffed with Brie and Rosemary and Cranberries and Hazelnuts!!! Remember my recipe from a while ago? Here it is – in all its cheesy appetizer glory. Put it on your Thanksgiving menus!
Mushroom Masters: A Tournament Of Taste: Wild Card
And the USA needs your help! In the Mushroom Masters, a month-long Tournament of Taste on Tastespotting, the USA has not yet won against Canada or Australia. Rise for the US of A! We are STILL behind!!
Bedtime for this pumpkin. Tomorrow’s going to be a wild one – Karen’s moving to Charlottesville and we have lots of things scheduled!
christina cadden says
mmm, it looks so good! all the food and beer!
Ilene says
I’m with you on the B.O.B. song! I totally google’d it after the show Monday night, along with “I’m in Here” by Sia. I find it amusing how many of my current favorite songs are ones I’ve discovered through shows 😉
Amy Pea says
Oh yeah, and don’t forget Sia’s “Breathe Me” from Six Feet Under and then a million other shows/movies, etc! Love that one, too!
Erin says
Shrimp and Grits = Obsession (originally from NC. My fave comfort food!) AND Schlafly Pumpkin beer = Obsession! I live in St. Louis (where Schlafly is brewed) and I love the pumpkin beer. Glad you enjoyed 🙂 This was a great food post!
Ella @ The Princess and the P says
I’m glad you’re giving Schlafly all of this good press because I HATE almost all of their beers!! I live in St Louis and the Schlafly obsession is second only to the Anheuser-Busch obsession, but I just don’t get it. I’ve never had the Pumpkin Ale but your rave reviews are making me curious.. ;D
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Mmmm…all that beer is making me want to open up a pumpkin ale for myself!! Haha…your blog is a bad influence 🙂
Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) says
Would really love to try Pumpking. It sounds right up my alley. Not traditionally a beer gal, but you make it sounds so good… How could I resist ?
Voted for you ! Looks really good. I love a stuffed mushroom and yours looks fab. I’d eat it!
Kristin says
I work with Brendan James’ sister. Isn’t he great. Have a good time tonight.
Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) says
Isn’t it great knowing you are truly obsessed with something? When people call me crazy and obsessed with certain things, I take it as a compliment! 🙂 Have a good night!!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I need to get my hands on some pumpkin ale!
stacey-healthylife says
I have so many obsessions, especially with food and exercise. So many things that I LOVE.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
That butter beer sounds incredible!! I must seek it out 🙂
erica says
i was wondering what song that was on gossip girl!! thank you i must go download it now! 🙂
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Love all the pumpkin beers- might be my favorite pumpkin-flavored thing. Craving some now!
Laura (Starloz) says
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, your beer obsessed. i’ve never met anyone quite like you & matt.
also, yummy dinner right there!
Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says
Your dinner looks amazing. I just have started to love cooked greens!! Yummy looking beer too!
Heather says
love the bug pics, too funny! looks like you had a fun night though! GL tomorrow
Kristina @ spabettie says
we are bottling our Pumpkin Ale this weekend… when we were racking to the secondary last weekend we tasted it… it is SO good! 😀
I love brie stuffed mushrooms… I used to make them all the time. yours sound great, adding cranberry is genius!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
All obsessions of mine as well! Minus the beer..but I’m underage so yeah. 😛
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies says
Love this post! I’m loving that it’s pumpkin seaaason! and those mushrooms look deeelish!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
love the pics! i get stuck on obsessions too! 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
MUST FIND THAT BEER!
Megan says
OK, I can’t stand it anymore!! Must. have. Pumking. What do I need to do?? Seriously 🙂
Kath says
Well the best thing would be to just come visit me in charlottesville so I could pour you some myself 🙂
By try your local beer supply store. Maybe they can special order.
Erin says
Grits is one food I’ve never been able to become a fan of — a few friends tried to turn me onto it in college but it just didn’t cut it.
Laura says
THANK YOU! I was wondering about that last song in G.G., but I forgot to look it up. Oh how I love that show.
And now that fall is officially here, I need to go out and get some pumpkin beer of my own 🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Ahhh! I hate bugs so much. I had a mini melt down today because I feel like our house breeds all kinds of bugs!!!
That looks like a great beer! Yum!
Eileen says
I’ve got to get myself a good pumpkin ale. There wasn’t a single one in my one foray to a beer store. (Craptastic Pennsylvania alcohol laws are to blame, I’m sure!)
Chelsea at Striking Balance says
I loveee Brendan James! So calming and relaxing- perfect background study music!
RhodeyGirl says
There is a serious BLUE MOON with ORANGE with my name on it for this weekend. And I am going on a hunt for PUMKING. It sounds too fabulous!
Kath says
That would be a 🙂 and 🙁 in the same thought
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
What a lovely evening!
Krystina says
I LOVE pumpkin beer! I seriously need to pick some up.
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
those stuffed mushrooms look so good
lauri (RedHeadRecipes.com) says
Mmmmmm….Pumpkin beer and S&G!! I can’t wait to try the “ButterBeer.” Have you tried the Shipyard Pumpkin Head? YUM!
Kath says
I can’t remember – I don’t think so?
Paula says
I tried the Shipyard Pumpkin the other day. It was one of my favorites. I got a lot of cinnamon hints in it!
I want to try the Pumpking, but can only find a 22 oz bottle. I would love to be able to try it on tap somewhere! Or get smaller bottles…my hubby won’t drink any with me.
Kath says
Pumking only comes in 22 oz – you gotta just dive in!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
What a great night! I wish they made gluten free pumpkin ale! Oh well, I guess I need to get on making it! Sleep well tonight!
Kendall says
I’m currently obsessed with jam on grilled cheeses. You can’t go wrong with the combo!
Bee Goes Bananas says
Oh man, my obsessions are endless! Here are a few of mine (to name a few)…
-peanut butter
-oatmeal
-cereal
-cheese
-butternut squash
-pancakes
The list is endless! Seriously.
ilana says
Great post, Kath! I may have to break out the Pumking pretty soon. I loove the looks of your ‘shroom recipe! I will be making that for turkey day for sure.
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I’ve never had shrimp and grits but holy moly your bowl looks so tasty!
My current obsession is black beans — straight up, in a wrap, in a salad, on pizza, in anywhere!
[email protected] says
So jealous of all the different kinds of pumpkin ales you find..
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
Yum – what a fun dinner!
Cati @ crave and create says
LOVE the beer reviews! My friends and I are having a Harry Potter party in a couple weeks–I usually bring wine, but I’ll definitely be searching high & low for the Pumking this time! Mmm, pumpkin juice. 😉
Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit says
I agree! I LOVE Pumpkin Ales and totally forgot about them until this post! It’s PUMPKIN SEASON! I’ll have to run by the liquor store tomorrow and see what I can scrounge up ^_^ Mmmmm
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
mmmmmm old bay is the best. i wish i could find a good pumpkin beer locally…well, one that still has has some left!
Hands in Namaste says
I am not a beer drinker, but I do LOVE LOVE LOVE pumpkin. I’m gonna have to try my hand at some pumpkin beer!!
Anddddd those mushrooms look DIVINE!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat says
I am so jealous of the selection of pumpkin beers you’ve been able to try! I’ve only had 3 different types this season, including the Pumpking. Still haven’t been able to find the Schafly one!
Camille says
So much pumpkin beer lately!
I still haven’t gotten around to looking for any!
Kristen @ Kristen, Sweetly says
Did you punch the stink bug in the face?! Your face and your fist show me serious business. :-p
Your grits look lovely. I can’t wait to try them and eat them under everything.
Kath says
Sure did!
Katrina says
I never knew beer had so many flavors. Clearly I need to get away from the Bud Light case before I declare that I hate beer.
Shrimp and grits…that’s real soul food that I can’t live without.
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
LOVE old bay seasoning! i have never had it on anything other than fries, though!
Marina says
I never tried a pumpkin beer, but I’m sure I would love it. I love all things pumpkin 🙂
Hannah says
Australia represent! 😀 😀 Though I might be anti-patriotic and vote for you.. 😀
Shannon @ Freshman Yr of Life says
I have NEVER had grits. And I am so curious as to how they taste!
Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com says
Shrimp and grits are THE BOMB!! I can’t believe I didn’t like grits until a couple of years ago, especially living in the south. Shame on me 😉
Simply Life says
oh that shrimp dinner looks delicious!
Laurie says
I thought about you on my way to work today. My daughter wanted Great Harvest Cinnamon Swirl bread for the team half time snack at her field hockey game today along with grapes. I thought I could take care if it on my way but I got there before they opened at 7 and didn’t have time to wait. I will have to stop on the way home. She loves the stuff and her friends mom developed the original recipe and started Montana Mills!!
Matt says
Ah yes, Montana Mills is on dangerous ground because of someone who basically went through all the training with Great Harvest, then ditched GH, then started their own company that does exactly the same thing (whole grain bread focus, milling flour every day, same names for some of the breads)… sounds like she’s the culprit!
whitney says
shrimp and grits are probably one of my favorite meals. Beer tasting/ enjoying a beer on a nice evening is an obsession of mine.
I don’t care how bad of a day I have had. If its beautiful outside, I’m with someone I thoroughly enjoy, and have a refreshing beer in my hand I am happy again!
JenATX says
shrimp & grits were featured on Food Network’s new show last night! I missed the name but it was hosted by Alton Brown & is about American classic foods.. yum!
[email protected] says
ahhh I love Gossip Girl! I was wondering what that song was. Thanks for saving me the frustration of googling it for an hour 🙂 Those mushrooms look heavenly. They most definitely will be making an appearance around the holidays!
Carey says
Ahhhh…Schlafly is my homeland! My ‘rents live 5 minutes from the brewery in STL. Their pale ale is simply delightful.
If you’re in the mood for other Carey homeland beers…try Half Acre (from my current homeland, Chicago). Their “Daisy Cutter” and “Over Ale” rock my world.
Sami says
AH! stink bugs are ALLL over in my area right now. i seriously went out to my car this morning and cringed trying to open the door because they were all up in there! two even tried to ride to work with me! i was NOT having it! ick!
kate says
I need to find a local place like Beer Run. We would literally be there all the time!
Natalia - a side of simple says
Those are some pretty simple, pretty awesome obsessions! By the way, I bought my mom some Garlic Gold products for her birthday and she is absolutely smitten. Thank you for introducing them to me!
Britta says
I’ve been in St. Louis for a couple of years for grad school, and I’m in love with Schlafly’s ANYTHING too! If you ever end up passing through here, you should be sure to stop by the Schlafly Bottleworks for dinner. Their meals are phenomenal and frequently locally sourced–right up your alley!
Allison K says
I just found out that our local (and online!) beer shop, Brewforia, is carrying Pumking! I will have to buy one!
Theresa says
Ever since you posted the video “The Fall” I have been obsessed with Brendan James, he is so great. I love the piano. My roommate and I downloaded all of his CD’s and listen all the time. All his songs are so beautiful…that is so awesome you get to see him in concert! Have a great time!
Kristina says
Oooh, the July or August “Food and Wine” had shrimp and grits with spinach on its cover – it was a quick, easy and GOOD recipe! As a kid, I hated grits, but I’ve become a convert at my later age.
dina says
I love your blog and LOVE brendan james!!!!! AND PUMPKIN!
barefootgirl (our first CSA) says
I just got back from the store & had the Pumpking in my hand & put it down… I couldn’t remember whether you said it was REALLY good or Really bad.
*sigh* I’m headed right back there to get it 😉
I just voted for your ‘shrooms.. they look wonderful
Allison says
As a girl who lives in and loves St. Louis, I’m thrilled that you’re really enjoying Schlafly. Anything from there makes me happy – but especially the pumpkin ale and the coffee stout — beer heaven.
Anne@ Food Loving Polar Bear says
Gorgeous shrimps!
Aggie says
I’m pretty obsessed with B.o.B right now myself…love that song, and so does my 6 year old 🙂
those shrimp, grits and greens look AH-mazing!!!!
and now I’m so in the mood for some pumpkin ale…
Shannon says
My husband and I drove cross country from San Francisco to NYC last summer and one of our best meals was at Schlafly’s in St. Louis. The sandwich I had was the world’s best – and great beer, too.
Brittany says
All things pumpkin are my obsession right now as well! I hope Matt’s pumpkin ale is ready for your b-day. 😉