22 November 2010

So behind ... but I'll catch up!

Ok. I'm so far behind. Let's catch up:

Week 10 - Pumpkin Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Really. They are very, very good. Especially initially. They are light for pound cake. (I know, it's irony at it's best.) And the frosting. Well, the frosting is just delicious. Make them. Make them now:

http://www.mykitchenaddiction.com/2009/10/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-cinnamon-brown-sugar-buttercream/

Week 11: Half of Week 11 was spent in Tampa, FL. After a SUPER 34th birthday on Wed (the 17th), Paul and I ventured to FL to celebrate our first anniversary and to run a marathon - my first, his many-th :)

Tampa is gorgeous - absolutely gorgeous! We are most definitely returning. The location of the marathon was about an hour south of Tampa, in Alafia River State Park. It was an awesome setting ... the day of the race was incredibly hot; had to pour water on my head throughout and run slower than I hoped. But, I did it. My #1 goal of 2010 is complete! Pics are not up yet online, but I will post as soon as they are :)

As for baking in Week 11, well, Week 11 and 12 will exist together for me. Caramel Apple Rolls and Dreamy Apple Pie are coming up this week. Don't they sound made for each other?! ;)

Today, I am most grateful for how God made mind and body to work together to achieve more than separately possible. And, I am very thankful that my husband trained and ran every step of the way with me in making my first marathon a dream come true. Thank you, my best friend and husband, Paul!

Be grateful. It is the most important thing you will do each day!

08 November 2010

FFF, Brownies! Oh yeah ...

Alright. Game on.

Fourteen for Fall is back with the help of Butterscotch Pumpkin Brownies:

http://picky-palate.com/2010/10/21/gooey-pumpkin-butterscotch-brownies/

I made these this past Saturday while Hubby was studying for his upcoming A+ exam (which he passed with flying colors today, I might add!). Super easy and fun is what I'm saying ...

Mix up everything. Well, sorta. Mix up everything for the batter. Then I made an intuitive change: no butterscotch topping. Yep. That's right - I left out the butterscotch topping entirely.

And I'm pretty sure that is why we liked them so very much. The butterscotch chips were just enough flavor on top of the pumpkin and chocolate to accent yet not overtake.

My husband was thoroughly impressed, and I'll say this: he's pretty picky when it comes to dessert. It's gotta be worth it to eat the calories, you know?!

These were worth it. Sis, make 'em again with a working oven :) I think you'll like them alot. And to my Mom I stage a question: what would YOU change?! You're the queen of all things baked and cooked, and where Tricia and I learned our love of the kitchen. Do tell - what do you think?!

To life - full of brownies of all shapes, sizes, and gooey-ness. (Just not ME in all shapes, sizes, and gooey-ness! *wink*)

04 November 2010

Week 7, Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ok, so I knew it would happen at some point. I just didn't want it to be during what sounds like a sure-thing: Pumpkin Spice Latte. Pumpkin? Always a great choice for fall. Spice? Everyone wants a little spice in their life. Latte? Who doesn't love a little steamed milk on a chilly morning?!

Week 7 of the Fabulous Fourteen for Fall extravaganza revealed a bit of disappointment. The chosen recipe of the week, Pumpkin Spice Latte (http://goodcleaneating.blogspot.com/2009/09/pumpkin-spice-latte.html) is full of promise.

And no sugar. Not that I'm addicted to sugar. Well, maybe I am.

This recipe is super-simple. Pumpkin and milk and spices on the stove-top. Add some freshly brewed coffee and wah-lah. I will admit I was curious about the absence of any form of sweetener in the recipe but I stuck to the recipe (for once in my life!) and poured the pumpkin-y, coffee goodness into cups to compliment our cinnamon pancake breakfast.

Flavor, excellent. Sugar: more please! Solution? My ingenious mom had a great idea: whipped cream on top! Now that is Starbucks-style coffee :)

Would I make the recipe again? Sure. But I would trust my instincts and not stick to it! A couple tablespoons of sugar, a dollop of whipped cream on top, and a good book in front of the fire. Now that sounds delicious!