I think I forget that being 'thankful' should not be remember once a year but daily. I am so grateful for a wonderful family who loves me with all my imperfections. I am beyond grateful for our house we have made a home. Where family and friends can come visit and are always welcome. Where our children can hang their creations, run in circles, be lazy, laugh and giggle, play and feel safe from a sometimes harsh and cold outside world. I am thankful to be me and everything that my life is about.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Always Thankful
I think I forget that being 'thankful' should not be remember once a year but daily. I am so grateful for a wonderful family who loves me with all my imperfections. I am beyond grateful for our house we have made a home. Where family and friends can come visit and are always welcome. Where our children can hang their creations, run in circles, be lazy, laugh and giggle, play and feel safe from a sometimes harsh and cold outside world. I am thankful to be me and everything that my life is about.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Making Whoopie...Pies
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese Filling
Yield: About 4 dozen assembled whoopie pies (will vary depending on how large you make them)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 10 to 12 minutes
For the Whoopie Pies:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup canola or vegetable oil
3 cups chilled pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple-Cream Cheese Filling:
3 cups powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 ounces (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, the dark brown sugar, and the oil together. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely combined.
5. Use a small cookie scoop or a large spoon to drop a rounded, heaping tablespoon of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, making sure that the cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. The cookies should be firm when touched. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a cooling rack.
7. To make the filling, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth with no visible lumps, about 3 minutes. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, then add the maple syrup and vanilla and beat until smooth.
8. To assemble the whoopie pies: Turn half of the cooled cookies upside down. Pipe or spoon the filling (about a tablespoon) onto that half. Place another cookie, flat side down, on top of the filling. Press down slightly so that the filling spread to the edges of the cookie. Repeat until all the cookies are used. Put the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm before serving.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Halloween 2010
Anna Wins!!!!!Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Too Much Good Stuff...
We've been to the school's Harvest Festival.
Not sure what happened in this picture, Buzz is constipated and Little Frida was having problems with her mascara.
WORST Mom ever!
*Another Downside- I can never use that threat again, even if it did work!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
10/10/10
Homemade Chili by Tia L and Miller's hot dogs, of course.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Time to decorate.
In the blogger craft world there is this new thing called Subway Art. I wonder what I can do for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also love projects that cost me no money. Just used a frame and some burlap I had around the house.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Disneyland
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Even More D.C.
If you ask me I'll say "to take a vacation with my hubby."
If you ask Chris he'll say "to be a part of Glen Beck's Restoring Honor Rally."
What ever the reason we had a great time!
Figuring out the metro. I really like riding the metro, it made me feel like a real city girl. Well until Chris almost got stabbed by a homeless man and then I was rethinking the whole "city girl" thing.
The Food. One of most important parts of any visit to a new city.
Gotta get a Krispy Kreme.
The White Pie
Today’s ricotta, fontina, roasted garlic, Parmesan, mozz, sea salt, olive oil and fresh Italian parsley.
Georgetown I loved your shops and charming neighborhoods but most of all I LOVED your cupcakes!
