It's Been A Long Six Months

It has been sixth months since my last post.  I've missed the blog very much but also enjoyed the much needed break.  I'm not sure what direction future posts will go in but I hope to share some cupcake creations soon, along with other recipes or maybe just a bunch of randomness.  Only time will tell.  Now I'm off to delete 6 months worth of spam comments left in my absence.

High Heel Cupcake Fun

A couple months ago I had the opportunity to share my love of cupcakes with a creative group of 3rd graders.  They were Brownie Troop 2304 and their fearless leader, Annie, asked me to come in and do a cupcake project with the girls.  I had seen these high heel cupcakes online but had never attempted them on my own.  I thought they would be the perfect cupcakes to make with the girls.  The one above is the demo I made to show the girls.  I also prepped the graham cracker "soles" ahead of time. 

While the girls handled a few Brownie Troop orders of business, I set up the spread of cupcakes, soles and heels along with any kind of sprinkle you could think of.  What happened next was amazing.  I sat back and watched the girls create every color of frosting under the sun and proceed to make some of the most fabulous high heels I've ever seen! 

Now I'm far from a type A personality but when it comes to cupcakes, I'm pretty precise.  I tend to go for the perfect swirl with symmetric looking sprinkles, trying to achieve perfection.  I could learn something from these girls.....sometimes you just need to let the creativity flow!  Get sticky with frosting and there is never "too much" frosting or "too many" sprinkles.

 

The best part, I was given a cupcake decorating badge.  That might not seem like a big deal to you, but I was never a Brownie or Girl Scout so I never had the opportunity to earn the badges.  I was always jealous of the sashes full of badges. 

 

This was such a fun night.  I'm excited to do it again with a Girl Scout group next month.  It will be just in time, to give me another little reminder to let go and have fun.  Let the frosting fly and get creative.  I can't wait to see what the next group comes up with.  

I love Pumpkin!

Hi, my name is Sara and I'm a pumpkin-aholic.  I may even be hoarding cans of pumpkin puree in case of shortage as everyone scrambles to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.  Oh, maybe not really....or am I?  Either way, I am loving all the recipes floating around pinterest and what not this time of year incorporating this fruit?  vegetable?  gourd?

I've made a few things lately using pumpkin and/or pumpkin flavor that I'd like to share with you.  First off, Pumpkin French Toast.

 

I wouldn't even really call this a "recipe" because I just kind of tossed things together until the flavor came out just right.  Adjust accordingly, this part of trial and error is fun....and tasty too!

 

Pumpkin French Toast

6 slices day old whole wheat french bread

3 eggs

3 Tbs. pumpkin puree

1 Tbs. milk

1/2 Tbs. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. vanilla

pinch of nutmeg

pinch of cloves

cool whip (optional)

maple syrup (optional)

 

Mix eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and cloves in a shallow bowl.  Dip each slice of bread in mixture and coat both sides evenly.  Cook in pan coated with cooking spray on medium heat.  Turn once, cooking each side 2 -3 minutes or until golden brown.  Dress with maple syrup and cool whip or whatever your favorite pancake/french toast toppings may be.  I love this breakfast for cleaning up leftover bread or buying day old bread that the store for a discount (yeah, I'm cheap!).

 

Another great little treat I've been making is mini pumpkin "pies".  I first saw this on Instagram, posted by Brianne from Cupcakes and  Kale Chips.  She served it in a cup, I added it to a mini pre-made graham cracker crust.

 

 

Mini Pumpkin Pies



1 pre-packaged vanilla pudding cup

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 Tbs. honey (or to taste)

2 mini graham cracker crusts

cool whip

 

Mix pudding, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey.  Divide evenly among pie crusts.  Top with cool whip.  Notice I don't put an amount of cool whip.  Add as much or as little as you want, go nuts! 

 

The last treat I saw posted by Aimee on her blog, Shugary Sweets.  I immediately pinned it and went grocery shopping that day in hopes of finding the seasonal pumpkin spice pudding mix needed for this recipe.  Again, I may be hoarding boxes of this also.  Maybe.

 

Pumpkin Krispie Treats!  Amazing.  You can find Aimee's recipe HERE.  I followed her recipe to the T and they turned out great.  Frosting a krispie treat?  Why didn't I think of that!

 

 

For the record, Izzy likes pumpkin too.  Just plain pumpkin puree.  According to the internet, pumpkin is good for dogs.  And you have to believe everything you read on the internet.  She is also very helpful when I'm taking photos of food.  She's willing to clean anything up that might spill.  She keeps a very watchful eye, so helpful of her.

 



 

And because I'm an addict, please share with me your favorite pumpkin recipes.  I'll pin away, hoarding recipes of delicious pumpkin treats!  If you are in the mood for a pumpkin cupcake, I posted a great recipe earlier this month.  As pictured, it is great served with pumpkin beer!  No, I'm not hoarding any seasonal beer....but I'm off to the grocery store, you never know when they'll run out!