Monday, November 8, 2010

A Few Things to Share

As many as you know Martha Stewart moved to the Hallmark channel. I was able to live without watching her for a little over a month. As we got closer to Halloween I realized that I just missed being inspired by her. So, I called the cable company and saved myself a couple dollars by upgrading my plan for a year. I just love a DEAL!!!

As I started watching the Hallmark channel I have come across a new favorite chef....
Lucinda Scala Quinn. If you don't know her she works for Martha and is the editor for "Everyday Food" The Whole Philosophy for her show is bringing back the family meal. The meals she's making are healthy, easy, and fast. Isn't that what we are all looking for?
Be sure to check her out!!!


On another note. I recently made these cupcakes by Giada.  I made them for Halloween Weekend and they were so good I thought I'd share the recipe with you.





Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) canned 100 percent pure pumpkin (recommended: Libby's)
2 cups vanilla cake mix (recommended: Betty Crocker Super Moist French Vanilla)
1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sour cream
To decorate: mini-chocolate chips, sprinkles, colored sugar, small candies
Directions
Cupcakes: Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 36 mini cupcake molds with paper liners. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, cake mix, milk, oil, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture on low speed until smooth. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, 2 minutes. Using a small ice cream scoop, fill the prepared molds with the batter. Bake until puffed and golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting, about 20 minutes.

Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, cocoa powder, and sour cream. Using a hand mixer, beat on low speed until smooth. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Using a small spatula, spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes. Decorate with mini-chocolate chips, sprinkles, colored sugar, and small candies.

Cook's Note: The batter can also be spooned into 12 regular-sized cupcake molds and baked in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Now run to the store to get these ingredients. You will be so happy you made them!!



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