Pumpkin Cake

I discovered this from Jill. Then Megan made it so I had to have my turn. I didn't even wait until it cooled off completely its good. Next time I think I might add some pumpkin spice to the batter or just used the spice cake instead and make the icing. Here's how mine looks......

2 ingredient Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Christmas 08

I have fallen of the wagon with blogging as you can tell. Life has just gotten in the way holidays, my school work, kids and of course the school winter break. Preparing for Christmas ate up most of the month. So Christmas has come and gone it's sad. The kids had a great time this year its so magical when they are little. Why can't they stay little forever?

Our Tree

Making Gingerbread houses, the kids always love making these. The icing came out wonderful this year. We saved all the leftover candy from Halloween for them to use. Yes, I've been hanging on to it...no since in wasting money, right? It's all going in the trash anyway.

H inspecting her Candy Cane ornament.


to be continued...........

Minestrone Soup Recipe

It's cold outside baby and it is a sure way to get warmed up!! Make it for your family, my kids even love it.

What u need:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 carrots, chopped
* 4 stalks celery, chopped
* 1 small zucchini, sliced
* 1 sweet onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, chopped
* 2 dark green romaine lettuce leaves, diced<~~~~I like to use spinach instead
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (14 ounce) can vegetable broth
* 4 cups water
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
* 2 cups uncooked pasta (macaroni, angel hair, small shells)

What u need to do:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Stir in carrots, celery, onion and garlic into pot.
Mix in tomato paste, beans, broth and water.
Season with basil, oregano and salt.
Cook and stir 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

2. Mix pasta & zucchini into pot.
Continue cooking 10 minutes, or until tender.
Stir occasionally.

3. Salt and pepper to taste.

I serve mine up with a side of bread with butter of course. Here is a yummy olive oil dip that we use to when we are not dipping in the soup.

Bread Dipping Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Italian seasonings
Black Pepper
Parmesan Cheese

I don't use exact measurements just wing it really and taste until I like the flavorings!

Review

Remember those Onion Straws I mentioned from The Pioneer Women...I finally made them today. I've been slacking on school work and I told myself if I could get 5 assignments done I could make them, sad huh. Drumroll please......I give it 5 stars!!! They tasted good, I won't cut mine so thin next time tho. I didn't have as much oil as she mentions using so had to make due. The kids and hubby liked them they are very similar to what you would get in a restaurant. I used one viladia onion and used most of the batter mixture.

Officially Addicted

Toooooo......

Confessions of a Pioneer Women!!!

If you haven't become addicted go ahead click then link and be absorbed in. She is an amazing writer and the recipe blogs are awesome! I've been so sick of eating the same stuff lately that she has opened the doors for some new recipes. We had Marlboro Man’s Favorite Sandwich which isn't figure friendly and will make ya need to hit the gym a couple extra hours. J liked it and I didn't use a big enough pan to lay the meat in a single layer and I also had to drain some of the juices off, I'd give it 4 stars. I have a list of the ones I want to try next up will be the Onion Strings - Oh Yeah, Baby.

She is also giving away a pretty lil espresso machine so go comment and if you win you owe me a cup and I'll do the same for you hehehe. Hurry up it ends 12 noon Pacific time today!!!

So if you have been making her recipes I'd love to know the ones you have tired and liked.