Friday, January 11, 2013

A Piece of Cake – or Tort


Thanksgiving 2012, we went to see some friends in Nashville, TN.  We always go home for the holidays to see our immediate Families, so this past year we received an invitation to do something different, so we hopped on it!
Now, when you think about thanksgiving, what comes to mind?  For me, it is my Family’s southern cooking: Ham, turkey, gravy, stuffing/dressing, deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese, salad, cranberry, and a smorgasbord of casseroles like sweet potato, broccoli, and green bean.  And of course, an array of desserts.
Well Thanksgiving 2012 was very different for our Family – in a good way!  We had the opportunity to see what Thanksgiving was like in someone else’s home.  I do not remember everything that was on the menu, however there was not one single thing that was not absolutely delish!
One dessert specifically stands out the most in my memory.  A Pumpkin Tort.
Why this one thing stands out above all the others, I have no idea.  Perhaps it is because I (thought) I hated pumpkin.  Well, there is no way to describe how amazingly delicious this wonderful dessert is – you just have to experience it!  So here is the recipe (with the link to Taste of Home at the bottom – I am in NO way claiming this as my own!) 
Ingredients
  • 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin, divided
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Directions
  • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup pumpkin, milk, eggs, oil, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; beat on low speed for 30 seconds.  Beat on medium for 2 minutes.  Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
  • Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.  Add the confectioners' sugar and remaining pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice; beat until smooth.  Fold in whipped topping.
  • Cut each cake horizontally into two layers.  Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with a fourth of the filling.  Repeat layers three times.  Drizzle with caramel topping; sprinkle with pecans.  Store in the refrigerator.  Yield: 10-12 servings.

 
 
 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Twenty-Thirteen


Well hello there! Yes, I’m GUILTY. I have not blogged for more than half a year – ever since baby Colten was born.  The (unintended) hiatus was actually nice…and as we all do at the beginning of every New Year, I am attempting my blogging venture - yet again.
I had thought about changing my blog – you know, giving it a facelift for the New Year.  Maybe renaming it, getting a new website, having a different focus, or whatever.  But, I have since convinced myself that just because I have a new blog, doesn’t mean I will keep up with it any better than this one (ouch!)  However, with that being said, this year the focus of my blog will somewhat change.
When I started this blog, it was all about the Army, David, and our adventures that came along with that territory.  While I will still touch on those topics, I am also planning on expanding to topics such as crafts, recipes, cooking, cleaning, fitness, school, traveling, politics, and of course Colten!  The focus will pretty much be anything and everything going on in our day-to-day lives.
I did update the layout of the blog.  I think it’s rather fancy J What do you think?!  I’d like to give a shout out and HUGE thank you to the folks over at The Cutest Blog on the Block (http://thecutestblogontheblock.com) for the template!  They have an awesome website!  Check them out for sure if you are a fellow blogger (or even if you are not!)
So what has happened over the past six months? Well, I had a baby, we moved (AGAIN!), I gained a (not so) voluptuous 65 lbs (and I still have 20 lbs to go!), we updated our home gym, I joined a commercial gym, I had a birthday, David had a birthday, David had his shoulder surgery, our baby isn’t so baby-ish anymore (they grow so fast!), I got my Spinning Certification, and we have taken a couple trips home (among other places)!
I am looking forward to 2013. I feel like there is so much excitement and things to look forward to in the coming year!  There is nothing specifically I am looking forward to – just everything in general. There is an aura in the air of peace, tranquility, and contentment. And it is much welcomed!