Pumpkin Patch 2011

This year we went to Buckelew Farms southwest of Tucson to pick pumpkins. Cash and I packed in a car with our good friends Nichol, Connor, and Molly ready for some fun. Nichol and I had our hands full and it was a bit hot for October, but we made it out alive with some great pumpkins. Hope everyone has a great Halloween.

yummy yummy in your tummy

Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Source: adapted from America's Best Recipes

1 (18.25-ounce) package spice cake mix
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large apple)
35 caramels
1/4 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream (or regular milk)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
24 wooden craft sticks

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vegetable oil until incorporated (about 30 seconds). Scrape sides of bowl and then beat on med-high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in chopped apple.

2. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

3. Meanwhile, combine caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over very low heat; stir 4 minutes or until smooth. It's very important to keep the heat very low because if the caramel gets too hot it will become really hard when cooled.

4. Spread caramel mixture over cupcakes being careful to not touch the caramel to the paper liners or it will stick to the liners; immediately sprinkle with pecans, pressing in slightly. Insert a wooden stick into center of each cupcake. Store covered in an airtight container. It's best to serve the cupcakes the same day that you add the caramel topping. Caramel will soften if kept at room temperature for too long so store in the refrigerator until ready to serve then let come to room temperature to let caramel soften up a bit.

Makes 20-24 cupcakes.

Fall Fun

Sandra Lee's Pumpkin Pie Martini

Not big on pumpkin,but I know some of you are! Enjoy!!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• 4 ounces vanilla vodka
• 1 liter sparkling water

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 cup water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and cool for 30 minutes. Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Mix together the granulated sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and put it onto a shallow plate. Pour 2 tablespoons of the simple syrup onto a plate. Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses into the syrup, and then in the spiced sugar. Set aside.

In a large measuring cup, combine the half-and-half, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and half the simple syrup and whisk until well blended. Pour in to a pitcher filled with ice. If using the vodka, add it to the pitcher before serving and stir. Pour into the prepared glasses. Top with sparkling water.