Saturday, October 29, 2011

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

When Fall is in the air, I always seem to crave anything with cinnamon and nutmeg. There is just something about the warmness of those spices. I especially love pumpkin flavored treats. When the leaves turn and fall from the trees, it marks the beginning of a new season.
You will Need: 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup Vegteble Oil, 2 Cups Dark Brown Sugar, 2 Tbls. Molasses,
2 Tbls. Cake Enhancer (optional), 1tsp. Baking Powder, 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda, 1 tsp. salt, 2 Large Eggs, 1 1/2 cup pumpkin(15oz.), 2 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
Whoopie pies are a famous New England Favorite. They originally only came in a Chocolate cookie/ vanilla marshmallow frosting combination. Now since they have grown in popularity, can be found in flavors such as: Gingerbread, and Boston Cream Pie.
Preheat oven to 375〫F . Spray a cookie sheet, or Whoopie pan with nonstick spray.

                                           
                                                        Combine: Butter, Brown Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Molasses,
                                                         Cake Enhancer, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and
Spices.
While I do not know if they can even surpass the vast popularity of the cupcake, I do seen an increase in their notoriety. Since I love pumpkin spice flavored desserts, I decided pumpkin whoopie pies would be perfect for Halloween. I have always love the combination of pumpkin spice bread and cream cheese frosting. This recipe is quite reminiscent of that.


Add eggs one at a time

Surprisingly, the original whoopie pies were a hit among Amish communities. Maine also hold this cookie sandwich dear, to the hearts. The texture of a whoopie pie, is cake-like. It is soft and moist, and has a fluffy interior. When combined with the cream cheese frosting, it is brought to a whole new level.

 
Stir in Pumpkin by hand, then mix in flour in 2 increments. Scoop spoonfuls of mix onto pan/ cookie sheet
 
Bake for 16-18 Minutes

Icing: Mix 1 package of Cream Cheese, 2 cups
confectioners sugar, and 1 tsp. Vanilla


  
Let Whoopie pies cool completely. Then,
evenly spread a good layer of icing between
the bottom of one whoopie pie, and make a
sandwich. 

Enjoy this dose of sugar and spice!


This Recipe Belongs to: King Arthur Flour


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Cookies n' Cream Bark-With a Twist

If you have ever gone grocery shopping during the month of October, you may notice something different. Of course the typical displays of Halloween goodies are scattered throughout the store, but there is another change that happens only in October. Almost everything is bright pink, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even tuning in to an NFL game, fans will see almost every player sporting the vibrant color. I must say some can really pull it off, while others are not quite so lucky.
You Will Need: 12-15 Oreos(I used the berry burst, because they are pink and so much better than the original), 1 bar or package of white chocolate, and pink food coloring. 

Not until recently, has October become one of my favorite months of the year. To tell you the truth I used to dread this time of the year. Now, I have come to love the falling leaves, chunky sweaters & boots, and the incredible the comfort food. For a girl who's favorite color is pink, this becomes one best times of the year to shop. 

Line a pan or baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Spray with nonstick cooking spray

Everything from dishwasher soap to iced shortbread cookies, can be seen in the feminine hue. I actually find myself buying many of these items just because they are pink! Good marketing strategy, that works for a great cause. 
Pretty pink Berry burst Oreos
Originally, I was thinking of making classic Cookies n' Cream bark, which is quite similar to the iconic candy bar. Then I got inspired while watching a Football game (go figure!). I had seen them wear pink in years past, but it just seem to spark my interest, this year.
Pulse Oreos in a food processor of roughly chop with a knife

Since I was allergic to chocolate as a kid, I fell in love with my only real alternative: White chocolate. It is far richer in taste than milk chocolate, and almost two times sweeter! Even if you are not a huge fan of white chocolate, you still ADORE this recipe!
Chopped Berry Burst Oreos
Even if you substitute the Original Oreos for the Berry Burst kind, you will still have an incredible flavor experience. The crunchy chocolate bits of Oreo blended with silky white chocolate delivers an addicting taste sensation.
Melt chocolate in a double boiler. (Careful if using a microwave, it can burn very easily!)


You could even use the double chocolate or mint Oreos for an even more intense flavor. Because it is breast cancer awareness month, I thought I'd go for the pink Oreos!
Add Several drops of pink food coloring (Just a few of red, if you cannot find pink) and add 3/4 of the chopped Oreos

After trying a piece of my bark, I was so glad, that I went with the pink Berry Burst Oreos! The combination of flavors flowed perfectly. The berry flavor accented the rich white chocolate. The chocolate cookie bits added more depth, and crisp taste to the bark.


Spread mixture onto lined cookie sheet/pan
This is a recipe, you will want to give away. It makes the perfect gift, because it is so easy to make, and is out-of-this-world delicious. Your friends will be begging you for the recipe! 

Top the bark with the rest of the chopped Oreos. Let Cool (Refrigerate for 1hr)
You can show you pride for this good cause, with this yummy candy. It would also make a great item for a Breast Cancer Awareness Bake Sale! 

Break into pieces. The more rigid the pieces are, the better.  
You could even package them in cellophane bags with giant satin pink bows, and give them to fellow survivors. However you decide to enjoy this candy, make sure add your own personal touch!

Happy October!