A very good morning to all of my new friends. I was overwhelmed yesterday with the warm and gracious welcome you gave me. I thank you so much for that. Now my nerves aren’t so shaky! I am so happy to meet you all and be assured, you have all be entered into the GiveAway and I am really excited for the winners to be!!! Please refer to the GiveAway Post below if you are dropping in for the first time and keep reading because I am adding to the GiveAway…should I say I am “sweetening the pot”!!!!
I have something to share with you…a delicious recipe for Yummy Whoopie Pies from the Whoopie Pie Book by Amy Treadwell and Sara Billingley and guess what???? I am adding this book to the list of GiveAways!!!!!! oh you are going to love it it is filled with delicious and amazing sweet confections my way of sending all of you more thanks for being so sweet.
Of course everyone can’t win but still wants to make a delicious plate filled with Whoopie pies so here is the recipe and a peek at how mine turned out!
Whoopie Pie Directions
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sat
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, if using the Whoopie pan, lightly butter and lightly flour (you don’t have to, but I am of the thought process you are always better safe than sorry).
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt onto a sheet of waxed or parchment paper. This makes life so easy when it comes time to add the flour to the mixture and no extra dish to wash.
In the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, shortening and both sugars until light and creamy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs and the buttermilk and beat until combined (about 1 minutes)
In a measuring cup, combine the milk, baking soda and vinegar. (use at least a cup size because this mixture will bubble and pop up and I don’t want you to loose any) Add the milk mixture to the batter along with the flour mixture and beat on low until just combined. Add the vanilla and beat on medium for about 2 minutes until completely combined.
Using a spoon, drop about 1 tablespoon of batter onto one of the prepared baking sheets and repeat, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. If you are using the Whoopie Pie Pan, add your mixture to the center and just lightly spread. Bake one sheet at a time for about 10 minutes each or until the cakes begin to brown. I checked mine at 8 minutes and it needed just 1 more minute and out they came. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack and then cool completely. Now it is time for the filling…
Malted Buttercream
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups of confectioners sugar
4 tablespoons Ovaltine powder
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
In the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on low speed until combined. Add the Ovaltine powder, heavy cream and vanilla and beat until smooth (about 3 minutes)
Note: You can use malted milk powder in place of the Ovaltine in this recipe.
This combination is FUN, a little bit different for the parents but not too different for the kids. A yummy treat for sure! I have a confession to make though…I use salted butter : ) After these delicious treats are made, sprinkle with some sifted powder sugar and serve on a pretty plate! ENJOY!
There is one thing I would like to share with you first. I thought to myself maybe I shouldn’t be so personal so soon but… A year ago I suffered a major brain bleed and massive seizure and required major emergency brain surgery. I was not suppose to live and at best come through it as an invalid with no use of my right side. (way to early in life!) Well I am not going to bore you will all the details I am here and I am back to myself because of my wonderful family (wow they were all amazing…thank you Joe (hubby) and Peter, Heather and Brian the best kids in the world and of course the pups! I also had amazing care and medical staff and of course God had a plan. It was a horrific experience and one that I could never express to you in detail but it was the hardest personal challenge. Now why am I telling you this well here it is. Last night as I watched the news I saw Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford come into Washington to place her vote. Only 7 months ago this strong and amazing woman was shot in the head and was thought to be on her path to death. She was a victim of HATE and violence. Something no one should ever encounter. The horrors that this woman has gone through have to be insurmountable! Some how this lovely lady sporting her adorable little short hair do took the floor of congress and beat ALL ODDS. I applaud her!!!! What a role model to follow, no matter what your political beliefs this woman is a symbol of strength, faith, perseverance, love and loyalty. As I looked at her standing there waving to everyone, for one moment all the arguing and petty differences came to a halt and everyone had a moment in time to realize what is important in life, the applause lasted for 10 minutes and was just incredible! I hope everyone can hold onto that moment because that is what it is all about! I thank Gabby for showing everyone the “good” and that there is always hope! Something we all need to contemplate a bit more each day!
See you tomorrow! Enjoy the day!!! (hugs)
Did you eat your Brussel Sprouts when you were a kid? Does your children eat them now? If you answer is yes or NO…I think you will enjoy checking out some of these incredibly delicious Brussel Sprout Recipes…if you are a lover…prepare to love unconditionally and if you are a hater…well prepare to have your world changed!!! Brussel Sprout are one of the “in” veggies this year…don’t be on the outside looking in …start roasting a batch of these cuties NOW!
Did you eat your Brussel Sprouts when you were a kid? Does your children eat them now? If you answer is yes or NO…I think you will enjoy checking out some of these incredibly delicious Brussel Sprout Recipes…if you are a lover…prepare to love unconditionally and if you are a hater…well prepare to have your world changed!!! Brussel Sprout are one of the “in” veggies this year…don’t be on the outside looking in …start roasting a batch of these cuties NOW!