Pumpkin Perfected

If there is one thing that comes out of my kitchen that ALWAYS receives rave reviews and recipe requests, it is this.   

I present to you, The Pumpkin Bar.

If you are not usually pumpkin fan, take heart!  Before you close the browser, let me tell you, these will change your relationship with pumpkin.  It's a lot to promise, but I promise.  Dare I say I hate pumpkin pie?  I do.  But these?  These are my jam.

Although they are called pumpkin bars, they are really similar to cake.       

The recipe comes from my mom, and she's made them as long as I can remember.  She apparently got the recipe from a BetaSigmaPi cookbook that was compiled 30 years ago.  My mom for the win!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Oven Temp: 350 degrees

Yield: Depending on how you cut them...at least 20, but as many as 36 bars

For the Bars you'll need: 

4 eggs

1 cup oil (I do half cup oil, half cup applesauce)

2 cups pumpkin (a can gets me close enough)

2 cups sugar (yep, you read that right)

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

For the icing you'll need: 

3oz cream cheese, softened (I use low fat and you can't tell!)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

4 Tbsp margarine or butter, softened

First, Preheat the oven to 350, and then grease and flour a 10x15 pan.  Also make sure your cream cheese is on the counter softening. 

LETS DO THIS.

To make the Bars:

Combine flour, salt, baking soda & cinnamon.

In another bowl, mix eggs, sugar & oil until lemon colored, once blended, add pumpkin gradually while mixing.

Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and make sure everything is blended well.

Spread the batter in your greased and floured 10x15 pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes (depending on your oven).  

 I test them in the middle with a toothpick - just make sure it comes out clean!  If it doesn't, they need more time.

That's what I'm talkin bout!

Now, it's time for the Cream Cheese Frosting Amazingness.

Dare I say I also normally don't care for cream cheese flavored...anything?  Truth.  And a word of warning:

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT try to take a shortcut by buying store-bought frosting.  You'll be seriously disappointed in the end result.  I was.  And as a result of my impatience, ended up taking my sweet three month old Adelaide to Target  in the pouring rain to get the goods to make the real deal.  DON'T DO IT!

To make the cream cheese frosting just blend the softened cream cheese, butter/margarine, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.  Spread over the bars.  I also like to sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting for some additional pizazz, but that's that's totally a judgement call.  

Cut those babies up into bars and ENJOY!

    

    

Two Months!

Two Months.  It's already been two months! 

 

Well.  I'm going to pretend it's only been two months.  It's actually been 11 weeks as I am three weeks late in posting this. 

Whoops.

 

Lexi was sure that the blanket and camera were for her. Luckily, Adelaide is great at sharing.  Work it, girl!  

 

 

Adelaide brought her A game to the shoot.  Here we see the many sides of Adelaide.

 

"The Adorable"

"The Thinker"

 "The Tired"

 "The Cheese"

"The skeptical"

And finally...."The Hungry"

I'd say that pretty much sums it up.  Happy Second Month, little lady! 

 

 

 

 

 

Parenting Lesson #1: The Village.

These first weeks of parenthood have passed SO quickly.  I can hardly believe Adelaide is two months old.  Guys.  Before I know it we'll be standing in line at the DMV.  Make it stop.

As  this  Carters commercial says, that first night was definitely a doozy!  Maybe the first several days were doozies.  And we have not been without our share of fussiness.  But, we are getting the hang of it...with A LOT of help from the Village... more on that in a second.  That commercial turns me into waterworks Schroeder every.  single.  time.  Carters marketing team, I applaud you.      

You know how they say "It takes a Village to raise a child"?  It's soooooooo true.  And for me, that is definitely lesson  #1 of parenthood.  Thankfully, we've been SO blessed to be surronded by an awesome Village of people.  The Village was at work long before Adelaide even arrived - every single person that helped host or attend a baby shower ensured we were as prepared as possible for this life changing transition.  I'll admit I will sometimes pass on help because I foolishly try to do it all.  Those first days, I was completely stripped of my ability to do...well, anything...other than nurse, change diapers, try to feed myself, and get showered.  And that's where the Village stepped in yet again.  Taking care of Lexi while we were in the hospital.  Unpacking my hospital bag.  Bringing dinner and gift cards for take out....pizza, brisket, Olive Garden to name a few.  Running errands.  Going grocery shopping for us.  Stopping by to provide some contact with the outside world.  And of course the many people who sent such thoughtful cards and gifts to welcome Adelaide's arrival.  So. Much. Love.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 says it best: "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers."  We are so truly grateful for each one of you!