Healthy Fall Cooking Idea

This month, I tried a new recipe that called for only a small amount of pumpkin. Then I had most of the can left over, but I HATE to waste food. So while I was making pancakes the next morning, I decided instead of substituting applesauce for half the oil, I would use the pumpkin. I figured it wouldn't be a very strong taste and it sounded good in whole wheat pancakes. My family didn't even notice any difference! So then I decided to use the rest of it in everything I was making. Some went into the bagels (no difference), and Hanna used some in these ginger snaps which are also half wheat.

Pumpkin would actually be very complimentary in ginger snaps but there really isn't any noticeable difference from the all shortening recipe. They are still soft and delicious. So if you have some pumpkin left over, don't be afraid to try it in all your baking. It is very easy to use in place of the fat and it's good for you too. I think I'll open another can :)

Birthday Cakes

Hanna has graduated from cupcakes to full sized cakes. Personally, I still like cupcakes better because they are less temperamental. Hanna has also graduated from butter cream frosting to fondant. Fondant is fun because it is like play-doh. Fondant from the store tastes yucky. So, Hanna found a recipe for homemade fondant. It is made from marshmallows and tastes yummy. So now we are on a wonderful adventure becoming familiar with fondant. Hanna's cousin Kylee turned 16 this month so Hanna made her this cake. I especially liked the roses. Hanna doesn't mind if I help her with mundane tasks such as rolling fondant balls.
This week Danica turned 13, so here is Dani's birthday cake. Hanna designed it to display Danica's talents and interests (tumbling, music and daisies). We decided to try cake fillings this time but we learned a lot about what not to do. Next time it will be better. On the bright side, the fillings were delicious. We had chocolate cake with caramel cream cheese filling and vanilla cake with whipped chocolate ganache filling. Very tasty.

(I forgot I took these pictures- the insides of the cakes)

Little Patients

Hanna spends a lot of time in her sports med program at school. She is learning many new skills. One night she needed to practice wrapping ankles. Lucky we have a lot of ankles here. Wrapping Dan,

Zanya

and Andria.

I think Hanna wrapped 6 ankles that evening. We are glad Hanna has found something that she enjoys as much as baking treats. Medicine is more useful, and hopefully more profitable, but not as delicious. Luckily she still finds time for both.