Pumpkin-Molasses Cake

2 1/2 cups all -purpose flour

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 ground ginger

3/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk (another option tofutti sour cream)

1/2 cup shortening, magarine, or butter, softened

1/2 cup canned pumpkin or mashed sweet potato

1/4 cup light or medium molasses

1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel

2 eggs Oven 350 degrees

In a bowl combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Add molasses, and orange peel. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed till combined. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat 2 minutes more. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 baking pan.

Bake in a 350 degrees oven for 30 to 35 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Serves 12

As suggested by the cook book I made a lemon butter frosting to compliment the flavor.

Lemon Butter Frosting

1/3 cup butter or margarine

4 1/2 cups sifted powder sugar (I only used about 3 cups)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 cup lemon juice or orange juice

1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel

In a bowl beat butter or margarine till fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Slowly beat in the 1/4 cup lemon juice and vanilla.

Slowly beat in remaining sugar. Beat in additional juice, if needed to make spreading consistancy.

This cake is so good and moist. I hope you enjoy the cake as much as my family did!

New Design

I have been a busy bee today working on a few new Christmas cards. The same design was used but one as a personalized card and the other can be used by anyone. The count down to Christmas begins!

Girl's room

Just adding a few key elements can add such character to a room. At least that is what I have tried to do to my daughter's room. Although my time is limited by having three kids, I managed to add a few spot illustrations to the room, along with painting grass all around the baseboards. Just adding a splash of color will bring flair to any room. That is my hope and desire as I live my life creatively!

Tis the season

It is so hard to believe that Christmas is fast approaching. So that means it is time to start making gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends. I think including a handmade item adds special meaning to the gifts you give. I like creating ornaments along with some yummy chocolates or some other special treat. I also like designing personalized stationery as a special gift. Whatever I do end up making, I hope they know this is a heartfelt appreciation of what they mean to me in a small way. This is my hope and desire as I live my life creatively!

Show Time!

This Saturday I am getting ready for a show at the Taste of Suwanee. So I am getting my last minute details ready. I ultimately always forget something at home so I like to have a check off list to make sure not to leave anything crucial behind. If any of you live in the Atlanta area come by and see me.

My Collection

I purchased this ACEO (Artist Cards Editions and Originals) from an artist that I wanted to share with you. Tina has a shop called strawberrypaintbrush's on Etsy. I am slowly collecting different artist work that I will put in a trading card book. This is a relatively inexpensive way to get a wide variety of really great artist images to keep.

A Trip to the Farmers Market

Just one more week for a local farmers market to be opened for the fall season. I try to make it at least once a month to see what produce or other yummy baked good, sauce or dip I can find. The market is held at our local city park in beautiful Suwanee. I will miss my early morning treks on Saturday mornings, but I so look forward to what next year will bring, new vendors, and new produce I have sometimes never even heard of. Good healthy eating everyone!