Pumpkin Rolls a Fall Favorite

 Pumpkin rolls are a fall treat that captures the essence of autumn. Fran makes these sweet, spiced pumpkin rolls every year for Thanksgiving. This is one treat that everybody in the family waits for every year.

Fran's pumpkin rolls and pumpkin squares are in the photo. These two treats grace our Thanksgiving table every year.

You can probably find pumpkin rolls in your local grocery store bakery, but I can assure you there is nothing better than making them homemade. Pumpkin rolls are made in two parts, the cake, and the sweet creamy filling.

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Powdered sugar for dusting

For the Filling:

• 8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 15x10-inch cookie sheet. We use Baker's Joy to grease our cookie sheet.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until it becomes thick. Then mix in the pumpkin puree.
3. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until all are combined.
4. Spread the batter evenly on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Layout a clean kitchen towel and dust with powdered sugar.
6. While the cake is still warm, carefully turn on the towel. Roll the towel with the cake, set aside, and let it cool completely. We place ours in the refrigerator.
7. Make the Filling, Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until it's smooth.
8. Assemble the Roll, Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake without the towel. Wrap the roll tightly with plastic wrap. Chill for at least one hour before serving. Dust with more powdered sugar before slicing.

This is our cake right out of the oven before it's turned onto the kitchen towel. Since we make our pumpkin rolls a few days ahead of Thanksgiving we place them in the freezer after wrapping them in tin foil, and then plastic wrap.

Whether you are a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pumpkin roll for the first time, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. 

Ideas for Charcuterie Board

 

Some of you might be thinking, " What is a charcuterie board? Well, a charcuterie board is an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and so much more.

It's easy to impress your family, friends, and guests by preparing a charcuterie board for your next party or event. 

So, now the next question is, how do you pronounce charcuterie? I found this easy one online (Shar-Koo-ta-Ree).

Many people think charcuterie is an Italian term, but actually, it is a French term meaning "Pork Butcher".

Our son, Sammy, and his wife, Tricia, created the board you see in the photo during our last visit to their house. They created this board in about 15 minutes. They were like watching two artists create a masterpiece.

What is on a Charcuterie Board?

• Cured Meats
• Cheeses (Sharp and Mild)
• Fruits and Nuts
• Crackers and pieces of bread
• Soft Cheeses and dips
• Olives
• Jelly and Jams
• Small pieces of bread
• Candies
• Veggies

You can use one board, several boards, or just plates and platters. To me, it is all bout the food. 

Charcuterie boards are very popular around the holidays, but are perfect for any party or family gathering where you need delicious appetizers.

As always, thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy it.

These Charcuterie Boards are a perfect Gift Idea

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Sugar Cookies

Make Homemade Sugar Cookies:
If you have children or grandchildren you know what fun it is to make and decorate these easy make sugar cookies for Christmas.

Every year we have so much fun making these with our grandchildren and what lasting memories are created.

You can make this easy and buy the sugar cookie dough already made, but here is a simple homemade sugar cookies recipe.

So we continue our Christmas cookies with this easy recipe and oh so messy decorating process with the kids.

Here is what you need for homemade sugar cookie dough:

2 cups butter softened
6 cups flour
2 cups of sugar
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
2 eggs
4 teaspoons baking powder

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer combine the butter and sugar together. Then add the 2 eggs and vanilla and continue mixing, and then add the baking powder. Now add the flour 2 cups at a time and mix until a dough is formed.

Roll out the cookie dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out your cookies with your favorite cookie cutters. We used Round, Christmas Trees, Snow Man, Snow Flake, and Santa cutters. Place them on a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, the time will depend on the size for the cookie. We bake all of the same size cookies on one sheet at a time.

Make Sugar Cookie Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk
2 teaspoons light Karo Syrup
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Beat powdered sugar and milk together, add the syrup and almond extract. Continue to mix until this is smooth. Now you can add you favorite food coloring.

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