As winter solstice closes one door, another opens...



when early civilizations celebrated the winter solistice,

they were marking their close relationship with their place in the universe.

the last of the short, dark days would now be behind them.

with the knowledge and anticipation of longer, brighter days ahead,

humans could relish in the start of a new beginning.

evenings lasting longer, temperatures raising higher,

this was a time when opportunities seemed abound.

just as with times before, today we too get to take this wild ride through space.

our winter solistice marks that point when we know our place in this vast space.

and now, with lighter days ahead, and fresher feelings abound,

the new year opens us up to all sorts of possiblities.

so, for today, for a moment, let us give thanks, take breaths and know that

another year is open for us to live our lives, dream our dreams,

and create these magical lives we are so blessed to experience.

aa 2012

Moist Pumpkin Cake or Muffins

With Halloween upon us, sweets and treats are bountiful.  Those of us with children know that there is an additional challenge to curb the desires, of our young ones, to overindulge in the sugar-laden and unhealthy options out there.  Good news – we can prepare treats that offer more balanced nutrition.  When my daughter’s teacher requested my contribution for the 5^th grade class’s Halloween party, I got excited to come up with a yummy Halloween treat recipe.  Instead of KitKats and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this year we’ll try Pumpkin Muffins.  You should try it too!

Pumpkin Cake/ Muffins

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour                                                        ½ stick butter

¼ cup white sugar                                                               1 heaping cup pumpkin puree

2 tsp baking powder                                                            ¼ cup applesauce

1 ½ tsp cinnamon                                                                ½ cup evaporated milk

¼ tsp ginger                                                                         2 eggs

½ tsp nutmeg                                                                       1 ½ tsp vanilla

½ tsp salt

1 cup nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins (optional)

For Frosting

¼ cup softened butter            

4 oz cream cheese

2 cups powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla

 

Preparation

1

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Cut in butter.

2

Mix in the rest of the ingredients in a separate bowl.  Combine until mixture blended well.

3

Pour wet mixture into the bowl with the dry mixture, and then fold just enough to combine the two.

4

This is the point where you can add nuts, chips, raisins if you’d like.

5

Grease cakepan or muffin tins (or use fun Halloween muffin cups).  Fold batter into cakepan or fill muffin cups ½ of the way up.

6

In a small bowl mix a bit of sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg.  Sprinkle top of muffins or cake with sugar/cinnamon/nutmeg mix.  

7

Bake at 400 degrees for 22-28 minutes for muffins, 30-35 minutes for cake.

8

Let muffins/cake cool.  Blend frosting ingredients well and frost if desired.