HodgePodge Wednesday

So we sat there in the new addition eating pumpkin whoopie pies and sipping coffee well into the evening and way after his day should have been over—the carpenter's that is. His eyes kept following the lines of the room and I could tell that he was analyzing every cut, every nail, every grain in the wood. He began to share what he might've done differently and then he added that he had hoped that I would be happy in this space. And we didn't have the heart to talk about the fact that it won't be my "space" for much longer. Even so, I have determined to enjoy it for as long as I can. That's all that any of us can do, right?

Today I am thinking about two milestones in the family from the youngest to the eldest. Yesterday, my grandmother celebrated her 98th birthday with her family gathered around her. She was weary, but very excited. Perhaps the excitement tired her as much as anything. But most of all she was happy and content. It was good for her to visit the relatives from Downeast after an entire year and they were thrilled to see her, too. Happy birthday, Nan! (I don't know why I even say it here since she would be horrified...h-o-r-r-i-f-i-e-d...to know that I blog, the Internet being such a scary place and all.)

Also, just yesterday, my little grandson spoke his first word. Not really because he's been saying "hi" for some time. But his first long word. What was this wonderful word? Was it "mama" or "daddy" or even "Jake"? No, it was "quack." Quack, quack, quack, quack. This all has something to do with "The Wiggles." Apparently, Sam is only willing to say this new and magical word when actually watching "The Wiggles." All other parental attempts to have him say it fail.

So, let me end this entry on a sweet note. We were talking about whoopie pies, right?












Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

* 3 cups flour
* 2 cups brown sugar
* 1 cup canola oil
* 1 can pumpkin
* 2 extra large eggs
* 2 teaspoons cinnamon
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp vanilla

Method:

1. Combine dry ingredients: flour and spices
2. Using a mixer, combine wet ingredients incorporating brown sugar last
3. Fold wet and dry ingredients together
4. Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet
5. Bake in 350° oven for 10–12 minutes

Filling

Ingredients:

* 1 cup butter
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 2 cups marshmallow fluff
* 1 tsp vanilla

Method:

1. Cream butter and sugar
2. Mix in fluff and vanilla
3. Beat until light and fluffy
4. Spread on one cookie and top with another

Sam says to enjoy!!