pumpkin cupcakes { y u m }

I love to bake {maybe because I love sweets?} and my kids love to bake with me. It’s a fun {and messy} activity that produces  the best kind of results {edible ones}. We made some Autumn treats yesterday that were super easy and equally tasty that I think you’ll enjoy as well.

The recipe came from Real Simple last year {although this was my first time making them}.  You use a box cake mix, add in pureed pumpkin instead of the water and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for extra fall flavor.

The batter was a pretty lumpy, but came out just fine.

Yum … don’t they look good even without frosting? Ryan thought so {and he might have stolen a few}.

I have recently discovered {thanks to my friend Dee} that piping on frosting is much easier than spreading it and it makes the cupcakes look fancy.

You just need a pastry bag and a piping tip {which you can get at any craft store}.

Start on the outside and swirl around {at least that is how I did it!}.

While I piped on the frosting, this little guy enjoyed the beater and this little girl played with the remote

{anything to keep them busy!}

Once the cupcakes were frosted

Mason was pretty excited about adding the candy corn

DE-LISH!

Here is the recipe if you want to give them a try:

{your family & tummy will be happy if you do}

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yum

Anytime I need to bring a side dish to a dinner party I have my go-to recipe. My friends probably think I can’t make anything else {which is mildly true}.  So today when I needed to make a salad for our evening’s bbq, I knew just what to make.

There is nothing better in my book than kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes and pasta.

Y.U.M

Here is the recipe. And just a note: I use craisins instead of currants.

Do you have a ‘go-to’ recipe? Mind sharing?

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