Back in business

Have you noticed my absence? I hope so.

I have 29 "known" followers but I know there are a lot more of you who read my blog. I think you're just shy. If you ever want to join my followers, please feel free. I love all my followers!

Well since my last blog a lot has changed in my life. Zeke turned 2, we moved to Montana, I had another baby and we've just moved into our new home. All good changes.

Before moving into our home, we were living in a hotel. Yes, with a newborn and a toddler AND we survived! I was most disappointed with hotel living for 1 reason: there was no oven. That made my heart sad. Now, we are in our home and most of our things have been unpacked so I'm back at it folks. Although I haven't made any cupcakes yet, I have been baking. Here's a few of the yums I've made.

Zucchini Brownies (from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients


1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups shredded zucchini

1/2 cup chopped walnuts


Frosting:
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup margarine

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2.In a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the zucchini and walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. (It will look really dry, do not add anything! The zucchini will release its natural water and make the brownies moist.)

3.Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. To make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in the cocoa mixture. Spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.


Pioneer Womans Red Velvet Cake

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/red-velvet-cake-to-remember/

Kris Kringle Cookie Mix

I made the jarred mixes for my neighbors for Christmas. Trying to be friendly and meet the people on my block.

The cookies baked are pretty tasty. Cranberries, pecans, oatmeal and white chocolate chips!

And for my newest love...