Hello Cupcake!

by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson

Looking for a fun way to dress up cupcakes? Look no further than this sweet book, Hello Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make An unbelievable number of fantastic ideas that will make you the hero when you deliver the goodies.

Part of this book's appeal is the lack of special cake decorating tools that are needed. Plastic sandwich bags, tubs of premade frosting and a couple boxes of cake mix and the ability to read and follow directions are all that is required.

What fun!

I have to admit I bought the book solely for the Pup Cakes to delight my sometimes hard to impress newly nine year old. More results can be seen at my Joyful Days blog. But there are so many great ideas in this book, we will be using it again and again.

For the cupcake enthusiasts, there is a website and a blog to further the cupcake cuteness.

Too sweet! Literally!

Thoughts for Thursday

Several "Thoughts for Thursday." Something for everyone...

Recipes I want to try:

Chocolate Gravy at Boo Mama's--I haven't had this in years.

Potato Leek Soup courtesy of Father John Zuhlsdorf

Blackberry Wine Cake from Lisa at It's the Little Things

Next Christmas I want to try Mommy's Martini's Christmas Cake


Homeschool Thoughts:

Taking Photos of Snowflakes at Pondered In My Heart

Pacifying the Beast at Life Without School.

Not just for homeschoolers, but for all parents--How Can We Encourage Reading Aloud? Jen Robinson has a great post.

Poiema reminded me about String Art! Looks fun.

Jena at yarns of the heart answers some questions, really good questions, about homeschooling.


Politics and/or Religion Thoughts:


Obama's Little Blue Book--didn't Chairman Mao have something similar???? Seen first at Michelle Malkin, but for only$5.95 on Amazon. I. Kid. You. Not. Gift wrap available.

Global Taxes??? I don't even like national ones. Yikes!

From Barbara at Mommy Life--Criticism in the pews. "While I was prepared to keep an open mind about Obama, my definition of open-mindedness does not include letting my brains fall out as so many previously self-identified conservatives seem to have done...

Why not a big party on the lawn? asks the The Raving Theist (who, for the record, used to be The Raving Atheist).

What the FOCA?--learn what FOCA is really going to do for you. Courtesy of Jean at Catholic Fire.

“We consider right of conscience to be the biggest issue we face," said Dr. David Stevens, executive director of the Christian Medical Association. "If we lose this one, soon there will be no Christian health care personnel debating the other ethical issues like cloning or physician-assisted suicide.”Planned Parenthood: "pro-choice" for abortion, "no choice" for doctors from ProLife Blogs.com

"What have they got to be worried about?" asks The American Thinker.

What are you thinking about this day?

If you have something you would like me to add to my Thursday links, feel free to e-mail me at ourjoyfuldays at gmail dot com

Pumpkin Cake

Cake:
1 Duncan Hines Spice cake mix
1 1/4 cup pumkin pie mix (the kind that is already seasoned)
3 large eggs
1/3 cup oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix, eggs, pumpkin and oil. Pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan or baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Frosting:
1 container Duncan Hines Butter Cream Frosting
1 pkg cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons butter
cinnamon to taste

Mix frosting and cream cheese, add sugar and butter. Mix in cinnamon to taste. Frost cooled cake.

Simple Chili

1 lg (29 oz) can of Crushed Tomatoes
1 lg (20 oz) can Bush's Mild Chili beans
1 sm (16 oz) can Bush's Medium Chili beans
1/2 lb ground turkey
1/2 lb chili ground hamburger
chili powder
garlic powder
dehydrated onions

Brown burger, seasoning with chili powder, garlic powder and dried onions to taste. In crockpot add tomatoes, beans and cooked burger. Stir and add addtional seasoning if desired.

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or crackers. Serve with cornbread.

Recipes

Recipes obviously are a little slow in coming. I'm going to work on that next week!!