Joy

Ella was rocking her Niagara Falls t shirt we bought on our babymoon last summer. It's amazing how such a little person can bring so much joy!

 

Mirror mirror on the wall

Ella has found a new best friend! Oh boy!

What?

What do you mean I have carrots on my face? I don't see any carrots. 

Turkey

This Thanksgiving Day baby loves her (little people) turkey! 

8 months

I'm so grateful I did the monthly photo shoot, so fun to see her grow. This month she displayed her inability to sit still! 

Baby cuddles

Met my friends' little guy today, loved my sweet little cuddles with Landon. 

Made him a Steelers tie onesie, for those of you that know me, know that is true love! 

Yummy!

Ella's new trick! Snacking on her toes... 

Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze 

I know this recipe isn't in season right now, but I've been late in sharing with my Uncle Jeff, so posting it now before I forget again! :)  Hold onto this - it is sure to be a fall crowd pleaser! 

Ingredients:

Cake: 

⅓ cups water
1 can pureed pumpkin (15 Oz)
2 whole eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 box yellow cake mix (18 Ounce Box) [I could only find 16 ounce boxes, and mine turned out well]
1 teaspoon baking soda

Topping:

1 cup brown sugar, Divided
½ cups flour
4 Tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. In a large bowl mix together the water, pumpkin, eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Add the cake mix and baking soda and mix until just combined. 
3. Grease a 9×13 pan with butter and pour batter into pan.
4. In a small bowl mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour and melted butter. Use your fingers to sprinkle over the top of the cake. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. For the glaze, combine the other 1/2 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and heavy cream in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir until all sugar is dissolved. 6. When cake is finished baking, poke holes in the top with a toothpick. Pour glaze over the cake, making sure to cover all surfaces. Serve cake warm or at room temperature.

Amazing Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This recipe will definitely be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 ounces butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 2 bananas)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips [TIP: I use Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet chocolate premium baking chips. They are larger than the "average" chocolate chip.]

Instructions:

Cream sugar and butter; beat in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and stir into the first mixture just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips until well incorporated. Pour batter into greased and floured 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 325° for 60-70 minutes or until wooden pick inserted tests done.