Pumpkin Pie Cake

When I first read this recipe, I thought it was an interesting idea. After making this scrumptious thing, I would like to declare it brilliant. This is a happy blend of pie and cake in one delicious wrapping. My colleagues at work are often my test tasters for new recipes and this was was such a hit that staff requested it for an upcoming potluck. This is not a waist watcher but it sure is a good holiday indulgence.

This is sure to be the hit of your next dinner party, Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Cake
1 - 29 ounce can pumpkin

4 eggs

13 ounces evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (or you can substitute all spice)

1 - 2 layer yellow cake mix

1 cup (2 sticks of butter), melted

1 cup chopped pecans

Whipped cream for garnish

Beat the pumpkin, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan cake pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Pour the butter evenly over the cake mix. (Variation: I took a whisk and mixed in the cake mix a bit) Sprinkle with the pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 15 Servings

Recipe Courtesy of Add Another Place Setting, Junior League of NWA Cookbook. To purchase a book, visit JLNWA at http://www.juniorleaguenwa.org.

Zesty Spinach Dip

I love a dip, really love a dip. My friend Melissa and I named ourselves the dip queens because we are always rocking them! To uphold my title, I am always on the hunt for the next great dip so I tried a new recipe out of the Junior League Cookbook. This is a great recipe for fall, not too heavy but warm and creamy - perfect for a dinner party, book club, movie night, or game day. It is also low cost and pretty which are always bonuses for me when hosting. Happy Dipping!

Zesty Spinach Dip

Ingredients

8 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

2 cups (8 ounces) of shredded Cheddar cheese

1 (10 ounce) can tomatoes with green chiles

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Spoon into baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm with crackers or pita chips. Makes 16 servings.

If you are interested in purchasing the Junior League of NWA, leave a comment or email me. Proceeds of the book support League initiatives in the community. Books are a steal at $29.44 (including tax).

Junior League of NWA Cookbook

I have the pleasure of serving on the cookbook committee this year for the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas and I am committed to selling at least two cases (20 books!) so I will need your help in reaching my goal. I purchase books for hostess gifts, wedding/engagement presents, welcome someone to the community, holidays, birthdays, or to provide a friend with the next book in their Junior League Cookbook collection.

Here is a little taste of what is to offer in the cookbook:

Dickson Street Hummus

Ingredients
1 15 ounce can of garbanzo beans
3 garlic cloves
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons of cumin
2 tablespoons of olive oil (or to desired texture)
Salt to taste

Mix in a food processor or blender the garbanzo beans, garlic, lemon juice, sesame seeds, cumin and salt. Add the olive oil in a fine stream, processing constantly until creamy. Serve with pita chips or veggies.

Makes 4 servings

Want to purchase a Junior League of NWA Cookbook?
Books are $26.95 plus tax

If you are local, I can deliver books or shipping is also available. If you are out of town, visit the JLNWA website to purchase books.

JLNWA Spring Transfer Brunch

Thank you to Annie for planning a the Spring Transfer Brunch! The event was a great opportunity to meet other transfers in the League and have some good ole' fashion girl time. We ate delicious scones and muffins before preparing Easter baskets for children at the Peace at Home Family Shelter. For more information about Peace at Home, visist their website http://www.peaceathomeshelter.org/index.html