Make This: Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Bread

I have a work halloween party tomorrow for which I made these delectable mini pumpkin pecan cupcakes. Since I've been learning how to cook, I went a little crazy at Williams-Sonoma a couple of weeks ago and in the midst of my shopping spree, picked up this amazing bread mix. I don't actually love baking, mostly because I'd much rather eat something savory, but these muffin/cupcakes/bread bites are too good not to try. They're. So. Good. 

The mini cupcake trays are perfect for these since I topped them with a very sweet (homemade!) cream cheese frosting. I actually prefer them without the frosting, so I'll be sure to make this as a bread next time for a warm fall breakfast, or as a treat after Thanksgiving dinner. Recipe below, and buy the mix here. 

        

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Line cupcake well with papers

In a large bowl, combine mix, 8 tbs (1 stick) melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of water and 2 eggs

Mix until smooth

Divide batter among cupcake sheets and baked for about 20-25 minutes

Let cool for about 30 minutes before frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat together 3 tbs unsalted butter and 8 oz of cream cheese, both at room temperature

Then beat in 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

*images by peek of perfection

Ready for Summer

My skin is sun-kissed from the past couple of weekend's amazing 80 degree weather and laying out by the pool. It's finally starting to feel like spring here in L.A. and I'm loving every minute of it! Before I moved here, one of my favorite parts of a New York City summer was the plethora of ice cream trucks that swarm the streets, and there were never a shortage of lime popsicles (specifically the Van Leeuwen truck that parked outside of The Standard Biergarten).

So, I suppose making your own is the next best thing. These pop-makers from Zoku are adorable, and freeze in as little as 7-10 minutes. Whether it's a refreshment from the hot sun or a hangover from those dark and stormies, these will surely do the trick. Purchase at Williams-Sonoma here.

*images via williams-sonoma