Country Holidays

Hello Country Pumpkins!

I am so glad that Halloween is over.  I got very tired of all the stupid stuff on television and especially all the junk in the stores. Now, I can breathe a big sigh of relief and get on with the important things in life, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both of these events inspire me to think outside myself.  Giving thanks is such a wonderful way to live and many different studies prove that being Thankful is tantamount to happiness and even good health. 

Here on the east coast, the trees are beautifully clad - really stylin' - with their leaves dancing in their new fall costumes; delightful skirts of yellow, brilliant tunics of red, burgundy, pink, plum and capes of orange. These paint-box colors are set in a backdrop of some-still-green trees and a few brown ones too. 

By now, I'm sure you're aware of how much I love Christmas ... ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS! 

My sewing machine and cutting table are busy, very busy. And no, I'm not going to tell you what I'm making for Christmas gifts this year; one of my grown children suggested that I do just that..NOT!!

That same daughter sent me her Whoopie Pie recipe that she got from a website. I'm going to post it here just because it's fun .. if you're feeding a crowd, this may be just the thing. It's an Amish recipe and credit for the recipe follows:

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

4 cups white sugar

2 cups oil

2 cups cold water

2 cups milk, plus 2 tablespoons vinegar (home made "buttermilk"?)

2 cups cocoa

8 cups all purpose flour

3 eggs

4 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
Mix together. Batter will be thin. Using a small scoop, drop scoopfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 to 450 degrees for about 10 minutes. Makes approximately 45 to 50.
Icing for whoopie pies
Ingredients:
8 pounds confectioner’s sugar
6 pounds shortening (Alpine shortening recommended)
2 cups water
3 tablespoons vanilla
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
Directions:
Put together in mixer and beat until fluffy. This should make a 5-gallon pail three-quarters full. Use cold water in the summer when the shortening is soft and hot water during the winter when it’s cold and hard. If you want peanut butter, put some in. Makes more than enough icing for 150 whoopie pies.

website: http://www.somdnews.com/article/20111021/UNKNOWN/710219825/1075/whoopie&template=southernMaryland

I guess I'll have to pass ... I drilled holes in the bottom or my ONLY 5 gallon pail, painted it green and planted Morning Glory's in it.

Have fun until next time.

© 2011 Cat Brennan  © 2011 Cat's Country Place