Halloween Tricks and Treats

I had half the day off on Halloween and decided to get domestic once again. I found this recipe for Mini Pumpkin Cakes in Family Circle Magazine a week ago and was excited about making them ever since. They turned out good... just a little on the messy side.

Mini Pumpkin Cakes

1 box yellow cake mix

3/4 cup solid pack pumpkin puree

3 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cloves (I used pumpkin spice)
1 cup water

2 1/2 cups vanilla or cream cheese icing colored with orange food coloring

Assorted Pretzel rods to make "stems"

standard sized cup cake liners

Mix first 6 ingredients with electric mixer on low for 30 sec. Turn speed up to med-high and beat for additional 2 min. Pour about 1/4 c. into mini bundt pan (12 bundts per pan) that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-18min. Cool in pan for 5 min and then remove. Once cakes have completely cooled, decorate with prepared icing by spreading icing on the trimmed tops/bottoms and place 2 bundts together, then frost the outside of the pumpkins and place a pretzel through the center for the stem. Place the pumpkin in cupcake liners.

Brooke and John had us over for Halloween to see the boys all dressed up in their costumes and for dinner. Luke was a Penguin. He looked so cute for the whole hour he could endure wearing the costume. I think the tongue really adds to the look.

This picture took some effort... Joshua was having too much fun riding his horse to stop for the photo shoot.

I love the legs hanging off the back off the Horse. Ride em' cowboy!

I swear I am still in the running as favorite Aunt as far as Luke goes... don't let the pictures deceive you. You gotta give me one of them Robin!

I think I am going to take this one home... we're out!