Crock Pot Pumpkin Soup with Crumbled Bacon

I made this recipe for the first time the other day and my family absolutely loved it- kids and baby included! We were all pleasantly suprised at how wonderful it was since pumpkin is not an ingredient I usually use unless I'm making a pumpkin pie. Try this recipe for something different, I think you'll love it! A great pair with homemade bread and a chilly fall evening!


Recipe:

2 tsp olive oil
3 slices thick-sliced bacon or Bacon Bits
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp kosher or sea salt
1/2 tsp ground cayenne red pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cans (29 oz) 100% pumpkin purée
4 cups chicken stock or broth
3/4 cup apple cider
1/2 cup heavy cream
Sour cream (optional)


Coat a 4 1/2 quart or larger crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.

Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Cool on paper towels. When cool, crumble and set aside.

Add onion to skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent. Stir in salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Transfer to crock pot and whisk in pumpkin purée, chicken stock and apple cider and stir until smooth. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.

Turn crock pot off and remove lid. Whisk in heavy cream. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Keep warm until serving. Garnish with sour cream and crumbled bacon.

Makes 6-8 servings


Enjoy and Happy Baking!

Caramel-Peanut Breakfast Rolls

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know how much I love to make a big breakfast for my family on the weekends, when we're all together after a long week. My latest creation is this recipe. My husband loved these rolls so much he told me I should sell them! The kids enjoyed them also. I took a classic recipe and embellished it a little. The recipe is pretty simple. I think you'll enjoy it!


Recipe:
The first step in this recipe is to make the dough and then the filling. See my blog post titled "Classic Cinnamon Rolls" from the month of May, for the list of ingredients and steps on how to prepare the dough.
Jar of Hershey's Caramel Topping (for ice cream)
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

After the dough has been prepared, had time to rise, been rolled out, the filling inserted, and the dough rolled, cut, and refrigerated overnight they're ready for baking!

About 10 minutes before the rolls are finished baking, remove rolls from oven and spread 1 tbsp full of caramel topping on top of each roll. Finish baking. Immediately after rolls are
finished baking, sprinkle the rolls with the chopped peanuts. Serve rolls hot!

These rolls are great by themselves or served with eggs. Try making these for your family this weekend and see lots of smiles on your family's face!


Happy Baking!

Aunt Amy's Birthday Cake

This is a great cake recipe. It's simple to make, delicious and versatile- great for any occasion! My Aunt Amy makes this cake for her oldest son on his birthday every year and she was gracious enough to share it with me. I made this cake for my oldest son for his 9th birthday last weekend. It was a favorite with all the kids at the party. I think you'll enjoy it too! I want to apologize, there will be no pictures with the recipe this week. The Internet on my computer is down right now and my only Internet access is my smart phone and I haven't yet figured out how to upload pictures from it yet.

Recipe:
1 devil's food cake mix
1 pkg instant chocolate pudding
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1 (12 oz) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Set aside 1 cup of the chocolate chips for the icing. Use the oil for coating the bottom and sides of the cake pan.

Mix cake mix, chocolate pudding, water, eggs, and remainder of chocolate chips together on medium speed for two minutes. Pour into oil coated pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Partially cool cake before icing.

Icing:
5 tbsp butter
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk

Melt ingredients and bring to a boil while stirring. Boil 1 minute and remove from heat. Add the cup of chocolate chips and stir until melted and blended. Pour over cake. Let cool before serving.

This cake is perfect paired with vanilla ice cream and toppings. Like I said before, it's a favorite among kids. Try it at your next gathering!
Happy Baking!