It's The Most Decorative Time Of The Year

Here is what I have been up to..........

I had an idea of what I wanted to do for a centerpiece on the coffee table in the living room.
It all came together in the last two days!  One my first trip to the craft store, I got the plain wreath, candle and glass.  The second trip was for the ribbons and other decorations.
I can't wait to see how it looks when the candle is lit!

On that same second trip to the craft store, I found the pink glass ornaments, then the ribbon and silver beads, and finally the Charlie Brown looking Christmas tree.  When I first spotted the pink ornaments, I just HAD to make a tree for our daughter's bedroom!  She was surprised and loves it!

Lots to do in the next few days for party decorations and desserts!
I am so excited about the ideas I have and will post photos of my creations.
I am off to buy ingredients, and I fear a third trip to the craft store!

Pretty Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie and Banana Bread......Yum!

I tried the banana bread and it is quite tasty!

The pumpkin pie is for tomorrow, of course.   I used the classic Libby's recipe for the pie.
It looks pretty, and I assume the flavor will be good too.  I did not make my own pie crust, just to save on time.  (I hate to use anything pre-made, but in this case I made the exception.)
I will make a homemade sweet whipped cream to serve it with.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Ho Ho Cherry-O

In the Test Kitchen today.....White-Chocolate Cherry Shortbread!

I found this recipe last week and had to try it out.
The shortbread dough was a great consistency without any modifications, however, I would add a little more almond extract next time so that you can taste the flavor.  This is a sweet shortbread with cherries and white chocolate in the cookie.  (A big change from the Cayenne Cheese Wafer shortbread I usually make.)
The full recipe calls for dipping the cookies in white chocolate; I followed the recipe and did not like how the white chocolate turned out.  It was not dip-able at all.  I spread some white chocolate on a few of the cookies, but did not care for how it looked.  I will do plain melted white chocolate and dip the remaining cookies.  

I am very pleased with the cookie part and I think with a few changes, I will like them dipped in white chocolate.  I am definitely adding this to my Christmas cookie list!

Tomorrow is Pumpkin Pie, Banana Bread and whatever else I decide to whip up!
I haven't forgotten about the marshmallows, I just haven't gotten there yet! :)

White-Chocolate Cherry Shortbread

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

I have made two pumpkin spice cakes this week. 

I doubled the recipe for the cream cheese icing, so that every piece had plenty of coverage.

I haven't had anyone try this cake and not love it!

The cake is so light and moist, and of course when you add cream cheese frosting to something like this, it's amazing!  

Test Kitchen lesson for the week - don't treat this type of icing like regular cake icing!  It should really only be on the top; when the sides are iced, it doesn't go as smoothly as regular icing.  And I don't mean texture; I am talking about the icing not cooperating and the ensuing stress!  But like my wise mother pointed out, I am a Test Kitchen and have to try new things to see if they work or not!    

Here are a few responses from an office that enjoyed the one cake:

"Great Cake! Thanks"

"Mmmmmmmm, mmmmmmm good!"

"I broke my no-carb for it -- it's great"

I haven't made it to the homemade marshmallows yet this week, but there is still time!

If not, I will try it out on Monday!

Happy Weekend!

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Boxed Pumpkin Spice Cake

Deck The Cookies With Boughs Of Holly

Today is the "official" launch of my business, Treva's Test Kitchen & Creative Design!!!!!

Below are the Eggnog Tea Cookies that I wanted to try out for this years Christmas parties. The cookies have the nutmeg and the icing has a splash of rum.  And yes, this is the icing that I had modified for the pumpkin sugar cookies.  I made it thinner than the recipe called for and will thin it a little more next time.  The decorations take awhile, but the result is a pretty and festive looking little cookie.  I think that this is a winner and will stay on the Test Kitchen menu.

I am finishing up my Thanksgiving/Fall cards, and can't wait to start on the Christmas cards!
I have photos on the way for my sample albums (pet and balloon festival), and an album I am doing for a hair salon.  I am looking forward to putting all those together!

Next up in the Test Kitchen are pumpkin spice cake and homemade marshmallows.

Eggnog Tea Cookies