October 2009

PUMPKIN EMBELLISHMENT

Caramel Apple Eclair Cake

5 lbs. Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored & chopped

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup white sugar

1 tsp. all-purpose flour, or as needed (optional)

2 (3.5 oz) pkgs instant French vanilla pudding

3 cups milk

1 cup sour cream

1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (14.4 oz) box cinnamon graham crackers

1 (18 oz) container caramel apple dip

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour (optional)

Combine the apples, cinnamon and sugar in a saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender. If the mixture ends up with a lot of liquid, mix in a little bit of flour, and simmer until thickened. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding and milk until smooth. Stir in the sour cream and fold in the whipped topping. To assemble the cake, line the bottom of a 9x13 in. baking dish with a single layer of cinnamon graham crackers. Use a slotted spoon to make a thin layer of the apple mixture. Top with a generous layer of the pudding, about 1/3. Repeat layers until you have three layers of apples and pudding and four layers of crackers. Warm caramel apple dip in the microwave oven until it can be easily poured. Pour this over the top layer of graham crackers. Refrigerate for at least overnight, but up to 24 hrs before serving.

OCTOBER

Pumpkin Pie Bread

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups white sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350o. Grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, oil, eggs, and pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture alternately with water. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For best flavor, store wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for a full day before serving.

TUESDAY IS . . .