Pumpkin Spice Cake with Chocolate Chips

I found this recipe on Kraft Foods a few years ago. It sounded interesting and like a good fall dessert. When I made it, I forgot to get all the stuff for the icing so I served it without the icing. Fantastic! Now that I've had it a BUNCH of times without the icing, I don't think I'd ever want it on there. When served as-is, it doubles as a delicious breakfast to have with your morning coffee. Perfect way to start the day.

I most recently made it as my birthday cake - it's that good. Give it a try, you'll love it too! This is my adapted version of it:

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Chocolate Chips

Ingredients:

1 package spice cake mix (along with water, oil and eggs as it calls for)
1 3 ounce package cream cheese
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix cake as directed on the package, only reducing water to 1/2 cup and increasing oil to 1/2 cup. Add the pumpkin, cream cheese and spices. Beat until well blended. Add enough chocolate chips to suit your tastes and stir in well. Don't beat because the chocolate chips will break up. Pour into a greased bundt pan and bake 40-45 minutes. Cool. (though I do like to cut off a slice while it's still warm!!)


The cake (missing a slice)


The missing slice!

The Verdict: Make it. Now.

Maw Maw Doris' Famous Banana Pudding

Probably don't need to even write a verdict with a title like that, do I?? Well I decided that the perfect dessert to follow the wonderful Spicy Chicken Wraps would be a cold, sweet banana pudding. I originally planned to follow the recipe from friend Scrumptiously Sassy but then remembered that I have my grandma's recipe for her banana pudding. My grandma passed away on Thanksgiving Day of 2008 after a long battle with alzheimer's and I miss her so much. She was the most amazing cook and I would have loved to be able to have her taste some things I cook! Unfortunately I didn't have all the ingredients, but I'll give her recipe anyway because it's awesome!

Maw Maw Doris' Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

1 French Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1 Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1 Banana Instant Pudding Mix
1 tub whipped topping
4 oz. sour cream
nilla wafer cookies
8 bananas
5 cups milk

Method:

In a large bowl, mix the 3 pudding mixes, milk, sour cream, and half of whipped topping. Stir until well mixed.

In another large bowl, layer pudding, then sliced bananas and cookies. Continue until you get towards the top of the bowl. Top with remaining half of whipped topping.

Keep refrigerated.



The Verdict: One bite took me back to my childhood and brought tears to my eyes. This sweet treat is one that I will forever associate with my grandma. Unfortunately I didn't have all of the ingredients on hand, I had to make do with two regular vanilla puddings, no sour cream and only 3 bananas. I sliced them very thin so I think it was just as good. I also shared a bowl with my 10 month old daughter who loved it! It means so much to me to be able to share these special things with my baby girl. Try this recipe, you'll love it I promise!