Whoopie for Whoopie Pies!

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies.  Whoopie!

These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are delicious!  They were very quick and easy to make from scratch.  The creamy middle is light and tasty, not too sweet.  These would be great for a kids party or if guests were to call to say they were popping by.  Once out of the oven the pies cool quite fast and can be put together in a snap.

Mmm Whoopie Pies!  No need to be a Grand Baker to make these.  All you need are the following ingredients...

•  2 cups cake flour
• 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• dash of salt
• 1/2 cup of Smart Balance butter substitute with flax 
• 3 Tablespoons molasses
• 2/3 cup of sugar MINUS 3 tablespoons.
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup milk soured or buttermilk
•  
• 1/2 cup Cool Whip
• 1/3 cup of plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

Mix together all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Whisk the Smart Balance and the sugar along with the molasses until light and creamy.  Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla.  

Combine the dry ingredients with the egg mixture alternating with the sour milk.  Mix only until all ingredients are moist.

Drop 1 tablespoon of batter onto parchment lined cookie sheet one inch apart and bake for 5-8 minutes at 375 degrees F.   Cool on pan for about 2 minutes, then place on cake rack to cool completely.  

Mix together the last four ingredients above - this is the filling.

Once the whoopie pies have cooled place a dollop of cream filling on flat side of pie and top with another pie flat side toward the cream filling

You can dust the tops with confectioner's sugar or cocoa powder.  

Have with a glass of milk and enjoy!

*NOTE: If you do not have sour milk or buttermilk you can stir in either a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.  Let it stand or pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds to bring it to room temperature.  DO NOT LET IT BOIL!

The original recipe is from the winter 2009 edition of Diabetic Living Magazine. Thank you Diabetic Living. It's a great magazine and you don't have to be diabetic to try any of the recipes as they are pretty healthy.  I modified this recipe a little to my liking adding a little more of this and that.  Also I changed the filling a smidgen.   

On the Drive Home

Wag more,

bark less

I read this on the rear bumper of the car that was in front of me at a red light. I though it was good advise, I think I will try it out!

Just a quick hello ...

 

  A little something to brighten your day.  I think if you click on this picture you can see all the detail that is secretly waiting for a lucky viewer to enjoy. Isn't that color just so saturated and vibrant?
  I have been trying to catch up on my quilting and sewing this last month before the weather gets too hot as well as getting the garden taken care of.  It's a balancing act for sure, but so much fun.  

A Peek At My Next Project

These homespun fabrics are part of a foundation pieced quilt that I am working on and have been for some time.  You see in going through my fabric closet I came across this blue box that was a bit heavy as it was stuffed full of these great fabrics.  I knew I had it .... somewhere!  The quilt within  has been waiting to for completion for ... um ... well let's just say for a couple of years.  Okay maybe more than a couple, maybe more like ... oh never mind I can't remember how many years and don't want to think about it!  Anyhow it is seeing some daylight at long last.  A commitment has been made to finish this quilt and I already have plans for the leftovers, how's that?

My husband purchased this group of fat quarters from Keepsake Quilts in New Hampshire as a gift for me one Christmas a number of years ago,  The picture above is only a small portion of the group as part of the group is on the sewing table or in the machine being sewn.  More pictures to be posted in the coming days.  I find it interesting when the "parts" are posted and you can view the progress.  Quilters are not always as patient as one might think (which is probably why they have so many UFO's floating around!) and will move from project to project.  Or is that just all creative people?

Anyhow please come back and have a look at the blocks as they are finished and posted.

Urembo Basket Project

 UREMBO Baskets made by women in Kenya who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS virus.  The women sew these baskets on treadle sewing machines with African fabrics.  The  beads on the baskets are also made by another co-op nearby.  I "purchased" these baskets for a donation. The project teaches women a trade that they can  use to help support themselves and their families.  They learn business skills, become independent and attain a sense of self worth.  One hundred percent of the monies donated to the UREMBO BASKET PROJECT goes to the project.  The web site is www.Friends4Kenya.com if you are interested in making a donation. 

 I came across these at a Machine Quilter's Convention in Providence, Rhode Island. These baskets are sturdy and come in many colors and designs.  Please consider donating to this worthwhile project. 

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

'Something Blue' Half Square Triangle Quilt

Out of the UFO pile and into the finished pile!  This small piece, measuring 26.5" by 22", went fairly quickly even though it was a little tedious cutting all the triangles.  I wanted to make a two color quilt and came across this pretty blue fabric with kind of a paisley pattern paired up with a soft blue and white stripe.  I've named it "Something Blue" for lack of any imagination on my part.  If you have a better suggestion I'm open to your comments.

Piece is now part of a private collection.

Daisy Wants a Cracker

Aftican Batik

African village and it's inhabitants  batik

A couple of years ago we took a ride to the Deerfield Craft Show.  When this show is going it is quite large and there are many craftsman there trying to sell their wares.  I found this piece along with many others at this vendors table.  He said that his mother makes these along with others in her village.  I have since forgotten his name and where exactly he comes from with his batiks, maybe Kenya, not sure.  I know that I have his card somewhere and I will come across it one day.  When that day comes I will credit him and his mom with this lovely piece.  (Here is a fine example of posting right away, those things that you know you are going to remember can sometimes fool you and you forget.)  If I find out that any of the information regarding this piece is incorrect I will correct it.

This piece depicts villagers and the homes they live in.  It's not a large piece, around 10 inches long and 4 or 5 inches wide.  The colors are vibrant and the lines are clean.  Very skillfully done.  Hope you like it.