CREATIVE THANKSGIVING TREATS

A CUPCAKE HOLIDAY!

Can you believe that there is a holiday for cupcakes? Today, November 10th is NATIONAL VANILLA CUPCAKE DAY. Since November is already a month in which we must watch our waistlines (Thanksgiving), I thought it would be nice to share a lowfat version of a vanilla cupcake recipe for those who wish to participate in today's festivities. You may even wish to decorate your cupcakes with a Thanksgiving theme.......or not. But whatever you do, enjoy the day.

Healthy Vanilla Cupcakes

(Makes 12 cupcakes)

1 c. whole wheat pastry flour

1 c. cake flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. sugar

1/4 c. canola oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 c. applesauce

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1/2 c. evaporated milk

PRE-HEAT OVEN to 350

1. Line 12 ( 1/2 c.) muffin tins with baking cupcake liners

2. Whisk whole wheat flour, cake flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl

3 In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and oil with an electric mixer on medium. Add applesauce, egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.

4. With mixer on low, alternately mix in dry ingredients and the evaporated milk until well combined.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin tins. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until done.

6. Frost and decorate the cupcakes any way you desire.

A HARVEST OF BLESSINGS

My prayer for you this season is for a Harvest of Blessings. Whatever you may have faced this past year, remember that there is a time for everything and I pray that this is your time to reap a harvest of blessings from all of the good seeds that you have sown. Continue to commit yourself to be a blessing to others around you and you will find that your life will be blessed as well.

Matthew 5:7-9.... Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.

AN AUTUMN ORANGE CRUSH

It's AUTUMN and lately my eyes seem to be attracted to everything orange. Orange is such a bold and warm FALL color. I think that I'm having a serious orange crush right now so I thought I would share a few of my favorite orange inspired pics.