Pumpkin Muffins

2-1/4 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 c. canned pumpkin

In large bowl, combine dry ingredients.  In another bowl, stir together eggs, pumpkin and oil. Combine both bowls of ingredients and stir (scraping bottom and sides of bowl) until just combined.

Add batter to greased muffin tin or into cupcake liners (fill about 1/2 full).  Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 min. for mini muffins, and 35-40 min. for average sized muffins. Insert toothpick to check for doneness.  Too much time means dry, not enough time means top center will be soggy.

Homemade Chocolate Cake and Frosting

Combine dry ingredients in bowl:
1-1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1-3/4 c. flour
2/3 c. cocoa
1-1/2 t. baking powder
2 c. sugar

Add the following ingredients to dry mixture and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes:
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 t. vanilla
2 eggs
1 c. milk

Boil 1 c. water, then stir into batter with a large spoon.  The final batter will be thin.
Pour batter into greased 9 x 13 pan, or two 9-inch round pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely, then frost.

Chocolate Frosting

Beat together, gradually adding and alternating milk and powdered sugar
1/2 c. butter (softened)
2/3 c. cocoa
1 t. vanilla
1/3 c. milk
3 c. powdered sugar

*Add small amounts of milk if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Carrot Cake

*Grate 3 cups of carrots (one package of large carrots) before making cake.

In bowl, beat with mixer:

2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. vegetable oil

4 eggs

In another bowl, combine

2 c. flour

2 t. baking soda

2 t. cinnamon

1 t. salt

Combine the two bowls of ingredients, then fold in 3 cups of grated carrots.

Bake in 9 x 13 greased pan at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean.  Cool completely.  Frost with cream cheese frosting and refrigerate after serving. *Any leftover cake with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together:

3 oz. softened cream cheese (not melted)

1/2 c. softened butter

1 t. vanilla

Gradually add 2 c. powdered sugar 

*Yields enough for one 9 x 13 cake or a dozen cupcakes

Chocolate Cake

One box of chocolate cake mix (not Red Velvet/Devil's Food, or German Chocolate) Do not use Pillsbury Brand.

Follow the box directions, but add the following ingredients before mixing:

1 extra egg
2 T. powdered sugar
1/2 t. almond extract

*Frost with your choice of chocolate or white frosting

White Cake

One box of white cake mix (Not Pillsbury Brand)

Follow the box directions, but add the following ingredients before mixing.

1 additional egg white
2 T. powdered sugar
1/2 t. almond extract

*Frost with white or chocolate frosting