Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

I found this recipe for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies on Serious Eats from the book Baked by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito. These aren't quite as sweet as the typical chocolate/icing version that I had when I was younger. The original recipe makes about 24 large whoopie pies or 40 smaller ones, but I cut the recipe in half to make a more reasonable amount. I didn't use the 1 tablespoon ground cloves called for in the original recipe because I don't have them, but I added an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice - it really isn't necessary though, as these already have a great spiced flavor. For the heck of it, I added about a 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter after I had already baked 1/2 of them, just to have a pumpkin/chocolate combination - the ones with chocolate chips aren't as smooth and pretty though.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (can use all white flour if desired)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
dash pumpkin pie spice, if desired
1 cups packed dark-brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups chilled pumpkin purée (almost 1 can)
1 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup or more mini chocolate chips, if desired

-Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use nonstick baking mats, like this one which I highly recommend.
-In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice (if using) together and set aside.
-In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar and oil together until combined. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
-Sprinkle the flour mixture over the pumpkin mixture and mix until completely combined.
-Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto prepared baking sheets, about one inch apart. I made most of them slightly bigger than a 50 cent piece so they'd be mini--make them whatever size you'd prefer.
-Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are firm but springy on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cookie comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the pan while you make the filling.
-After the filling is made, turn 1/2 of the cookies flat side up and drop a dollop of filling in the middle. Top with the flat side of a cookie of equal size and press down gently to spread the filling to the sides. Place in fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Store is fridge separated by waxed or parchment paper and covered with plastic wrap.

Cream Cheese Filling
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened – ¼ c
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sift the confectioners' sugar into a medium bowl and set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter until it's completely smooth, with no visible lumps. Add the cream cheese and beat until combined. Add the sifted confectioners' sugar (or sift directly into the mixing bowl) and vanilla and beat until smooth. Be careful not to overbeat the filling. (The filling can be made one day ahead. Cover the bowl tightly and put it in the refrigerator. Let the filling soften at room temperature before using.)

Toiletry Donation Drive 2009

**This is part of a series of posts highlighting ways in which you can donate to community organizations and help others even when your budget doesn't have room for monetary support.

Capital Crossroads SID is holding the Toiletry Donation Drive 2009, through November 6th to help area shelters collect much needed basic supplies before winter begins. All donations are provided directly to Faith Mission, Friends of the Homeless, and the Engagement Center at Maryhaven. The items will be delivered to the shelters the week before Thanksgiving.

In an effort to help area shelters provide the basics, the Downtown SIDs collecting sample/travel-sized toiletries and men and women’s packaged undergarments.

Acceptable items include:
Unopened travel-sized toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, and lotion. Packaged undergarments such as undershirts, socks, and underwear (men and women)

Donation bins are located throughout the downtown at the following locations:
LeVeque Tower, 50 W. Broad St.
Key Bank Building, 88 E. Broad St.
Bricker & Eckler, 100 S. Third St.
Huntington Bank. 17 S. High St.
Huntington Plaza, 37 W. Broad St.
85 Marconi Boulevard
57 E. Main St.
326 S. High St.
22 E. Gay St.
15 E. Gay St.
140 E. Town St.
Capitol Square Office Tower, 65 E. State St.
Lazarus Building – Ohio Department of Insurance, 50 W. Town St.
One Columbus, 10 W. Broad St.
Fifth Third Center, 21 E. State St.
The Columbus Dispatch, 34 S. Third St.
The Motorists Insurance Group, 471 E. Broad St.
Seneca Apartments, 367 E. Broad St.
Midland Building, 250 E. Broad St.
OEA, 225 E. Broad St.
State Auto, 518 E. Broad St.
Downtown SIDs office, 23 N. Fourth St.

Questions regarding the drive can be directed to Kacey Campbell, Promotions Coordinator at (614) 645-5095 or kacampbell@sidservices.com.

Donate Used DVD's

**This is part of a series of posts highlighting ways in which you can donate to community organizations and help others even when your budget doesn't have much room for monetary support.

Amvets Task Force DVD is collecting new or used DVD’s to provide safe entertainment to the U.S. Armed Forces serving overseas and those who have been injured and are recuperating. Often troops are unable to enjoy outside activity due to the high risk of terrorist activities. Having movies or tv shows to watch during their downtime relieves the boredom of being stuck inside and gives them a chance to relax and feel connected to the world back home.They will distribute kids’ movies to children in the United States who have a parents serving overseas.

Contact your local Amvets to see whether you can drop these off, or you can send them to the address on the website. I ran a drive for this at work and got a huge response from the employees, as most people have movies that they no longer watch and were happy to have these sent to the troops. I was able to drop the DVD's off to the collection address because it is located in Columbus, but you could check the see whether your local Amvets will accept these to send on.

If you have room in your budget, cash donations may also be made to handle the costs associated with collection boxes and mailing. $5.00 will mail a package of 35 DVDs overseas to the servicemen and servicewomen. If you wish to make a donation to help defray the cost of postage, please send to: AMVETS Task Force DVD, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706.

If you know someone serving overseas who would enjoy receiving a package of DVD's, Troops may request to receive DVD's. They need to send their complete military mailing address to thilton@amvets.org.

Grilled Tandoori Fish and Chips

This healthy grilled fish recipe turned out well -- I used mahi mahi fillets. The grilled "chips" were especially tasty.


Grilled Tandoori Fish and Chips
Adapted from Redbook
Yields: 4 servings

1 c. low-fat plain yogurt
2 t. garlic paste
2 t. grated fresh ginger
2 1/2 t. paprika
1 t. curry powder
1 t. red chili powder
1 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. salt
4 (6-ounce) 3/4-inch-thick tilapia, snapper, or mahimahi fillets
Chips
2 (8-ounce) sweet potatoes or white potatoes, halved lengthwise, cut into 3/4-inch-wide wedges
2 T. unslated butter, melted
1 t. garam masala
1/4 t. coarse sea salt
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil for brushing

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic paste, ginger, paprika, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Remove 1/2 cup of the mixture to a bowl and reserve for serving.
Place fillets in a shallow dish and brush with remaining yogurt mixture to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
Chips: Place potato wedges skin side down on a large microwave-safe plate; cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high 3 1/2 to 4 minutes, or until almost tender; let cool.
Heat an outdoor gas grill, or prepare coals for a charcoal grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Mix butter, garam masala, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; add yam wedges and gently toss to coat.
Remove fillets from marinade; wipe off excess marinade. Brush the cooking grates clean and oil the grill rack. Lightly brush fillets with oil. Grill fillets and potatoes (keeping the grill lid closed as much as possible) until fish is opaque and still moist and potatoes are lightly charred, 6 to 8 minutes, carefully turning fillets once when fish releases easily from grill pan, and turning potato wedges as they brown. Serve with remaining yogurt mixture.

Donating Used Eyeglasses

**This is part of a series of posts highlighting ways in which you can donate to community organizations and help others even when your budget doesn't have room for monetary support.

Can you imagine how difficult life would be if you were unable to see, but couldn’t afford an eye exam or glasses? It costs the Lions Club less than $0.08 to provide a pair of recycled eyeglasses and change someone's life.

You can drop off your old eyewear at Lions-sponsored collection boxes in your community. Typical locations include libraries, schools, community centers, places of worship, coffee shops, optometrist offices and other public locations where communities socialize and get together.

For information specific to locations in your community, contact your local Lions club. You can also package your old eyeglasses and mail them to one of two locations:
--Your nearest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center

--Lions Clubs International Headquarters
Attention: Receiving Department
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Nutty Zucchini Bread

I just took this zucchini bread out of the oven several minutes ago and it is good! I used shredded zucchini that I had frozen, along with applesauce cubes that I froze in ice cube trays the last time that I opened a jar of applesauce for a recipe. I used half splenda and half sugar. I don't use really use splenda anymore but I just wanted to use up the rest of a box that I had. Do you use a sugar substitue in recipes? Are the recipe results similar?

Nutty Zucchini Bread

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 3/4 c. all purpose and 3/4 c. wheat)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups SPLENDA(R), Granulated or sugar or similar sweetener
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat to 350. Spray an 8- x 4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside. Beat eggs and splenda on medium speed with an electric mixer for 5 minutes. Add oil, applesauce and vanilla; beat at medium speed 1 minute. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until blended. Stir in zucchini and walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake 40 minutes or until done. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Serves 12.

Calories 160 Protein 4g Fat 10g Fiber 1g Sugar 2g

Meatless Chili

I made this chili last weekend and I loved it. It has a meaty texture and look to it with the lentils. This is recipe makes a large amount - 16 servings! I don't have a pot big enough or a need for that amount, so I cut it approximately in half. The recipe didn't seem very spicy or unique--just a basic tasting chili, but still good. We like spicy and complex chili flavors, so I doctored it up quite a bit with extra spices.
If you have a favorite chili recipe but want to make it meatless, I suggest using the spices that your recipe recommends. I'm always looking for new chili recipes to try (any type of meat) so if you have a favorite, leave me the recipe or link in the comments!


Low Fat Meatless Chili

1 pound lentils (dry) (I used brown)
8 cups water
40 ounces stewed or crushed tomatoes -- no salt added
60 ounces kidney beans -- dark, light or mixed
1 each chopped onion
1 each bell pepper -- chopped
3 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons cumin powder
1 1/2 tablespoons ground red pepper
3 cups water

Bring water to boil in Dutch oven. Wash lentils and add to water. Cover, cook on high until boiling, then simmer on low heat, covered, for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove lentils from heat, drain and return to Dutch oven. Add stewed tomatoes, undrained kidney beans and chopped vegetables and 2 cups of water. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Add seasonings, stirring occasionally. Add remaining water, if desired, to dilute consistency. Let simmer for at least 2 hours or cook in a slow cooker on low for the day. Makes 16 10-ounce servings.

Praline-Crowned Brie

This is one of my favorite appetizers to take to a party/holiday. It goes great with wine. Trader Joe's usually has good prices on brie. Sometimes I just buy the wedge and use that instead of a round of brie - it doesn't look as fancy though. While the white rind is edible, it makes it harder to scoop, so I just carefully scrape most of the rind off of the top with a knife. I've been asked to bring this to gatherings several different times.

Praline-Crowned Brie

1 15-ounce round Brie cheese (I usually buy a wedge from Trader Joe's)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Place Brie on a pie plate, scrape white rind off top of round or wedge if desired. Cover with nuts. Pat brown sugar over nuts. Drizzle with maple syrup. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or till sugar is lightly golden and Brie is warm, but not runny. If desired, garnish with some fresh strawberries. Serve the warm Brie immediately with crackers, french bread rounds, or GF crackers. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Sweet 'n' Spicy Roasted Corn

I made this recipe tonight using corn that I had cut off the cob and froze. I just thawed the corn, mixed the butter and seasonings, and just stirred it into the corn. It gave the corn a nice flavor, but wasn't too spicy.


Sweet 'n' Spicy Roasted Corn

6 large ears sweet corn in husks
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Carefully peel back corn husks and remove silk. Rewrap corn in husks and soak corn in cold water for 1 hour. Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan or in the microwave, melt butter. Add the garlic, brown sugar, red pepper flakes and chili powder. Serve with grilled corn.

Calorie 163 Fat: 6 g Cholesterol: 10 mg Sodium: 62 mg Carb: 29 g Fiber: 4 g Protein: 5 g

Donating Used Athletic Shoes

**This is part of a series of posts highlighting ways in which you can donate to community organizations and help others even when your budget doesn't have room for monetary support.

Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program collects old, worn-out athletic shoes for recycling, transforming them into Nike Grind, a material used in creating athletic and playground surfaces as well as select Nike products.The best part about this is that Nike accepts ALL brands of athletic shoes (but only athletic shoes). Drop off up to 10 pairs of shoes to any Reuse-A-Shoe collection location, which can be found at Nike retail stores, universities, athletic clubs, special events or at one of the National Recycling Coalition centers across the country. Due to limited capacity of the drop off locations, they can only accept 10 per donation. If you wish to collect more, you need to apply to host a drive. Everyone has old tennis shoes that aren’t good enough to pass on for others to wear, but hate to just throw in the garbage.

Soles 4 Souls collected new or gently used shoes to distribute to those who are in need domestically and internationally. Many Americans, including myself, take for granted owning several (or many) pairs of shoes. However, much of the world’s population cannot afford even one pair of adequate shoes. You can participate by shipping your family’s new or gently worn shoes to one of the warehouse facilities or drop them off at one of the participation locations. There were quite a few near me, so hopefully they are abundant across the country. If you plan to collect more than 10 pair, you can sponsor a shoe drive by volunteering to collect and package shoes from your area. For more information contactinfo@giveshoes.org.