Thursday, December 30, 2010

Holiday Dessert | Praline Pumpkin Cake



Praline Pumpkin Cake

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup (from 15-oz can) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon Allspice
1/2 teaspoon Cardamon
1 container (1 lb) Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy cream cheese frosting
Caramel topping
Additional coarsely chopped pecans, if desired

1. Heat oven to 325°F. In 1-quart heavy saucepan, stir together butter,
whipping cream and brown sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally,
just until butter is melted. Pour into 2 (9- or 8-inch) round cake pans;
sprinkle evenly with 3/4 cup pecans.
2. In large bowl, beat cake mix, pumpkin, milk, oil, eggs and 1 teaspoon of
the pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on low speed until moistened.
Beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Carefully spoon batter over pecan
mixture in each pan.
3. Bake 43 to 45 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly
in center. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool
completely, about 1 hour.
4. Stir remaining 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into frosting. To assemble
cake, place 1 layer, praline side up, on serving plate. Spread with half of
the frosting. Top with second layer, praline side up; spread remaining
frosting to edge of layer. Drizzle with caramel topping and additional
pecans. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Australian Owl Bedding



I don't know why but I just seem to adore Australian bedding. It just seems way cuter than what is available here in the US. This owl bedding is super cute.

I have ordered from this company in the past and my bedding arrived just fine.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Vintage Retro Poker Set from my Etsy Store


I am a collector and seller of vintage. Here is something fun and useful for over the holidays. I love the colors in this set. I had so much fun photographing it. Items like these are available on my Alicia Hanson Etsy store, click on over.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Holiday pictures





I was feeling the Christmas Spirit around the house the other day and clicked off some photos of some of my holiday decor.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Felt acorns



Came across these felt acorns on Etsy today made by Portland seller Green Baboon Designs. I think I want to buy some and make them into earrings.
So wonderful.