[edie52]

Ah, zoya, that sounds good, is that like a banana bread type "bread"?

Well, this Christmas will be spent with my boyfriend, both of our first away from our respective families and hometowns (and our country, actually). I want it to be fun and special. Does anyone have any ideas of things to do in a situation like ours? My ideas so far are pretty obvious, though very appealing: cooking a big dinner, drinking wine and a bit of liquor, laying in bed, taking a bath, and watching Christmas specials.

And I don't know what to get him! It should be simple. I thought about trying to knit a scarf, but then I heard something about a knitting curse (don't knit for a man until you're married). I realize how ridiculous that sounds, but I'm soooo superstitious.

[shinyx3]

drool drool, that sound yummy! i might have to make that when i get back from san diego. (going for a little trip)

[zoya]

you got it!

1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3 cups white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder

1) combine pumpkin, oil and eggs. sift together dry ingredients. Combine the two mixtures, blending thoroughly (I use a mixer)

**ok, now at this point, I taste the batter - then I start just adding more of the spices to taste. I also put a little bit of vanilla in (I never really measure, but about a teaspoon or so) I basically try to get the batter to taste just a little less deep in flavour than a pumpkin pie would. The flavours will deepen upon cooking so you don't want to make the batter taste JUST like you want it, or it will be too overpowering when it's done.

2) Pour into two greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans and bake at 300 degrees F (150 C) for 1 hour. a toothpick inserted will come out clean

3) let the loaves cool for about 5 minutes in the pans, then take out and cool completely on a rack. I actually usually cut myself a slice about 10 min after the oven - nice and warm!

[shinyx3]

oh, yummy! post your recipe?

[zoya]

I'm a gigantic fan of pumpkin bread. cheap to make, and easy to transport. I always add extra spices so it tastes more like a pumpkin pie...

[shinyx3]

chocolate no bake cookies! super easy and yummy!

[gogirlie]

I am always a fan of taking cookies to pot lucks when there are circumstances like yours. You can even get some nicely decorated ones at the grocery store and then you don't have to cook at all. Put them in your own container or a plastic bag and no one will be the wiser.

[crinoline]

Yay! I'm glad you made this thread. I have a holiday related question, so I guess I'll post here and in the Halloween thread.
I need ideas for food to bring to a Halloween party on Saturday. (I'm going as a Pirate.) It can be appetizer or dessert.
It has to be: Easy to transport (45 minute drive), Easy to make (I'm lazy), and CHEAP (college student)
Any ideas?

[shinyx3]

Oh, the holidays! The time of year that i love the best. I love the rich traditions, the silly things that remind us of holidays past, the party planning, the party going, the food, the decor, all of it. I love love love it. I thought it would be interesting to share traditions, ideas, and other holiday delights (or frights) that we busties enjoy (or hate). So share your traditions etc and what your plans are for this years holidays.