October's Bakin' Friends

** Note ** This was supposed to be posted on Halloween. Due to Hurricane Sandy- I was unable to get into my office and retrieve my camera so I could post the pictures. I meant to post the text (since my pictures kind of stink anyway) but time kind of got away from me. I apologize to Erin and Steph!


It's time for this month's installment of  Bakin' Friends, a baking swap called Bakin' Friends hosted by Stephanie of Steph's Bite by Bite. Each monthfeatures a new "secret ingredient" and different participant match ups. 

This month's secret ingredient was pumpkin. Although I've often indulged in pumpkin treats, I've never actually cooked with it- so I was eager to try it. I made Pumpkin Toffee Cookies- which you can read about over at Erin's blog The Spiffy Cookie. 

I was a bit dopey this month and totally forgot to let Steph know that I was in for the swap. Duhr. Luckily- Erin forgot as well so we were able to be paired up. 

I was so excited to receive my pumpkin treat from her- and they certainly lived up to my excitement. 

Wait until you taste these Pumkin Oreo Truffles- they are so unbelievably decadent, moist, chocolate-y and delicious. I've long been a fan of the traditional oreo truffles- made with cream cheese, but I'm a convert!

I have to apologize for the lack of pictures. My camera is on the fritz- only taking 1 or 2 pictures for every 20 I snap. :-(  I need to work on getting it fixed- in the meantime I may go out and buy a point and shoot, since I'd like to have one anyhow for quick pics on the go. (Recommendations, anyone?)

I totally brought these to work and left them there to keep them away from my husband (who happens to be an Oreo Truffle FIEND!) Best. Idea. Ever. I brought them home on Friday with about 8 left and he ate them all. In about 5 minutes. 

Anyway, the secret to these babies is subbing canned pumpkin puree for the cream cheese. The result is super moist and super rich and, I like to believe, super HEALTHIER!! I mean, pumpkin is a vegetable. A veggie in a dessert?! Genius!

Do yourself a favor and try these ASAP!

Pumpkin Oreo Truffles (courtesy of Erin at the Spiffy Cookie)

1 package Oreo Cookies
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 bars semi sweet baker's chocolate
Decorations/toppings (optional)

In a food processor, puree oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Add in pumpkin puree and pie spice and blend well. Shape into 1" balls and freeze on a lined cookie sheet for 15 minutes. Roll in melted chocolate using 2 forks and place back on baking sheet. Sprinkle with toppings if desired. 

Let me know what you think! 


Thanks for reading!

Damn You Sandy!!

Let's start from the last time I posted. I was feeling defeated because I gained weight. Well, i'm happy to day that I was down 2.6lbs at LAST weeks weigh in. I was really happy! I had upped my calories to 1700 a day after following the advice in this My Fitness Pal post: In Place of a Road Map. Read it- you won't be sorry! 

Since that weigh in, I've been WAY WAY WAY off track. Way. My weekend started off pretty well, I was tracking, watching my intake. When the threat of Hurricane Sandy became real, I drove off the road (metaphorically speaking.) I was in the house with Halloween candy. Ice cream. Chips. Nothing good came of that. I've eaten more chocolate since Monday than I have in the last 2 years. 

We were so VERY VERY lucky not to have gotten any damage from the storm. Everyone I know is alive and safe. Our home came out unscathed and we already have power back. I know many people whose homes were severely damaged or completely ruined, there are almost a million people without power here on Long Island. My prayers go out to all those who have lost so much. :-( If anyone in my area (Western Suffolk County, south shore) needs somewhere to shower, watch the news or charge electronics please contact me!

anyway, weigh in isn't until tomorrow morning, but I'm fully expecting to have gained back that 2.6 lbs. We shall see. 

I had a fully clothed, afternoon preview weigh in at the doctor today and (as expected) I was up. I'm curious to see how my nekkid morning weigh in will go.

More on my doctor appointment and what he suggests:

• Do mostly non-weight bearing exercise like the elliptical machine or swimming. This would be difficult as I don't belong to a gym, but I'm going to stick with low impact exercise- walking, C25K and continue with Zumba. 
• Follow the South Beach Diet. This one I am TOTALLY on board with. I even have the book already (some where :-/). His reasoning is sound- the medication I take daily makes it difficult for the body to process starches and thus makes it difficult to lose weight! I never knew this.
• Having my thyroid checked. I'd love to have something to blame my fatty fatness on, but I'm doubting anything will come of the tests. 

If anyone has any South Beach Friendly recipes, feel free to pass them along. 

I know I seem to jump around A TON on this blog, when I actually post, that is. I'm just trying to find my way and it isn't easy. Please have patience with me and continue to offer up your advice. 

Thanks for reading!