Martha Mondays-Molasses Spice Cake

This is my first week of the group Martha Mondays. This group was created by Martha and Me. I think that I liked this group because 1) it is laid back, if you need to miss, it's ok! and 2) it is not only cooking/baking, but also crafts.

This weeks assignment was chosen by Pru of My Life-Pru Singer and she chose this cake. This cake made me excited when I saw what it was. I am ready for fall and this cake just screamed fall to me.

So, the verdict? It's ok. The cake is moist and has the right amount of spice. A couple of the girls didn't like the cream cheese frosting, because you add sour cream and they thought it was too sour. You can definitely taste the sour cream come through, but I liked it. It is not very sweet, but the brown sugar glaze gives you the sweetness that you need. Oh, and I should warn you...if you are watching your calorie intake, this is not one that you will want to make. I can just feel the bulges in my thighs getting bigger just by thinking of the amount of butter that went into this! :)

Will I make this again? Probably not. But, I'm glad I made it. So far, one of the kids likes it, and will be a great after school snack!

You want the recipe? You can find it here.

Coffee Cake Muffins

I have done it again, staying away for too long! This summer is just flying by, and that doesn't leave a lot of time for being in the kitchen, and I am missing it! I need my therapy sessions! These muffins are easy to put together and very, very good! They are moist, dense, and you have a swirl of cinnamon in the middle, well, I say the middle...but some of my swirls were more near the bottom of the muffin than the middle, but that didn't change the taste at all. Spread the warm muffin with a pat of butter and you have total comfort!

Coffee Cake Muffins
Makes 12 muffins

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Combine first 3 ingredients; set aside.

Stir together flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together the egg, milk, and oil; add to flour mixture stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Place paper cups in muffin pans, and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon batter into each of 12 cups; sprinkle evenly with half of brown sugar mixture. Top evenly with remaining batter, and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan immediately; cool on a wire rack.