The greatest guy around! Here is at Yellowstone last summer.
Ryan's birthday was the day before Thanksgiving and we had a good time. I found this recipe I really wanted to try for a cake, and it turned out yummy. You have to understand, Ryan usually asks for pumpkin pie for his birthday (a true November-born man :)). Last year he changed it up by asked for pecan pie. This cake was kind of a mixture of the two. It is called Praline Pumpkin Torte and I thought I would share since it was so good. By the way, I didn't make any other desserts!
Praline Pumpkin Torte (Taste of Home)
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. butter
3 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
3/4 c. chopped pecans
Cake:
4 eggs
1-2/3 c. sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
2 c. canned pumpkin
1/4 tsp vanilla
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Topping:
1-3/4 c. heavy whipping cream
1/4 c. confectioner's sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
Additional chopped pecans
1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and cream. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour into two well-greased 9-inch round pans. Sprinkle with nuts; cool.
2. For cake, in a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar and oil. Add pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, pie spice, baking soda and salt. Add to pumpkin mixture and beat just until blended. Carefully spoon batter over brown sugar mixture.
3. Bake at 350* for 30-35 minutes of until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool complete.
4. For topping, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Place one cake layer praline side up on a serving plate. SPread with two-thirds of the whipped cream mixture over cake.
6. Top with second cake layer and remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional pecans if desired. Store in the regrigerator.
Ryan is a great husband. He is fun to be with and I really appreciate his love and friendship.
Ryan at dental school graduation last June with Peter and Austin. We're so proud of you!
Ryan climbing Mt. Ellinor. He loves to hike and bike. He is a good motivator for me to stay in shape.
With his medal after the Mud Run on Ft. Lewis in July.
Ryan is a great Dad. He sometimes has more patience with the kids than I do. Here they are at the beach this last summer.
Other than that, we just had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving here at home.
