A Little Holiday Baking

I didn’t have to be at work until 2 today, so this morning I tried to be productive. I straightened up the house, got my class work organized (tomorrow is my last night of class) and got started on my holiday baking.

I found a recipe for Eggnog Pound Cake in my December issue of Southern Living. There was a pound cake recipe and a variation for cupcakes with eggnog icing. I am supposed to bring a dessert to a holiday party in a couple of weeks and I think the cupcakes will be perfect! Since I have never made them before, I figured I would make the pound cake for Jon and I to enjoy, just to make sure its good (although every recipe I have used from Southern Living has been good).

Here is the pound cake recipe:

• 1 package of pound cake mix
• 1 1/4 cups eggnog
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat over to 350. Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into a lightly greased 9-by-5 inch loaf pan.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack and cool completely (about 1 hour).

**My house smelled amazing while this cake was baking. I had to try a piece as soon as it was cooled and it taste great! I think I am going to make the cupcakes for the holiday party and maybe a loaf for each of my clients.**

Here is the recipe for the cupcakes:

Prepare pound cake following the recipe above. Spoon batter into 2 (12-cup) muffin pans and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes. While muffins are cooling make the icing.

Icing recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 package (3-oz.) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 package (16 oz.) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and eggnog alternately, beginning and ending with sugar. Add nutmeg and vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread over cupcakes and enjoy.

I love baking during the holidays! What are some of your favorite holiday baked goods?

-Lauren-

**Looks like I made it, 30 posts in 30 days!! I have to admit it was a little hard to think of something to write about some days, but overall it was fun to do. While I don’t think I will keep up with a post everyday, I do want to try to post at least every other day or so.**