Mini Mac Appetizers

I have been on the hunt for some easy, make ahead party appetizers and I think I have found it- three cheese mini macs. Thank you to Jenna at Eat Drink Pretty for sharing this idea. I can't imagine how the American cheese will taste in these apps, but the recipe sure does sound yummy. I can't wait to serve these at my next party.

The recipe can be found on the Food & Wine website.

Paula Deen's sons also have a killer Mini Macaroni Pie recipe...I can't figure out which one looks better...Food & Wine or Paula Deen?! I may just have to make both and have a macaroni taste off.

Click here for the Deen's brothers recipe.

Paula's Pumpkin Gooey Cake

Yum, Yum, Yummmm...I cannot get enough of Paula Deen's Pumpkin Gooey Cake. This recipe is so easy to make and a definite crowd pleaser. Although perfect for the holidays, I think that I am going to make this all year long. I discovered this recipe on Food Network and knew that it had to be something good...1921 reviews...way to go Paula!


Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1 egg
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter, and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well. Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey.

Serve with fresh whipped cream.

Variations: For a Pineapple Gooey Cake: Instead of the pumpkin, add a drained 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.

For a Banana Gooey Cake: Prepare cream cheese filling as directed, beating in 2 ripe bananas instead of the pumpkin. Proceed as directed above.

For a Peanut Butter Gooey Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix. Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese filling instead of the pumpkin. Proceed as directed above.