{in the kitchen with Sam} Perfect Pumpkin Roll

{Pumpkin Roll}
1 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup Libby's Pumpkin Puree
3 eggs
{Filling}
8 oz. whipped cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tbls. melted butter

Last Fall, I started baking. I suppose I have baked before last Fall but never with success, so I count last year as when I started. Fall was a perfect time because it was pumpkin season and I really wanted to make a pumpkin roll. I found a recipe online and as I read through the directions it had this whole towel scenario with words like "no sticking" and "carefully wrap", so I made pumpkin cheesecake muffins. They were fantastic! Then I tried my hand at pumpkin cupcakes and made hand whipped cream for the first time ever. My two girlfriends loved them, so my confidence grew. I found myself back at the pumpkin roll recipe, and one random weeknight, I went for it. Best decision ever. Not only did I successfully roll it, but Chris loved it. And since I've mentioned his pickiness for dessert before, that is a big deal for me. Christina also loved the pumpkin roll, so in honor of Matt cooking us lobster cakes tonight and Chris having to travel this week, I thought I'd surprise my boo's with a yummy treat!

My trusty sidekick in action, mixing up the first five dry ingredients.

Then we added the pumpkin puree and eggs for COLOR!

You're supposed to use a 10x15 jelly roll pan that you grease up, but I only have 12x17 pans, so I don't use the whole pan when I spread out the batter.

As it bakes for 14 minutes in a 350 degree oven, you take a picture of the cutest little helper!

I didn't take any pictures of rolling it up because it took both of my hands, and has to be done quick so the wax paper pulls off without tearing up the pumpkin-y goodness. Basically you spread out a towel and dump a lot of powdered sugar on it. Then you remove the roll from the pan and flip it over onto the towel. Remove the wax paper slowly, and then roll it up with the towel and let cool. It may not sound all the difficult now...

As it cooled, we started to whip up the filling. Hey, if you ever want a three year old out of your hair, have them scoop cream cheese into a bowl. It takes foooooorever. "It keeps sticking Mommy!" yelled Sam. (note to self: this is awesome!)

Add the remaining filling ingredients, for a yummy, whipped cream cheese-y delight!

Once the roll has cooled, spoon on the filling and roll back up. Then take pictures of the beautiful pumpkin spiral!

Since we are surprising Chris and Christina, we didn't taste test it, so again no "Sam" of approval...yet. I know she will be digging in tonight. Finally, another attempt at a food blogger picture.