What an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend it was! Filled with laughter, cherished moments, and delectable food, it truly felt like a perfect celebration. We embraced every opportunity to connect with friends and family, momentarily setting aside the bittersweet reality that we’re moving away in just three short weeks. The thought of relocating, even for exciting new adventures in California, weighed gently on our hearts, making these gatherings all the more precious.
There was a running joke throughout the weekend: “Maybe we should have just stayed home and watched TV. Then we’d be bored and ready to pack for California!” But in hindsight, we wouldn’t trade a single moment. Our weekend was a tapestry of beautiful experiences: a refreshing hike amidst the breathtaking mountains, a fantastic barbeque brimming with delicious food – I even contributed my signature Mexican Bean Salad, which was a huge hit – and the company of incredible friends. We capped it all off with a delightful treat of amazing macarons alongside Eric’s sister at a charming local gelato shop. Each activity underscored the beauty of our current home and the wonderful people who make it special, making the impending move a topic of mixed emotions.
Speaking of family, I wanted to take a moment to shine a spotlight on Eric’s sister, Clairice. She is an exceptionally talented graphic designer with an eye for unique aesthetics, whose creativity has recently earned her a semifinalist spot in a contest over at Spoonflower.com. Her entry, dubbed “Retro Tech,” truly stands out, showcasing her innovative design prowess. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments! To advance further in the competition, she’ll need community votes for three other designs she plans to submit, with voting expected to open in about a week. I’ll definitely keep you all updated so you can rally some support for her incredible work. In fact, Clairice is also the brilliant mind behind the design of this very blog, a testament to her versatile talent and commitment to her craft. She truly is the best, and her passion for design inspires us all.
Our Memorial Day barbeque wasn’t just about good food; it was also a poignant occasion for reflection and remembrance. We gathered, shared stories, and honored the incredible sacrifices made by our relatives who served in the armed forces. Hearing everyone’s personal narratives was deeply moving and highlighted the profound impact military service has had on countless families. It prompted me to reflect on my own family’s history, particularly my grandpa, who served during World War II. I felt a twinge of sadness realizing that I couldn’t recall a single specific story about his time in service. He has passed away, but this realization has spurred me to speak with my dad soon and learn more about his experiences. It’s vital to preserve these stories and ensure the legacy of their courage and dedication lives on.
While I may not remember specific anecdotes, I know we still cherish tangible pieces of his wartime journey. We have the very bedrolls he slept on during his service, silent witnesses to a pivotal era in history. Additionally, we possess a hammer that my grandma used while working on airplanes for the war effort. I’m unsure whether she was involved in building new aircraft or meticulously fixing existing ones, but either way, her contribution to the war effort was significant. These items, though simple, serve as powerful reminders of the dedication and resilience of our family during a time of global conflict. It underscores the broader narrative of Memorial Day – a day not just for picnics and gatherings, but for deep gratitude and historical remembrance.
With our move fast approaching, we’ve embarked on the monumental task of clearing out our pantry and freezer. This culinary mission has turned into a fun and creative challenge, inspiring new recipes and minimizing waste. During one of these “pantry raid” sessions, I stumbled upon a box of carrot cake mix that I had purchased ages ago, with the initial intention of baking a cake for Eric, who absolutely adores carrot cake. Confession time: I’m not the biggest fan of traditional carrot cake myself. While I appreciate its classic charm, my heart usually gravitates towards anything chocolate. So, the cake mix lingered, waiting for its moment.
Then, a flash of culinary brilliance struck! Why make a cake when you can make cookies? And just like that, the idea for these incredible Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches was born. This ingenious twist transformed a forgotten pantry item into something truly spectacular. I must admit, these cookie sandwiches are far superior to any carrot cake I’ve ever tasted – and that’s high praise coming from me! They offer all the beloved flavors of carrot cake in a delightful, portable, and infinitely more enjoyable format. Plus, the sheer speed of making them is a game-changer. These delightful treats come together in a fraction of the time it takes to bake and frost a full cake, making them a perfect, quick dessert option for busy days or impromptu gatherings. They’ve quickly become a new family favorite, cementing their place in our recipe rotation long after the move.
Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 box carrot cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese or neufchatel, softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, half stick, softened to room temperature
- 1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (such as a Silpat). In a large mixing bowl, beat together the carrot cake mix, eggs, and oil until well combined. The resulting cookie dough will be quite stiff, which is perfectly normal.
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Take rounded teaspoons of the prepared dough and roll them into small, uniform balls. Place these dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, ensuring adequate spacing between each. Gently press each ball down with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them. This will help them bake more evenly and achieve that perfect cookie shape.
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Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is crucial before frosting to prevent melting.
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While the cookies are baking and cooling, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Finally, add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and completely smooth.
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To assemble these delightful cookie sandwiches, spread approximately one tablespoon of the prepared cream cheese frosting onto the flat side of half of the cooled cookies. Then, gently top each frosted cookie with one of the remaining plain cookies, creating a delicious sandwich. Store the assembled Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches in a sealed container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and fresh. However, if you plan on devouring them all immediately, rest assured, no one is judging! Enjoy your irresistible homemade treats!