Deck the Malls: Black Friday Survival Guide

source: digitaltrends.com

Ready, Set, Shop. The dishes aren't even cleared from the Thanksgiving table and shoppers are off to the mall to get the season started with a cha-ching. Black Friday has become a sporting event that some savvy shoppers look forward to all year. So before you find yourself among the elbow throwing crazies, here are a few simple tips to make the day both economical and enjoyable.

Black Friday 101:

-Do your homework. My basic rule for saving money and time is to shop prepared. Make your list ahead and preview the items that are on sale. Most large retailers like, Target, JCPenney and Kohls have already released their Black Friday circular online. You can even use a site like theBlackFriday.com to see all the ads available in one place.

-Load up on apps. Make sure your phone is loaded and updated with all the apps you need for your shopping day. Apps can be helpful to price compare and even provide additional discounts. My favorites are Target Cartwheel and Brad's Black Friday.

-Map it. Driving around is not where you want to spend your day. Map your route ahead to maximize time, parking and gas. 

-Shop with a buddy. Everything is more fun with a pal. There is a practical reason to shopping with a friend on BF. Parking will be an issue everywhere, so consolidating cars is both courteous and efficient. Also, split up and tackle different departments or shops for each other. If you do shop with a buddy, make sure you both have a game plan before you head out. Know how much time you both have, where you want to go and how you will divide and conquer.

-Take regular "rest" breaks. Seems like an obvious one, but getting caught up in the pace of power shopping can sometimes leave you in an uncomfortable situations. Take bathroom breaks regularly even if its not urgent. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in line for 30 minutes or trying to get out of a crowded parking lot and realizing you waited too long.

-Stay powered up and refreshed. Keep some power snacks in your purse and drink plenty of water. Getting overly hungry can make you edgy, but be courteous and do not take drinks or snacks in the stores. Crowded aisles and loaded carts may result in you or the merchandise wearing your Snickers bar.

-Layer up. It may be quite chilly outside, but often the inside of a store can be quite warm. Wear clothing that is comfortable and not bulky. Carrying around a big puffy coat through a crowded store will not make you happy or popular.

-You may be shopping but they are working. Finally, keep in mind that you may be in the store for 45 minutes, but the folks behind the register are looking at 8 hours ahead starting at the crack of dawn. Be respectful and polite to employees who are likely spread way too thin.

Have fun. Enjoy the festive vibe and be patient. Don't plan on a quick trip to any retailer on BF. If you are in a hurry you will only find yourself frustrated. Instead, raise your peppermint mocha and wish your fellow shoppers a Happy Black Friday! 

Makin' Whoopie Wednesday: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

It's fall y'all! With that comes the appearance of everything pumpkin. When I posted on Instagram and Twitter (so if you're not following us yet, you could be missing out.) this picture of my hubby's weekly dessert feature, I got many requests for the recipe. So, Whoopie!, here it is. You can thank my wonderful fella for it. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese 

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FILLING

3 cups confectioners' sugar

¼ teaspoon maple extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


PUMPKIN WHOOPIE COOKIES

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 1/4 cups brown sugar

½ cup olive oil

½ cup rice bran oil or canola

3 cups pumpkin puree, chilled

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Making the Cookies -

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Using parchment paper or silicone baking mat line two cookie sheets and set aside. Mix by hand the following ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. (If you are in a pinch, you can use a basic pumpkin pie spice blend instead of the individual spices). In a second large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil, mix well. Continue adding eggs, vanilla. Fold in chilled pumpkin puree. Sift  in flour mixture to bowl containing the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated.

Drop even and heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake 15 minutes or until cookies are cooked in the center (check with toothpick inserted in center). When the cookies are cool to the touch, but still warm, take half of the cookies and turn them upside down. Press gently until you create a flat bottom, these will be your “bottom” cookies. Allow all cookies to cool completely on pan.

Making the Filling -

Sift confectioner' sugar into a medium bowl; set aside. Using a mixer and a paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined. Add confectioners' sugar, maple extract and vanilla, beat until smooth.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Transfer filling to a pastry bag or use a large food storage bag and snip the end. Pipe a large dollop of filling on the “bottom” side of the cookies, but do not overfill. Make sure that your cookies are completely cooled. Add a "top" cookie that has no filling to each filled  "bottom" cookie to create a sandwich. Gently press the "top" cookie to move the filling to the edge of the sandwich. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Dust the top of the whoopie pies with confectioner's sugar right before serving if desired.