My Aunt Louise was one of those very special people who could always find the good in others, who was genuine and sweet, and she had the magical powers to mix zucchini with chocolate and come out with the best chocolate cake ever. I thought she was amazing.
One year as a gift for my Mom, I came up with the idea of putting together a cookbook with recipes from all my aunts and cousins. The recipe Aunt Louise shared was for her pumpkin roll. Talk about off the charts – her pumpkin roll literally takes the cake! I have made the pumpkin roll many times and look forward each holiday season to pulling out that recipe card she sent. Since she is no longer with us, I love seeing that card, thinking of her and remembering what a fabulous cook and wonderful lady she was.
I hope you and your family enjoy this delicious treat as much as we do!
Louise’s Pumpkin Cake Roll
Cake:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Filling:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup candied cherries
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a mixer on high for five minutes. Gradually beat in the 1 cup of sugar. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. In a small bowl, stir together flour and other dry ingredients. Fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread batter in a greased and floured 15x10x1 jelly roll pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Immediately invert cake onto a flour-sack towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Roll cake and towel up together. Cool completely. Unroll cake. In a mixing bowl beat 1 cup powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla with mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over cake. Reroll cake, cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Cut into 1-inch slices and garnish with cherries. Makes 10-12 servings.
* Note: You can substitute pecans for walnuts or make without nuts. You can also garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, glazed nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Happy Holidays and Happy Entertaining!
Savvy Entertaining 
Shanna,
I just took time to puruse your blog today. What a surprise to find mom’s recipe featured on your blog! Thanks so much for your kind words about her. She really did enjoy cooking and baking and did a good job of it too.
Hi Twylia,
Thanks for checking out the blog. Your Mom was just an extra special lady – and a great cook to boot! I’m so glad we have so many good memories and recipes of her to share!
Happy New Year!
Shanna
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