Napier!

We headed down to Napier for a couple days because we had tickets to the Canada vs. France rugby game down there (5 hour drive from Auckland). Canada unfortunately lost, but there were tons of Canadians in Napier partying so it was still pretty cool and lots of fun.

Fellow Canadian (R) and wannabe Canadian (L)

We slept in the car that night, then for the next two nights got a Groupon for the Navigate hotel in Napier which was beautiful and brand new... spent the next few days taking it easy and exploring the Hawkes Bay area aka WINERIES!!

Sileni Winery

Did a little walk up the Te Mata Peak, nice view from up there.

Sheepies up Te Mata Peak

Napier was a neat little town... Art Deco capital of the world apparently, lots of older looking buildings and people dressed in crazy clothes.

Taking it easy for the next little while, we did go to the Samoa vs. Fiji game a few days ago but in the meantime, saving some funds! Going to the bach this weekend (about an hour away) on the beach. Weather is getting a bit warmer woohoo!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies!

Well, although it isn't Fall here in New Zealand, in my head it still is so I thought I'd make an Autumn-inspired treat and they're soooo goood....

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

Om nom nom