This is one yummy dessert. I used the cake mixture on the bottom as a crust as others suggested. It was very good, but I might try it as stated in the recipe. My "crust" tended to bubble up and form waves instead of staying an even layer. If I try this again... and I'm sure I'll try it again... i'll only use half of the cake mixture since I loved the pumpkin taste and would have liked a little more of that yummy pumpkin in each bite. This is an easy and tasty dessert that I'd reccoment to anyone.

I've tried this recipe several times now... using several of the variations. I have to tell you though, this recipe is missing something. It's neither moist nor is it mouthwatering. I substituted the shortening for oil and that helped. I'm very disappointed though as I wanted a good "from scratch" recipe. This isn't it. Another problem is that there is a subtle after taste to it. I think it's from the baking powder. I reduced the called for baking powder in subsequent cakes, but even in the chocolate cake I could taste it a little. I think of all of them the chocolate or spice cakes have a beter taste than the yellow or white. Another problem I have with this cake is the texture. Because it's not moist it has a sort of gummy or chewy texture instead of a nice light taste. My first bite felt like a letdown after the work of making a cake from scratch. I really wanted this cake to work. I think that in a pinch I might use it again, but would probably look elsewhere. On the plus side, I think this recipe allows you to claim a cake as your own... from start to finish everything you put into this cake is at your discretion. You can alter the taste depending on the flavorings you add or detract. I just wish I could get a better texture from it. I may try it one more time and see if I can figure out a way to get rid of that chewy texture.

If you use food coloring instead of paste you're going to end up with pink cookies. Use paste instead to get a true red color. The cookies themselves are yummy and pretty! I love sugarplum's picture in this recipe. Her cookies always rock!!