Fall Fun — Yummy Pumpkin Favorites

What a difference a week can make. And not just in the political season, but in nature’s seasons, as well. Just this past week, the leaves in our area finally put on a show for us. For a couple of glorious days, we enjoyed trees peaking with color and leaves dancing their way to the ground. One here, one there — just the right amount to create a peaceful scene. But then the winds swept in, and the gentle dance became a chaotic flurry.

So now, before the Christmas season sneaks up on us and autumn slips completely away, I’m in a flurry to do something to celebrate fall here on Cheryl’s R & R. For the next few days, let’s have some fall fun. Let’s talk about our favorite pumpkin foods and treats.

Me? I’m not a fan of pumpkin pie, but I love pumpkin bread. Made some just yesterday, in fact. I use the same recipe that my mom has used ever since I can remember, and Kristin has already adopted it as hers as well. Not sure if Kelli has tried pumpkin bread yet :) For me and my family, though, pumpkin bread speaks of comfort, of home, of good memories.

Your turn now :) What’s your yummy pumpkin favorite? Tell us with a comment — and feel free to post the recipe if you have time. I’ll include mine below along with a little something to feed your soul. Come on and join the fall fun!

Pumpkin Bread

Cream: 2 & 3/4 c. sugar and 1 c. Crisco shortening
Add: 3 eggs, one at a time and then approx. 2 c. pumpkin

Mix together the following and then add to above mixture and stir by hand:
3 & 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. soda
3/4 t. cloves
1 t. nutmeg
3/4 t. allspice
1 t. cinnamon
2 t. salt (scant)

Grease 2 loaf pans. Divide dough into pans and bake at 325 for 1 hr. 15 min (depends on your oven — mine takes about 1 hr. 5 min). Cool on wire rack & then add glaze: powdered sugar, boiling water (doesn’t take much) & a little vanilla. Freezes well.

And now something yummy for your soul:

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

*Don’t forget to tell us about your favorite pumpkin treat — and maybe even leave a recipe! :)

*Flickr photo by PlayfulLibrarian

Comments

  1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies of course!

    2 cups flour
    1 cup granulated sugar
    1 cup quick or old fashioned oats uncooked
    1 egg, slightly beaten
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 teaspoon vanilla
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1 cup canned pumpkin
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 cup semi-sweet choc. chips
    1 cup butter or margarine, softened
    1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

    Preheat oven 350 degrees. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Cream butter; gradually add sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well after each addition. Stir in morsels. Drop dough on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes until cookies are firm and lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets; cool on racks.

  2. I second Debbie’s recipe! I tried them out this week and they are a hit around here! :) Yummy!!!

    Mom (and Grandma’s) pumpkin bread is one of my favorite recipes of all time. The recipe also works well to use the mixer for adding the dry ingredients too. I usually use a little extra cinnamon too :)

    I think a pumpkin spice coffee sounds good, so if anyone has a recipe, post it here for me!

  3. Debbie, when Kristin first mentioned the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies to me, I couldn’t imagine chocolate and pumpkin together, but she said they are really good. Goes to show chocolate can go with anything! :)

  4. Mine has to be Pumpkin Dump Cake. My grandma made it one year and it quickly became a family favorite!

    Pumpkin Dump Cake

    4 eggs
    1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    1 tsp vanilla
    2 tsp cinnamon
    1/4 tsp nutmeg
    1 15 oz can of pumpkin
    1 can Milnot evaporated milk
    1 stick butter
    1 yellow cake mix, dry
    Pecans, walnuts, or your favorite nuts.
    Cool whip

    Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla. Add spices. Mix well. Add pumpkin and Milnot. Mix. Pour into a 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over top. Melt butter and pour over cake mix. Sprinkle nuts over top. Bake at 350 degress for 25-30 minutes.

    Top with cool whip!

  5. Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

    4 eggs
    1 2/3 C. sugar
    1 C. oil
    1 (16oz) can pumpkin
    2 C. all purpose flour
    2 tsp. baking powder
    2 tsp. cinnamon
    1 tsp. salt
    1 tsp. baking soda

    Mix together the first 4 ingredients until light and fluffy. Set aside. Mix together remaining dry ingredients and then add to pumpkin mixture. Mix thoroughly. Spread batter in ungreased 15x10x1 baking pan (jellyroll pan). Bake 350 for 25-30 minutes. Cool and frost with frosting below:

    1 (3oz.) cream cheese, softened
    1/2 C. margarine
    1 tsp. vanilla
    2 C. powdered sugar

    Whew…you don’t know what you’re asking of me to post a recipe. The fact that I have one to offer is a stretch. Alas, I’m a better baker than cook. There’s a difference. This is one of my personal favorites for pumpkin.

    Can’t wait to try all of these.

    peace~elaine

  6. My daughter made this recipe up herself – when she was 9! They are delicious.

    Pumpkin Twists

    1 can crescent rolls
    pumpkin pie filling
    apple slices
    cream cheese frosting

    Unroll crescent rolls and divide into triangles. Place an apple slice and a spoon full of pumpkin pie filling in each, and roll up. Bake according to crescent roll directions. Spread with frosting, and enjoy!

  7. Lisa, Elaine, & Renae, thanks for posting recipes! I love the side notes you’ve all included, too :)

  8. Hi Cheryl,
    I recently went to a gathering and someone had made pumpkin cupcakes using creamcheese icing! DELICIOUS!

    I wish I knew the recipe but I don’t.

    Have a great fall week.
    Sonya

  9. I love pumpkin pie and always miss my mother this time of year. She was such a wonderful cook. I am not much of a cook. I do just enough to keep the family alive, but I may try your pumpkin bread recipe and use it as gifts this season.
    Thanks! See you soon.

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