pumpking baking

i really enjoy when i have the chance to bake,
especially when the weather starts to cool off.
which it has the last couple of weeks.

fall is definitely in full swing.
which means it is the perfect time to try some new pumpkin recipes!

First, I made Pumpkin Bars

4 eggs
1 C vegetable oil
16 oz can of pumpkin
(I use the 29 oz can to make them super moist)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 2/3 Cup Sugar
2 Cups Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1.In mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil & pumpkin.
2.Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Gradually add flour mixture to pumpkin mix.
4. Pour into un-greased 15x10x1 inch pan
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

while it is baking, whip up a batch of this Cream Cheese Frosting to top it off:

8 oz cream cheese
6 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon milk
2 Cups Powdered Sugar

(no one said it was healthy)

Then Rob started asking for a Pumpkin Pie.
So I made him a deal:
He got the crust from the grocery store: Thanks, Marie Calendar!
and I made the pie filling and whipped cream.
easy compromise.
I have a great pie crust recipe (Grand Champion at the County Fair, baby!)
but I think that I still need to get it from mom.
For now, Marie did just fine :)


And on Sunday morning, we decided we just hadn't had enough pumpkin in one weekend...
we L.O.V.E breakfast around here.
we make breakfast (bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles, french toast) at least twice each weekend.
Rob does the bacon and eggs.
I'm in charge of the carbs. :)
so I set out to make Pumpkin Pancakes from scratch.

2 Cups Flour
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 Cup milk
1 egg
1 Cup pumpkin puree
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons vinegar

1. Combine milk, pumpkin, egg, oil & vinegar in bowl.
2. In other bowl, combine the rest.
3. Slowly add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, mixing well.
4. Heat griddle to medium/high and make some cakes!

This recipe is now at the top of our "favorite list."
with a little powdered sugar and syrup, it was delicious..mmmmm.
scrumptuous.
and I'm sure it will be any time of the year.

so while the pumpkin filling is well-stocked on the store shelves,
go get some.
and try one (or all!) of these recipes.
it's totally worth it.