THE Best Pumpkin Bars

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October around our house is the only time of year we make two recipes.  Chicken Enchiladas and Pumpkin Bars.  The enchiladas are Nate’s favorite meal and he always picks Pumpkin Bars to take to work for his birthday.

I will not be sharing the Chicken Enchilada recipe with you because it looks like barf and I dry heave while making it.  I made Nate his own special birthday enchiladas last night while I ate toast…to settle my stomach.  True story.  He told me they were so good that I should open my own Mexican restaurant.  Those of you who know me are dying laughing.  (I am the world’s pickiest eater and Mexican doesn’t make my list.  And I don’t cook.)  I think he was serious about them tasting good. 

I will, however, share with you our pumpkin bar recipe.  I know there are lots of pumpkin bar recipes out there but these are truly the best.  You can trust me.  I’m a pharmacist.  People trust pharmacists.  (P.S. Our food photography needs improvement.)

Pumpkin Bars and Frosting

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  • 4 eggs
  • 1 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 16 oz can pumpkin
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt

Beat together in large bowl: eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until well blended.  In another bowl mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well mixed.  Add dry mixture to large bowl.  Mix well.  Pour into long ungreased cookie pan.  Bake at 350 degrees 23-30 minutes.

FROSTING (You know, the best part.  We usually double the following.):

  • 1 3 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Cream together cream cheese and butter.  Add vanilla and powdered sugar.  Put on cooled pumpkin bars. 

Always keep in the fridge.  Can be frozen.

What’s your favorite pumpkin recipe?  Anyone else sacrifice their own well-being to cook for their dear husband?

Addictive Crunch

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It’s time for another deliciously healthy recipe from Decor and the Dog.

I was responsible for Treat Day last Friday.  I feel that every day is treat day at work.  Birthdays, holidays, Fridays of pay week, Flag day, etc.  but that’s besides the point.

I am always in need of a recipe for a quick treat.

One recipe that never fails me is Addictive Crunch.  It’s from Nate’s mom.  And it’s fabulous.  Can you go wrong with cereal covered in a sugary/buttery mixture?

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Addictive Crunch:

  • 12 oz. Crispix
  • 1 can peanuts
  • 1 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter
  • 1/3 c. white Karo syrup

Mix brown sugar, butter, and karo syrup in a microwave safe bowl.  Bring to a boil.  Add 1/8 tsp. baking soda.

Pour over cereal and nuts.  (I place this mixture 9 x 13 casserole dish.)  Microwave for 5 minutes, stirring every minute.  Spread evenly on waxed paper or aluminum foil to cool.  Eat up!

I usually take this and Puppy Chow on the same day.  I bring cups for my employees to place the treats in.  What boss wants their employees hanging out in the break room all day?  I’m all about increasing productivity.

What’s your favorite quick treat recipe?  Do share!

Linking up to: Remodelaholic

A Lotta Chip Cookies

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Today we would like to share with you a recipe introduced to us by my grandmother.

A Lotta Chip Cookies contain “a lotta” chips.  Hence the name.  They are a delicious combination of about every kind of baking chip imaginable.  Makes you want to eat a lotta them…

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A Lotta Chip Cookies

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup each:
    • milk chocolate chips
    • semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • peanut butter chips
    • white chocolate chips
    • butterscotch chips

Combine sugars and wet ingredients. Combine dry ingredients.  Mix together.  Add chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoonful 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for ~10-12 minutes.  Cool 1 minute and then move to wire rack.

What’s your favorite recipe from Grams?  Any big week-end plans?  I think we’re headed to a hot air balloon festival.  Should be interesting!