Caramel Apple Pie

Nothing says fall than hot apple pie. But in truth I'm not all that keen on pie crust...So, a traditional double crusted apple pie is not my favorite...this pie however might be the most delicious combination of apple and pie ever to mingle. It has the WOW factor at first bite! 

Caramel Apple Pie

Crumb Topping:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter

Stir together brown sugar, flour and rolled oats. Cut in butter until topping is like course crumbs. Set aside.

Pie:
1 pastry crust* (You can use any crust you like. My personal favorite recipe is listed below)
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (about 3 large apples)
1 recipe crumb topping
1/2 cup pecans (optional)
1/4 cup caramel topping** (Store bought caramel works fine but I've included the recipe we use.)

Preheat oven to 375. In a large mixing bowl, stir sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Toss apples until coated. Put in pie shell and sprinkle crumb topping on top (you might have to press it down a little). Put pie on foil lined cookie sheet. Cover edges of pie with foil. Bake 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans and caramel sauce while still hot. Cool on wire rack.
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*Big-Batch Freezer Pie Crust

6 cups flour

2 tsp salt

2 1/3 cups vegetable shortening

1 1/3 cups cold water

In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add cold water all at once. Mix lightly with a fork until water is absorbed and mixture forms a ball. Divide dough into 6 equal portions; then shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly, place in freezer Ziploc bags, making them airtight.

Each ball is enough to make one 9" pie crust.

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To make crust for a pie WITHOUT top crust:

Partially thaw 1 ball of pie crust. Roll out dough to thin 11" circle. Place dough, without stretching, in a 9" pie dish. Flute edge.

If recipe calls for a baked pie crust, preheat oven to 425. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool; fill and bake as recipe directs. (HINT: if you place tin foil over shell and fill it with uncooked beans (for weight) and cook it for 8 minutes and then take beans and foil out and cook for 3-4 minutes until brown, you get a perfectly flat shell on the bottom, with no bubbles.)

To make crust for a pie WITH a top crust:

Use 2 balls of dough. Roll out 1 ball (as outlined above.) Fill pie. Roll out second ball; place top crust over filling. Seal and flute edge. Cut several slits or designs in top of crust to allow steam to escape.

-Can last well in freezer for 6 months.-
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**Buttermilk Caramel Topping:

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup real butter (no substitutions)

2 Tbsp corn syrup

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

Combine buttermilk, sugar, butter, corn syrup and baking soda in a 4 quart pan. Bring mixture to a boil. and reduce heat to low. (Make sure it is still bubbling...) Cook, stirring very frequently for 7-9 minutes or until the syrup reaches a rich golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Hoot Owl Cookies

I love holidays and I love traditions with my kids. Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. There are so many opportunities to be together doing fun fall things together...apple orchards, pumpkin patches, nature walks...and of course, fall baking. These cookies have been made in Kandi's kitchen since I was a little girl. They are adorable and the kids start asking about them as soon as October hits. 

Hoot Owl Cookies

1 3/4 cup flour (If dough is a sticky, add a little more)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp water (optional...check the consistency. It should be dough, not crumbly...but also not too sticky)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1/4 tsp soda
m&ms and cashews

Cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla well. Melt chocolate in a separate bowl. Set aside to let cool. Add dry ingredients gradually to egg mixture. Beat well. Add water if needed. Put 2/3 dough on a flour board and mix in chocolate. Roll into a log (looks like a large tootsie roll...) Roll out white dough and fold around chocolate dough. Chill 1/2-1 hour in tinfoil. Slice. Press two slices together slightly to make the eyes. Pinch ears. Add m&ms and cashews. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes. 

Baked Apple Dessert

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we are in love with picking our own apples lately. The orchards are fun and the apples are delicious! We are especially loving Zestar and Honeycrisp. But when I have fresh delicious apples in the house I have a problem. I CRAVE baked apple dessert. Its kind of apple crisp-ish except soft which in my opinion is SO MUCH BETTER. This is a childhood favorite. I love, love, love it. We may or may not have made it twice this week. And bonus, it makes a to die for breakfast. Leftovers are totally husband approved. 

Baked Apple Dessert

6 cups apples, peel and dice

Spread them in a 9X13 pan

Cover with: 

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter

1 heaping tsp cinnamon

(Note: I always double the sugar mixture. I love it gooey.)

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes

Top with one of the following:

whipped cream (again, the REAL thing...no fake stuff. ;) ), vanilla ice cream or a little half & half

Apple Pudding Cake

Fall is in the air! The weather is changing and we have been frequenting the local apple orchards. It is my favorite time of year in Minnesota and my favorite time to bake all things apple and pumpkin. This recipe is one that I have enjoyed for as long as I can remember. It is the perfect dessert to serve to dinner guests. It is unique and combines flavors that you might not consider putting together...until now!

Apple Pudding Cake

Blend: 

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup shortening

Add: 

1 egg

Beat together.

Add:

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp soda

pinch salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp cloves

2 cups diced apples

Spread in a 9X9 pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 

(Note: 9X13 pan for a double batch)

Lemon Sauce

Mix well:

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp flour

1/8 tsp salt

Stir in: 1 cup hot water

Cook until thickens; turn to simmer for 15 minutes stirring often. Add 2 Tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla and the juice of one lemon.

Serve warm and top with whipped cream. (Note: It's a sin at our house to use anything but real whipping cream...no cool whip or whipped topping from a can! Use real whipping cream, whip it and sweeten with sugar and vanilla.) 

Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats

I personally love these because they remind me of a dear friend and the first time I tasted them she made them for me...But others love these because who wouldn't love peanut butter, chocolate and butterscotch?? They are a big hit wherever we go. And by the way, they are NO BAKE! How easy is that?

Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats

Mindy Livingstone

Boil: 

2 cups sugar

2 cups karo syrup

Add: 

2 cups peanut butter

2 tsp vanilla

Mix with 11-12 cups Rice Krispies. Spread onto a large cookie sheet.

Top with: 

1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch chips, melted together.

Fresh Strawberry Cake

This is one of those delicious treats you keep thinking about after you've tasted it. It's amazingly yummy! I also love that it is made using fresh strawberries...that means it's healthy, right?? Right.

Fresh Strawberry Cake
Jennifer Mietus {adapted from Cake Doctor}

Cake
Shortening for greasing the pans
Flour for dusting the pans
1 pkg 18.25 oz plain white cake mix
1 3 oz strawberry gelatin
1 cup mashed fresh strawberries with juice (1 ½ cups whole berries)
1 cup vegetable oil
½ cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 cup frozen unsweetened grated coconut, thawed (Truth be told...in all my gourmet shopping at Walmart, I have never been able to find this...I have used the sweetened, dehydrated and its still yummy.)
½ cup chopped pecans

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
I cube butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
¾ cup fresh ripe strawberries, rinsed, capped, and mashed to make ½ cup,
then drained well
½ cup frozen unsweetened grated coconut, thawed
½ cup chopped pecans

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350. Lightly grease three 9-inch round cake pans with shortening, then dust with flour.  Shake out the excess flour. Set the pans aside.
2. Place the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, mashed strawberries and juice, oil, milk, and eggs in a large mixing bowl and blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute.  Stop the machine and scrape down the side
of the bowl with a rubber spatula.  Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes more, scraping the sides down again if needed.  The strawberries should be well blended in the batter.  Fold in the coconut and
pecans.  Divide the batter among the prepared pans and place them in the oven;  if your oven is not large enough, place two pans on the center rack and place the third pain in the center of the highest rack.
3. Bake the cakes until they are light brown and just start to pull
away from the sides of the pan, 25-30 minutes.  Be careful not to overcook the layer on the highest oven rack.  Remove the pans from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes.  Run a knife around the
edge of each layer and invert each onto a rack, then invert again onto another rack so that the cakes are right side up. Allow them to cool completely, 30 minutes more.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting.  Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds.  Stop the machine and add the sugar and drained strawberries.
Blend the frosting on low until the sugar has been incorporated.  Then raise the speed to medium and mix the frosting another minutes or until the frosting lightens and is well combined.  Fold in the coconut and pecans.
5. To assemble, place one cake layer, right side up, on a serving platter.  Spread the top with frosting.  Add another cake layer, right side up, and frost the top.  Repeat this process with the third layer and frost
the top.  Use the remaining frosting to frost the sides, working with clean smooth strokes.  Serve at once or chill the cake for later serving.**
**Place cake uncovered in refrigerator until the frosting sets, 20 minutes, then cover the cake with waxed paper and store in refrigerator for up to one week.

THEE Best Hot Fudge Sauce...EVER!

Honestly, THEE best chocolate sauce I have ever tasted. Like, I fill a bowl with it and then add a small scoop of ice cream as a topping. It's delish! You will definitely be the hit of a party with this yumminess!

Hot Fudge Sauce
Jan Nyman

2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa

Mix above ingredients with a wire whip.

In pan, melt:
1 cube butter; add 1 cup evaporated milk, and pour in sugar mix

Bring to boil for 1 1/2 minutes, whipping the entire time. (Caution: can scorch...watch closely...as soon as it is starting to thicken, remove from heat.)

Add 1 tsp. vanilla

Serve over ice cream or whatever delicious dessert you'd like to make A-Mazing!

Okay, seriously...this may be the best thing I've ever put in my mouth...and believe me, I've tried a lot of deliciousness in my day...These are chocolate chip cookies all the way from the tip of the frosting to the bottom of the liner...only in the form of cupcakes!! To.Die.For! 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting

kevinandamanda.com

For the cookie dough:
2 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp milk
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the cupcakes: (Note: I just used my favorite white cake mix in place of this homemade version...)
3 sticks softened butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the frosting:
3 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

To make the cookie dough, combine the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 mins. Beat in milk and vanilla until incorporated and smooth. Beat in the flour and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using a 1.5 tbsp scoop, shape the dough into balls or tubes. Freeze on a parchment lined baking sheet overnight.

To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F.  Line two cupcake pans with paper liners (24 total).  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and brown sugar.  Beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.  Stir together to blend.  Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl on low speed, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until incorporated.  Blend in the vanilla.

Using a 3 tbsp scoop, fill the prepared cupcake liners 2/3 full with the cupcake batter. Place a frozen cookie dough ball on the top center of each cupcake.

Bake at 350 for 16-18 mins.

To make the frosting, combine the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.  Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth.  Beat in the salt, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips!

Makes 24 cupcakes.

Meltaway Cookies

Just as the name suggests, these cookies literally melt in your mouth. Add a light food color to the frosting for the perfect bridal or baby shower goodie or add bold colors for holidays...These would be perfect for a St. Patty's Day treat! (Oh, and did I mention they are super easy to make??)

Meltaway Cookies

Jolynn Sorenson

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup cornstarch (measure like flour)

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup flour

Beat and form into 1 tsp balls (quarter size.) Bake at 325 for 11 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cool and frost.

Frosting:

3 oz cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

food coloring if desired

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's the 100th Birthday of the OREO cookie and we are CELEBRATING!!!

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe Courtesy Picky Palate

2 sticks softened butter

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1 cup sugar (Note: I omitted this cup of sugar and they turned out fabulous!)

2 large eggs

1 Tbsp pure vanilla

3 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

10 oz bag chocolate chips

1 package Oreo cookies (I like Double Stuf)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add flour, salt and baking soda. Add chocolate chips and mix until just combined.

2. Using a cookie scoop, take one scoop of cookie dough and place on bottom or Oreo. Take another scoop and place on top of Oreo. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo Cookie is enclosed with dough. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake 9-13 minutes or until cookies are baked to your liking. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Serve with a tall glass of milk and enjoy!

Best Chocolate Cake in the World

Honestly, the most moist, melt-in-your-mouth, to-die-for Texas sheet cake in the world. Kandi has this one perfected! Definitely one of my childhood favorites!

Best Chocolate Cake in the World

Bring to a boil: 1 stick margarine, 7 Tbsp baking cocoa powder (equivalent to 3 squares baking chocolate) and 1 cup water. Remove from heat. Add this to 2 cups sugar and 2 cups flour. Beat well. Add 2 beaten eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp soda.

Pour into a greased jelly roll pan (15 1/2 X 10 X 1) Pan size is important. The batter will be thin. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Put on the following frosting while the cake is still hot.

Frosting:

Bring to a rolling boil: 1 stick margarine, 4 Tbsp cocoa powder and 6 Tbsp milk. Remove from heat. Add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well. One cup nuts may be added if desired. (Kandi makes it without nuts...) Pour over cake. The frosting is thin.

Note: The combination of the hot cake and the thin frosting makes it so the frosting drips off the sides. I will admit that as kids (okay, and as adults...) we would stand by and help "clean up" the frosting that was dripping. Before serving, Kandi takes a warm dish cloth and wipes around the edges.

Brownie Cheesecake Tarts

My cute friend Jess over at http://waytomansheart-food.blogspot.com brought these little bites of deliciousness to a get together and they were a quick "must have that recipe" in my book. We made them last week and they were a big hit! They look fancy and feminine and would be the perfect addition to your Valentine's celebrations. (The strawberries look like hearts!)

To-Die-For Brownie Cheesecake Tarts

1/4 cup light corn syrup

50 Nilla wafers rolled into crumbs
1 package cream cheese, softened (either leave at room temperature for a few hours, or put in microwave for about 15 seconds)
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 pint strawberries
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions
1. On medium heat melt butter, corn syrup and chocolate chips until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in wafer crumbs. While still warm divide evenly among mini muffin cups. Press with tart shaper (if you don't have a tart shaper, press with the end of a French rolling pin or citris reemer, or something that has a 1" flat circular end).
2. Chill for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside to chill more.
3. Beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Fill each tart with mixture (pipe it in to make it look really nice).
4. Slice strawberries with an egg slicer and place slices on each tart.

Best. Sugar. Cookies. EVER!

With Valentine's Day approaching, many of you are bound to making sugar cookies. Although there are many recipes out there, this one is the BEST! These cookies are SOFT, just the right thickness and get rave reviews everywhere we go! Kandi has this one mastered! Give it a try and let us know what you think!

(picture taken after decorating our Christmas cookies)

Cookie Jar Sugar Cookies

(Yields approx. 2 doz)

2/3 cup shortening

3/4 cups sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 egg

2 Tbsp milk

2 cups four

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

Cream shortening, sugar and vanilla. Add egg--beat until creamy. Add milk and beat again until fluffy. Add all dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Divide dough in half; chill 1 hour (or more)

Roll dough and cut out cookies. Note: The key to a great sugar cookie is not rolling the dough too thin...about 3/4 inch. To easily cut them out, lay a piece of saran wrap on the cupboard, place ball of dough on wrap and cover with an additional piece of saran wrap. Roll out dough. Remove top layer of wrap, use cookie cutter to cut out shape and then pick up the bottom layer of wrap to help get the shape out. This keeps the dough from getting too sticky in your hands.

Bake on a greased cookie sheet (or I prefer parchment paper) at 375 for 6-8 minutes. You will know if they are done when the very edge is the SLIGHTEST light brown. Do not overcook! That is the other biggie in making it the perfect cookie. Cool slightly. Remove from pan. Cool on cooling rack, frost (with HOMEMADE frosting) and decorate.

Frosting:

4 cups powdered sugar

3/4 cube softened margarine

pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla

food coloring

Add little bits of milk or canned milk. Whip or stir.

Peanut Butter Brownies

Sinful...'Nuff said.

Peanut Butter Brownies

Jessica Dedrickson

Mix together:

1/2 cup (1 cube) butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter (I used reduced fat)

Then add:

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup four

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup oats

Mix together well. Put in greased 9X13 pan and sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips. (I used semi-sweet.) Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Done when inserted knife comes out clean.

Icing:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp peanut butter

2 Tbsp milk

Mix together and swirl over hot brownies.

New Year's Eve Cake

Light and fluffy, this cake is perfect for the holidays...It's a delicious mix of fruity and sweet and looks festive, plus it's a little different, so your guests are still interested in it even after all the "heavy" holiday goodies...

New Year's Eve Cake

Susan Eyre

1 boxed white cake, made following the directions on the back but separated into a 9X13 pan and an 8X8 pan. Cut cooking directions by 10 minutes and check. Cool.

Mix:

8oz cream cheese (softened)

1 cup whipping cream

1 cup powdered sugar

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

When smooth, spread on top of cake. Top with Danish Dessert (pie glaze recipe) plus 2 cups raspberries added. Chill.

Big Batch Freezer Pie Crust

SOOOO much better than store bought pie crust. Super easy. Flaky and delicious every time. Try it when you try this awesome pumpkin pie recipe!)

Big-Batch Freezer Pie Crust

6 cups flour

2 tsp salt

2 1/3 cups vegetable shortening

1 1/3 cups cold water

In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add cold water all at once. Mix lightly with a fork until water is absorbed and mixture forms a ball. Divide dough into 6 equal portions; then shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly, place in freezer Ziploc bags, making them airtight.

Each ball is enough to make one 9" pie crust.

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To make crust for a pie WITHOUT top crust:

Partially thaw 1 ball of pie crust. Roll out dough to thin 11" circle. Place dough, without stretching, in a 9" pie dish. Flute edge.

If recipe calls for a baked pie crust, preheat oven to 425. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool; fill and bake as recipe directs. (HINT: if you place tin foil over shell and fill it with uncooked beans (for weight) and cook it for 8 minutes and then take beans and foil out and cook for 3-4 minutes until brown, you get a perfectly flat shell on the bottom, with no bubbles.)

To make crust for a pie WITH a top crust:

Use 2 balls of dough. Roll out 1 ball (as outlined above.) Fill pie. Roll out second ball; place top crust over filling. Seal and flute edge. Cut several slits or designs in top of crust to allow steam to escape.

**Can last well in freezer for 6 months.**

Grandpa's Pumpkin Pie

I won't be making pies until next week, so I don't have a picture to add with this post (yet!) However, if any of you are looking for an AWESOME pumpkin pie recipe for Thanksgiving...look no further!

Grandpa's Pumpkin Pie

8 eggs slightly beaten

1 large can (29 oz.) Libby's** solid pack pumpkin (equals about 3 1/2 cups)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cloves

2 cans evaporated milk

4-5 dashes nutmeg

4-5 dashes allspice

Mix filling ingredients in order given. Stir by hand...DO NOT USE A MIXER! Pour into unbaked pie crusts (for an easy, fantastic pie crust recipe, click here.) Bake at 425 for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 and continue baking for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center of pie comes out clean.

**I am not usually a name brand snob when it comes to most foods, but don't go generic on the pumpkin...Libby's is the best! Also, make sure to not get the Libby's Pumpkin Pie filling...just get the straight pumpkin.

Taffy Apple Pizza

This is a new recipe that my mom and I just tried while she was visiting a couple of weekends ago. It was fun for fall and deliciously unique. {Note: Be careful not to overcook the cookie dough crust or it will be crunchy rather than soft.}

Taffy Apple Pizza

1 1/2 packages pre-packaged sugar cookie dough

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 med Granny Smith apples

cinnamon

caramel sauce

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Roll out cookie dough into a large cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes. ( Do not overcook.) Let cool completely.

Mix together cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla. Spread over cooled crust. Peel, slice and dice apples and spread over cream cheese mixture. Drizzle caramel sauce, sprinkle cinnamon and spread chopped peanuts on top.

Chocolate Drop Cookies

Chocolate Drop Cookies

Cream: 1/2 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

Add and mix well:

2 squares melted baking chocolate

1/2 tsp vanilla

Blend in:

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp soda

1/2 cup buttermilk

Drop on greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 350. Frost when cool.

Frosting:

1/4 cup softened butter

1 1/3 cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp cocoa

1/4 cup canned milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

Beat at high speed until thick.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tastes like fall...And brings back memories. This recipe was submitted by one of my cute 4th grade students for a Mother's Day Cookbook that we published in 2005. I've made these cookies every fall since then and absolutely love them!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Submitted by Alexis Teasdale)

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

1/2 large can Libby's Canned Pumpkin (NOT Pumpkin Pie...about 1 1/2 cups)*

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp cinnamon

2 cups flour

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

12 oz chocolate chips

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in pumpkin. Add dry ingredients. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.

*I personally think Libby's is the BEST brand of pumpkin out there and I do think it makes a different in your baking. Also, you can buy just PUMPKIN or PUMPKIN PIE, make sure it is the PUMPKIN. They are different!