Peanut Butter Pumpkins!

                                                                         

WELCOME TO MY PUMPKIN PATCH! 

(OK - pretend you're hearing trumpets blowing)...

 ♫ PUM...PUM...PUM...PUM...♫

These are some special little PUMpkins! 

I am just giddy with delight as I type this.  This is such an easy, cute and fun recipe...especially this time of the year. 

And only THREE simple ingredients!
(Four if you count the food coloring) 

 I usually try to have an easy recipe for my grandkids to make when they're here for our T'giving meal, and I think this just might be the one. 

I was happy to find the recipe that inspired me to make these at Mimi's Meals & Deals.  I would also be happy if you'd stop by and check out more lovely recipes and 'deals' Mimi shares there.  And please don't forget to tell her I said hello. 

My sweet little granddaughter, Chloe Lyn, came over to spend some

time with me...she helped me bake cookies for my upcoming bake sale.  And she helped her Papa and me with a project in the garage.  We had lots of fun and she was SUCH a big help to us. 

We visited our daughter and family just yesterday - she has our youngest grandchildren. Since I wanted to take them a special treat, it was extra special that Chloe got to help make these fun little fall treats for her cousins. 

We had a great time with them while we were there!! 

I mixed these by hand - though Mimi used the dough hook on her stand mixer. We added food coloring about 3 times to make them orange enough for our liking.  (You are starting with peanut butter-brown) Then we each stood a toothpick by our little pumpkin and leaned it over onto the pumpkin to make the creases.  We used mini chocolate chips for stems and I think they turned out just so cute. When we pressed the mini chocolate chip on top, it seemed to give it an even more realistic affect!

AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THEY ARE OH SO TASTY TOO! 

I think they would be really cute as cupcake toppers too!

PEANUT BUTTER PUMPKINS 

1-1/2 sticks butter, room temp

1 c. (smooth) peanut butter

1 - 1# box powdered sugar (about 3-1/2 c.)

Yellow & Red food coloring

(You'll want about 4 times more yellow than red)

Mini chocolate chips 


Linked at Crazy Sweet Tuesday
              Foodie Friends Friday
            Scrumptious Sunday
          Mop it up Monday
           Farm Girl Fest
               Show Me What You Got Tuesdays
        Mix it up Monday
         Totally Tasty Tuesday
          Ingredient Spotlight - Pumpkin
          Gooseberry Patch Halloween Party
        Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday
         Creative Thursday
         Thursday's Treasures
        Clever Chicks
            Iron Chef Mom - Peanut Butter
Gooseberry Patch Roundup - Halloween  
The Shady Porch - Holiday Linky Party 
GBP Roundup - Peanut Butter 
Melt in Your Mouth Monday 
Full Plate Thursday
Made By You Monday
Meal Plan Monday
Weekend Potluck

Leader Enterprise - September 2010 - Breakfast for kids

Isn't it amazing how the fresh air,sunshine and summer activities cause some children to grow an inch or two(or more!)during summer break? I appreciate the thought in this short poem.

SHRINKING TEACHER

I saw my last year's teacher,
Had she shrunk an inch or two?
It took me time to figure;
she was no shorter,I grew.

Research shows that kids who eat breakfast fare much better in school.It not only helps maximize school performance, but helps them grow properly also. Consider these ideas to help simplify your routine so your kids can start the day out right by having time for breakfast.

Make sure homework is finished and the bags packed ready for school by bedtime.

Get up 15 minutes earlier if need be.

Give up TV and computer games before school.

Children should decide what they're going to wear to school before going to bed. Know where shoes are to save time. Relieve morning stress by planning ahead.

Here's some easy ways to get nutrition in your kids in the morning. Breakfast doesn't have to be a victim of the early AM rush. Some of these things can be eaten on the go. Be sure to stock healthy foods;allow children to choose favorite yogurt or cereal when shopping.

Breakfast Split - place vanilla yogurt in a bowl, top with fresh banana slices,strawberries,raspberries or favorite fruit and top with granola. Place in a disposable cup or bowl and let children eat breakfast on the way to school if need be.

Banana Pancakes - Mix 1/2 banana with 3/4 cup milk in blender. To 1-1/4 c. pancake mix, add 1 lg. egg, 2 TB.peanut butter,1 TB. oil,and banana milk. Cook until bubbly;turn. Top with peanut butter.

Fruity Milkshake - In blender place 3/4 c.milk, 1/2 c. frozen whole strawberries and 1/2 cup (frozen) vanilla yogurt. Cover with lid; process until smooth.Pour into glass. 1 serving.

I was thrilled to find a recipe for making your own instant oatmeal. Those little packets are handy, but cost more. Have your children help make this and they'll be more excited about eating it. There are options listed so it doesn't have to be boring. It's a real money-saver as everyone gets their favorite flavor without the expense. To speed time, the oatmeal mixture may be premeasured and bagged in small ziploc bags.


INSTANT OATMEAL ALA-HOME

1-18 oz container quick cooking oats
1/3-cup dry powdered milk (omit if lactose-intolerant)
1/2-cup packed brown sugar,or less
1-2 tsp. cinnamon
1-cup raisins or dried fruits

Mix all of the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Label the container with directions. Yields 16 servings.

To prepare oatmeal: scoop 1/2 cup oatmeal mixture into a bowl and mix with 3/4 cup water. Add more water if you prefer it thinner; less water if you like it thicker. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir and enjoy. Older children can help younger ones.


Options:

-Fruit/cream-add 1 TB. nondairy coffee creamer and 2 TB. dried fruit,or applesauce.

-S'Mores-add 6 mini marshmallows and 1 TB.milk chocolate chips to prepared oatmeal.

-Celebration-add 1 tsp. sugar and 1/2 tsp. "Pop Rocks"-this is fun for a birthday.

-No-Bake Cookie-(my personal favorite. Stir in a TB. peanut butter to prepared oats,then add 1-2 TB.of (lite) chocolate syrup. It's very filling and satisfying.

The following recipe is both delicious and easy - and is found in my new cookbook. This may be made ahead and re-warmed in the microwave. Add some bacon or sausage to provide sustaining protein in the morning.

INVISIBLE BANANA FRENCH TOAST

2 eggs
1 banana, sliced
1 tsp.ground cinnamon
6 slices white bread
1 TB. margarine or oil

Place eggs,banana slices and cinnamon in blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into bowl-heat margarine. Dip bread into batter and fry. Serve with warm maple syrup or even peanut butter. For a quicker breakfast, roll up and eat on the go.

Here's a couple of ideas for healthy and fun after-school snacks. Make Apple Smiles by cutting a red apple in half; core; then cut each half into 4-5 slices. On one side of each apple slice spread peanut butter, add 4-5 mini marshmallows (to represent teeth), then top with another slice, peanut butter side down. You'll have 2 'lips' and 'teeth'.

BANANA MONKEY CRUNCH

1-14 oz. can crushed pineapple,drained
3 cups vanilla yogurt
1(4-serv.size) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 c. granola cereal
2 bananas, sliced

Drain pineapple juice into large bowl. Add yogurt and pudding mix to juice and whisk until smooth and thick,about 2 minutes. Add crushed pineapple; stir well. Let stand a few minutes or refrigerate. Spoon into dessert bowls. Top with granola and banana slices.

Here's a list of seasonal foods that will be cheaper to purchase in the month of September:

Apples, bell peppers, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, grapes, mangoes, melons, onions, pears, pistachios, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, summer and winter squash, tomatoes.

We've had a heat wave this summer, but winter is just around the corner, so enjoy time outdoors as much as you can. And keep canning and freezing those fruits and veggies to enjoy when the snow is blowing when they will taste extra good.

Pretzel Pumpkins

I love foodie fun like these adorable 'pumpkins'!! 

 I've seen this recipe in many varieties, changing ingredients or process. And maybe you have too...I first saw them at Pinterest, and finally settled on making them after I found some orange candy melts on sale! =) 

So...I didn't have to add the food coloring. 

Sweet and Salty is always a wonderful combo.  
Add E-Z to that and you've got a winning recipe!!  

These are fun little treats to help celebrate fall!!  Some of them look like Jack-O-Lanterns, don't you think??

(I did add more crisco after taking this photo...mixture was too thick).

 Before melting the chocolate, I added water to crockpot and turned on high til it was steaming, then I turned it to low and placed my glass bowl on top to keep the chocolate runny, after it was melted.

PRETZEL PUMPKINS 

 1 (12 ozs) bag (Orange) Wilton Candy Melts or 
1 (12 ozs) pkg. white chocolate chips
2 - 3 tsp. crisco 
(Start with small amount, adding more if needed)

 orange food coloring, if needed

1 bag tiny twist pretzels
Green M & M's or Skittles 

In a glass bowl, melt melts (sorry I couldn't resist saying that!=) or chocolate, according to package directions, adding crisco first. (Do not use butter or oil, only crisco - and don't overheat...do it nice and slow, stirring every 30 seconds or so)

Add food coloring if necessary - red & yellow or 1/8 tsp. orange food gel

Dip pretzels with a fork; remove excess by tapping on edge of pan; rest 'pumpkins' on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.

Immediately place a green M & M (or Skittle) sideways at the top of the pretzel. Let stand until chocolate sets up.

​

You may also enjoy 

Hershey's Kiss Acorn Treats

Peanut Butter Pumpkins

​

Leader Enterprise - Sept. 18, 2013 - Apples

I do hope you enjoyed a great summer. Cooler days are ahead. Temperatures are dropping and leaves will soon begin changing colors. I love the splashes of orange pumpkins and leaves in my fall decorations throughout our home. It won't be long though and we'll be busy raking leaves and put away the summer furniture.

Fall is falling quickly along with the apples on the trees. Apples are thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes and asthma. No wonder they say "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away"!

Select apples that are firm and bruise free. Store in refrigerator to slow ripening and keep the flavor. Chilled properly, they should last about 90 days. When I was a kid, we always wrapped apples separately in newspaper and stored them in a horse tank in our cool basement. That way, when one apple went bad, the ones around it were protected. There's another saying with much truth "One Bad Apple Spoils the Bunch". I know that refers to many other things besides the fruit itself.

Don't wash apples until ready to eat. Apples should be stored in the refrigerator. Keeping them at room temperature will allow them to get mushy more quickly. Fresh apples make a great snack or dessert. Dip slices in peanut butter or serve with crackers and cheese for a quick snack. I love apples baked alongside pork or chopped into stuffing or sauces. One apple provides almost 20% of the daily recommended amount of fiber.

Here are some yummy recipes using apples and applesauce for your fall enjoyment.

Slow Cooker Honey Dijon Pork Chops and Apples

SLOW COOKER HONEY DIJON PORK CHOPS AND APPLES

1-1/2 lbs. pork chops, boneless or bone-in

5 small apples, peeled and sliced

1 onion, sliced

3 Tb. honey

1 tsp. dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

generous grinds of black pepper

1/3 c. apple juice

5 small (unpeeled) apples, sliced

Place pork chops in bottom of crock. In small bowl, combine honey, dijon, salt and pepper together. Pour over apples and onions; toss to coat. Place onions (& apples) (*see note)on top of chops in slow cooker. Add apple juice. Cook 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.(Note: May add apples after the first couple hours of cooking, so they will hold together better). If your chops are thin,cooking time will be reduced. We enjoy this dish served over rice. Yield:4-6 servings

APPLE CRISP PIZZA

Pastry for single crust pie (9-inch)

2/3 c. sugar

3 Tb. all purpose flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

4 medium gala apples, peeled and diced into 1/4" pieces

(use your favorite baking apple)

TOPPING:

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1/3 c. packed brown sugar

1/3 c. rolled oats

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

(I like to add a little bit of grated fresh nutmeg too)

1/4 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. caramel topping

Preheat oven to 350. Roll pastry to fit a 12"pizza pan; fold under or flute the edges. Combine sugar,flour and cinnamon in medium bowl. Add peeled, diced apples and toss. Arrange the apples in a single layer over the pie crust to completely cover it. Combine the first 5 topping ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle evenly over the apples. Bake 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with caramel topping. Cut into pizza slices and serve warm with ice cream. Yield:10 - 12 pieces

Here's a couple of easy and delicious"Lighter Choices".

BUTTERSCOTCH APPLE MOUSSE

1 1/2 c. fat free (or 1%) milk

1 pkg. (4-serv.size) sugar free butterscotch pudding

1 large apple, peeled and chopped (honey crisp or gala)

1 1/2 c. fat free cool whip

1 pkg. sugar free Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Mix milk and pudding in a mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Pour into a bowl and mix in chopped apple. Fold in whipped cream and top with chopped peanut butter cups. Chill and then serve.

HEALTHY BAKED OATMEAL

2 c. dry oatmeal

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4-1/2 c. sugar or Splenda (or brown sugar)

1 c. fat free skim milk

1/2 c. Egg Beaters (or use egg whites) (I used 3 extra large egg whites)

1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp. vanilla extract or maple flavoring (I used 2 Tb. sugar free pancake syrup)

1 Tb. ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. Coat an 8" square baking dish with cooking spray. In large (or medium) bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients, then stir the two together. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes. Yield: 6 servings

Would love to have you stop by the Leader office on Thursday, September 19, from 5-7 for my booksigning, if even just for a chat.

3 Fabulous Fall Dishes {Blast from the Past}

If you're interested, here's a link to my Pinterest board entitled

Fall Ya'll....lots of pumpkin/apple recipes there, along with FUN fall ideas.

What a fun fall cookie to share...pretty dressed up I'd say. 

Delicious too. 

Payday Cookies

These li'l pumpkins are a hit everywhere....especially at Pinterest! Easy to make...only a few ingredients...adorable...tasty! Much like a buckeye...only 'dressed up' in disguise...=) 

Peanut Butter Pumpkins

Hey - how can you argue Pumpkin Pie for breakfast??? =)

This is good any time of the year but a great warm up during cooler temps. 

I love love love this dish! I can even eat it cold!

Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

​

3 Super "Seasonal" Recipes {Blast from the Past}

If you're interested, here's a link to my Pinterest board entitled
Fall Ya'll....lots of pumpkin/apple recipes there, along with FUN fall ideas.


What a fun fall cookie to share...pretty dressed up I'd say. 
Delicious too. 

Payday Cookies

These li'l pumpkins are a hit everywhere....especially at Pinterest! Easy to make...only a few ingredients...adorable...tasty! Much like a buckeye...only 'dressed up' in disguise...=) 

Peanut Butter Pumpkins

Hey - how can you argue Pumpkin Pie for breakfast??? =)
This is good any time of the year but a great warm up during cooler temps. 
I love love love this dish! I can even eat it cold!

Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

Top 4 'Most Viewed' for 2012

I have really enjoyed seeing other bloggers post about their "Best" recipes for 2012.  

This lovely dish is the 'HIGHEST ALL TIME HITS' recipe...and it's wonderful! 

ONLY 3 INGREDIENTS! And it's a Weight Watchers recipe - you can't go wrong. 

Serve it to anyone and they will never know it's one of those 'healthier' dishes.

It's gorgeous too...just look. 

Weight Watchers Cherry Pie Fluff




Another recipe using 3 main ingredients....plus food coloring....
oh how fun!

Peanut Butter Pumpkins




This one had the most Pinterest hits..

Oven-Fried Bacon




Simple cleanup and very tasty....

Simple Crockpot Brownies



ENJOY!!!!!!!!