Pumpkin Dessert Squares

Pumpkin Squares

:: Pumpkin Dessert Squares ::

This week is the kick-off to all of our dessert consumption from now until New Year’s Eve.  Well, for me it usually goes beyond that, but I try! I have said it once, twice, three times “I LIKE PUMPKIN!” Too much, but lucky for me it coordinates well with this upcoming holiday. These Pumpkin Dessert Squares remind me of the homey smell of my Grandma Joan’s kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.  She always had a pot of mulling spices heated in a mini crock pot. The joyous aroma of nutmeg blended with pecans and pumpkin brings me back to my childhood.  Thankfully, I came across this recipe right after I got married and it has been a family favorite ever since.  What makes these Pumpkin Dessert Squares so special is the main ingredient called Muirhead’s Pecan Pumpkin Putter.  It can be found at Williams Sonoma. 

[Read more…]

Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe

Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe

:: Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe ::

I am ADDICTED to Costco’s Granola!!!  Have you had it? Shane had to have a semi-intervention with me in regards to their granola, so I needed to whip up a batch of homemade granola stat!  This Walnut Granola Crunch Recipe is healthy, delicious, and it makes your home smell incredible while it’s baking.  The smell of the sweet honey, oats, and walnuts create the perfect fall aroma.  This is exactly why I love granola and oatmeal so much.  It’s healthy, filling, and it can be versatile.  It is a fall favorite, but with a few simple switches, this granola can be enjoyed year around. [Read more…]

Pumpkin Nutella Muffins

 

Pumpkin Nutella Muffins {Simply Happenstance}

 :: Pumpkin Nutella Muffins ::

Oh my goodness, you guys! This is the BEST muffin combination… pumpkin + Nutella! During this time of year, I typically make plain pumpkin muffins and occasionally add in chocolate chips… but let me tell you, swirling in a dollop of creamy Nutella made an incredibly decadent difference! The pumpkin is flavorful and moist, while the Nutella creates a rich, chewy, chocolatey muffin top!

I doubled the recipe below and it made 18 muffins and one loaf to give away to a neighbor. This is the perfect baked treat to give to friends and family! If preparing this recipe as a loaf for others… you may want to buy a few of these darling paper loaf pans from Sur la Table. Wrapped in cellophane and tied with a simple bow… it makes for the perfect hostess gift or sweet treat for neighbors for the holidays! Enjoy! [Read more…]

Gingerbread Pumpkin Fluff

Gingerbread Pumpkin Fluff 2

:: Gingerbread Pumpkin Fluff ::

I don’t know about you, but this long weekend allowed for ample time to start thinking away about Thanksgiving and the holidays.  No… it wasn’t just me thinking about them, but my family as well.  “What would you like to bring to Thanksgiving?” Well for starters, my first choice will always lean towards dessert {obviously I have a sweet tooth}. I also like to think of simple recipes that I know will be an easy addition to my traditional dishes {that can be found here and here}.  This Gingerbread Pumpkin Fluff is simple, yummy, and can be either an appetizer or a dessert {whew… a two-fer}! It is a great sweet appetizer for family waiting for the turkey to be done, or a wonderful dessert for those who like pumpkin pie, but maybe aren’t fans of the crust.  This dip is similar to pumpkin pie but with the twist of cream cheese and marshmallow fluff.

Gingerbread Pumpkin Fluff [Read more…]

Holiday Yams with Brown Sugar & Pecans

Favorite Holiday Yams {via simply happenstance}

 :: Holiday Yams with Brown Sugar & Pecans ::

It’s that time of year! The time where we all pull out our favorite family recipes for the holidays! This happens to be one of my personal loves that I make every Thanksgiving! It’s the ultimate comfort food… using yams {or sweet potatoes}, milk, butter, vanilla and pecans! It’s baked to perfection and served warm! Most of the ingredients you most likely have in your pantry… which makes this dish even more enticing! 

I know that yams are not always a favorite {especially the candied kind topped with marshmallows that we often find during the holidays}; however, this dish is a great alternative to the typical yams or sweet potatoes served. The rich potato mixture is mildly sweet with a hint of vanilla, and the topping…. perfectly crunchy with the baked pecans, warm brown sugar and melted butter! I promise this will become one of your ‘go-to’ holiday recipes!

I hope that you’ll whip up this tasty dish to serve at one of your holiday get togethers this year!  As Julia Child once said, “Everything in moderation…including moderation.” Enjoy, my friends!

Holiday Yams {recipe on Simply Happenstance}  [Read more…]

Walnut Pesto

Walnut Pesto

 :: Walnut Pesto ::

Do you find when it comes to dinnertime that you often have a hard time figuring out what to make?  This Walnut Pesto can create several easy weeknight meals.  I love a rich basil pesto as much as the next girl, but what makes this pesto a little different is the use of walnuts.  Yes, walnuts! They create as much flavor as pine nuts and are half the price. These rich and buttery nuts make this pesto a bit more diverse in both flavor and texture. What is wonderful about these special nuts, is the fact that they are native to California, and we love that!  The local nut mixed with local ingredients from my garden box, made two easy weeknight meals for my family.  [Read more…]