It’s officially the first day of fall. Which is good news because I’m already in full fall mode. Pumpkin and scarecrow decorations are out. I’ve stocked up on my canned pumpkin puree. And everything from breakfast to hand soap is inspired by pumpkin scents and flavors.
If you’re in the market, here are my top five favorite pumpkin treats:
1) Pumpkin Caramel Latte antibacterial hand soap from Bath and Body Works (pair with #2)
2) World Market Pumpkin Spice hand lotion from Cost Plus World Market (try to resist the temptation to lick your hands after you put this lotion on…yes, it smells that good.)
3) Stinky Fingers Bakeries Pumpkin Spice scone mix (I make mine with chocolate chips, of course)
4) World Market Pumpkin Spice coffee (pair with #5)
5) Coffee-mate Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer
Geesh, I should be getting paid for these endorsements! ;)
Speaking of endorsements, did I mention that the Scentsy Scent of the Month is Pumpkin Marshmallow? Yum!
And recipes, recipes, recipes! There are so many delicious pumpkin-inspired recipes but these are my two favorites. I dust these recipes off every October and get cookin’. Give ‘em a try and let me know what you think.
(Kraftrecipes.com)
Ingredients
1 pkg. (16 oz.) penne pasta
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
1 cup canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
Ground nutmeg to taste
COOK pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, cook cream cheese, Parmesan, butter and milk in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is melted, stirring frequently. Add pumpkin and seasonings; stir. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add cream cheese sauce; toss to coat.
** Can also add 2 cups sliced zucchini to the boiling water the last 3 min. of the pasta cooking time. I always do.
****Click here for Rachael Ray’s version. I always mean to try this recipe but then I kinda fall into the comfort of a recipe I already know. Maybe this year. And, speaking of RR, I’d also recommend picking up her magazine this month, there are lots of fun ideas for Halloween. She loves fall, too!
Pumpkin Dip
(This was posted on Facebook by a friend a few years ago…thanks, Melanie B.)
Ingredients
15 oz. canned pumpkin
8 oz. cream cheese
3 oz. box of vanilla pudding
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
MIX the above. You’re done! Yep, that easy!
Eat dip using graham crackers, gingerbread cookies (my personal favorite..tee hee), bananas, marshmallows, strawberries, Nilla wafers, apple slices, etc. This makes a ton, so it’s best to make for a group (unless you’re a piggy like me).
Happy Harvest!
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