Happy Thanksgiving!

This is the first time I'm using a 'scheduled post.'  Ha!  Do you really think I'd take time away from my family to type up a blog?  I love my followers, but I have to be on vacation when hubby is on vacation!  :) 

I hope this post finds you drooling over the tantalizing smells of an herbcovered bird or honey glazed ham roasting away to perfection.  Or whatever Thanksgiving meal is a tradition in your home, may it be deeeelish!!

So earlier there's a post about my slight addiction to pumpkin.  My husband is seriously rolling his eyes now...so hard they may permanently stay up in the 'whites showing' position.  This week I've had three pumpkin indulgences. 

1.  a FREE pumpkin pie from Donut Days Bakery.  Yes, FREE because we had a coupon mailing from our real estate agent when we sold hubby's condo.  :)  And I will go off on a tangent here...as a small business owner, I have a heart for other small and local business in our hometown.  As I whisked into Donut Days (ok, probably not 'whisking' like you think, I was lugging an 18lb infant IN his car seat carrier) I was overcome with the sugary essence of a bakery.  Cookies, donuts, pies, cakes, rolls.  ...rolls...  Rolls?!  Yeah, like dinner rolls.  And the lady ahead of me was buying a big bag.  Well jeeze, rolls seemed too simple.  I figured I always picked up a package or Rainbow or Sara Lee rolls from Kroger.  But dinner rolls...so simple and keeping it real for the local business(wo)man.  So in my endeavor to support the local businesses...dinner rolls it is (and a pumpkin pie for myself)!!

2.  And my second pumpkin indulgence...PUMPKIN BARS.  To top if off...made from scratch with REAL pumpkin I baked, scraped, and pureed.  :)  The recipe came from my aunt.  I'm not sure where she got it...so please...no slapping me on the hand for copyright violations!!

Pumpkin Bars with Crumb Topping

1 1/2 c. oats
1 1/4 c. flour
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. nuts
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. soda
3/4 c. butter

Mix until crumbly.  Save 1 1/2 cups for the top.  Press the rest into greased 9 x 13 pan.  Bake 375, 10 minutes.

15-16 oz. canned pumpkin
2/3 c. milk
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 T. pumpkin pie spice

Beat until smooth.  Pour over crust.  Top with remaining crumb mixture.  Bake 25 minutes more.

3.  Pumpkin pancakes.  Oooooh yes, my mouth has been watering as I watch the IHOP commercials with their pumpkin pancakes with whipped topping.  I decided to make a few of my own.  Errr...not as 'daring' with the fresh pumpkin as I was with the pumpkin bars.  I went easy and bought a boxed mix from Aldi.  What's Aldi...I better not get off on another tangent...but Aldi is the BEST grocery store EVER!    Any hoo...I present to you...PUMPKIN PANCAKES!!  And yes, I'm a dork for 'staging' the background...including the artificial flowers.  :)

And I thought I'd toss in a pic of my fav kitchen accessory...my apron.  Yes, it was a guilty pleasure, splurge purchase this summer.  I figured since I'm working from home and cooking has taken more of an interest to me (now because I actually have time to look for and try new recipes) I deserved an apron.  And a cute at that!  I bought it at Pier 1 imports.  Tiered, ruffled, girlie...LOVE IT!!  And since I was on this small business kick...I wish I would've met Megan earlier... Megan from itty smitty make such adorable aprons and accessories!  I met her this summer at the farmer's market selling her wares.  I purchased a wrist cuff, complete with vintage ribbon.  I even made a special shopping trip to find more tops to match, just so I can wear it more!!  Keep Megan and itty smitty in mind as you start  your holiday shopping.  :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!