Mom's Pumpkin Cookie Recipe~

Pumpkin Cookies

From Mom and Aunt Wilma

 

½ Cup Shortening                                        

1 ½ Cups brown sugar

2 Eggs

¾ Cup Pumpkin (canned)

1 Cup chopped walnuts

1 Cup raisins

2 Cups flour

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Simmer raisins in water till plump.  Remove from stove~drain and cool.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

“Cream” the following:

Shortening, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin.

  

Sift the following:

Flour, cloves, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

Add dry mixture to wet, mix with mixer.

Fold in nuts and raisins. (Make sure raisins are cool first)

Add non-stick baking spray to cookie sheets.  Drop mixed dough by spoon to baking sheet

Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.  YUMMY! 

Count Your Blessings

Wow, are we really in the middle of November already? Time is fleeting by and we're quickly crashing into the Holiday Season, whether we're ready for it or not. I feel like I'm still in August~maybe it's this weather we're having lately, but I think I'm just stuck somewhere else these days! (In my studio creating!) 

Lately, I've been hearing of so many people being diagnosed with terrible health issues. I have no words for this. The awful disaster in the Philippines.  I have no words. Watching the news, a murder here, a murder there, reported to us on an hourly basis. I have no words. 

All I can think of us to count my Blessings and remain Grateful for the life I'm Blessed to live today and pray for those afflicted.  Life is fickle, and I could very easily be the one needing prayer and support at any time. Cherish your lives and each other Gang~we're All we have! Love you all!

In My Kitchen!

Hey Gang! Good Morning and Happy Saturday to Ya! As promised, I'm posting here on my blog my 2 recipes that I had shared on FB recently~Homemade Granola and my Mom's Banana Bread! Both are Fantastic and of course, NO PRESERVATIVES!

Homemade Granola

 2 cups oats

(you  can add any dry cereal you have in the pantry too)

1 Egg white

2/3 cup of Honey or Pancake Syrup

1/2 cup dried fruit 

1 cup nuts

1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1/4 tsp. Salt

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes on a non-stick cookie sheet (with sides) or a baking dish that's been sprayed with PAM . Spread mixture flat on baking surface.

After removed from oven, let cool 2 hrs. then cut or break apart. YUM!

This is a Great recipe to use up some of those items in your pantry that have been sitting around so you DON'T have to throw them away! (how often do we use pancake syrup after the brilliant idea to make pancakes ONE Sunday morning?) Enjoy!

Banana Bread

2 cups flour (all purpose)

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup shortening

3 tbsp sour milk (sour the milk with a bit of white vinegar)

1 tsp. baking soda (mixed into the flour)

3 over-ripe bananas-smashed

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup of nuts (if desired)

Pour mixture in to a pre-greased bread pan

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hr to 1 hr 15 min. (depending on your oven.)

This recipe came from my 87 year old Mom who was given it by her oldest sister~so this is a proven Family Recipe! I have made this delicious banana bread for years and it is always Awesome! 

Let me know how it turns out, I would Love to hear from you guys!

Enjoy Gang and have and Awesome Weekend! 

Halloween Bash 2013!

Another year has rolled around and we found ourselves enjoying yet another Awesome Halloween Party! These pictures were all taken by my good friend, Debbie (I haven't uploaded mine yet, and hers are better!)

 I always decorate "The Ledge" in my home, being I have collected so many Halloween decorations through the years.  Actually, I think I may have more Halloween decorations than Christmas decorations!

 Moi, Lynne, Rosie (aka, Sis) and Tony! All Smiles for the Party!

 Kathy, Moi, Lynne, Rosie and Debbie!

Great Costumes you guys!

 Lynne and my Baby Girl!

 Lovely Friends at the dinner table!

 Kat & Debb

The Blondes with loads of Ambition! (Yes, that's a wig!)

 Good Long time Friends, Debbie & Kit!

It was so good seeing them after all of these years!

 Sam & Virgie~Love the Steampunk Flair Girls!

 Mom and Lynne! Mom still enjoys my parties and has been to every single one!

We all had such a Blast! Good Friends, Good Food and Good Times make the Best Memories! Thanks Gang for making this Halloween Bash a Raving Success! I Love You All!