Pumpkin Spice and All That's Nice: My Favorite Holiday Recipe
Let all that you do be done in love!
1 Corinthians 16:14
One of the best things that we can do for one another is to give of ourselves. In this blog, I want to share with you one of my favorite holiday recipes.
Early on in our marriage, my husband and I stumbled upon Betty Crocker's Pumpkin Spice Bars. It has been a favorite recipe we bake over and over during the holiday season, beginning in October while all the pumpkins are on sale. My kids always ask me, "Mom, when are we making pumpkin spice bars?" And every time we are asked to bring something to a Christmas party I am asked if I can bring "my" famous pumpkin spice bars. Since it is a recipe that friends always ask for, I want to share my love with you by passing on one of our family traditions with you.
I also want to let you know that there is a trick to making this recipe come out "special." I like to use fresh pumpkin, instead of using canned pumpkin. I only mention this because I always hear, "Mine didn't turn out like yours."
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin (note I use 2 cups pumpkin, not from a can)
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup raisins (I don't use raisins in my pumpkin spice bars)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (I end up using at least 3/4 cups)
Cream Cheese Frosting (in Betty's original recipe)
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Follow the link here for baking instructions and photos. It takes me an hour to bake using fresh pumpkin.
Is there a favorite family recipe that you make during the holiday season?
Are there family traditions that you most look forward to?
What can you share with someone today to let them know that you are thinking of them?
The most unexpected things can be the biggest blessing that can just make someone feel special!
So, go forth and, "Let all that you do be done in love!"
1 Corinthians 16:14
