Fall Treats!

 

It's once again the time of year for all kinds of pumpkin goodies! Last night, Regan and I went to a Halloween/costume party, and of course, I tried out some new recipes! Seriously, and I know I've said it like a million times; what did we do BEFORE Pinterest? Such a wonderful resource!

 

Anywhooooo, I made a FABULOUS dip that's truly been all over the Internet: Fall Pumpkin Dip - mmmmmm!   Super simple and super tasty! I served it with sliced apples, mini 'Nilla wafers and crunchy gingersnaps. Again, mmmmmmmm! I also tried a new cookie recipe that peaked my interest: Chai Pumpkin Spice Cookies. They were a hit at the party! 

 

Fall Pumpkin Dip (original recipe from northcarolinacharm.blogspot.com)

 

15 ounce can of pumpkin

5 ounce box vanilla instant pudding (just the powder, do not make the pudding)

16 ounce tub of Cool Whip (thawed)

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

ground cinnamon (optional)

 

Combine pumpkin, pudding mix, cool whip and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl - stirring by hand.  Transfer to serving bowl and chill for at least an hour.  Before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon (if desired). Serve with sliced fruit, cookies, crackers, etc.

 

Chai Pumpkin Spice Cookies (found at http://passthesushi.com)

1/2 cup (one stick) butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup chai concentrate (I used Tazo)
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chai spice mix (see recipe below)
22-24 pumpkin spice Hershey's kisses (I found them at Target)

Chai Spice Mix
1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer until fluffy, for about 2-3 minutes.  Add the egg, chai concentrate and vanilla; mix until combined.  Add the flour, baking soda and salt.  Cover bowl and chill for at least an hour.  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Using your hands, roll the dough into 22-24 one-inch balls.  Place the dough balls on parchment paper lined baking sheets and sprinkle chai spice mix lightly over the cookies.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Meanwhile, unwrap the kisses.  Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a pumpkin kiss in the center of each cookie.  Let cool completely or the kisses will turn into puddles!

 

One party down, another to go! We are hosting an open house on Halloween, so...more new recipes will be coming up! Woo hoo!