Pumpkin & Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here it is 100 degrees in Southern California and I'm in the mood to bake all things pumpkin. What was I thinking???

Since I joined The Red Hat Society, the Red Hat Society Cookbook I bought a few years ago has become more of a staple cookbook for me. Today, I found a recipe for pumpkin & chocolate chip cookies and I just had to make them. And boy, am I glad I did! These cookies are fluffy and airy but full of fall flavor. I must be careful. The 30 pounds I've lost might find their way back if I eat too many of these!

This recipe is from Catie McIntyre Walker AKA Queen Cabernet Catie from Les Merlot Chapeaux out of Walla Walla, Washington.

1 cup shortening (I used butter)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin (I used 1 cup roasted, pureed pumpkin from last year's pumpkin roasting)
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (I used cinnamon)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)--I didn't use them since we have nut allergies here!

Preheat oven to 350. Beat shortening/butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer till fluffy. Add egg and pumpkin, mixing well. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon and add to pumpkin mixture. Stir in vanilla, chocolate chips and pecans if using. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake for 13 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes on baking sheets. Remove to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Pumpkin Patch

Joshua got to visit the pumpkin patch for the first time today. He's watched his sister and brother do this every year with their preschool classes and finally got to experience it for himself. He loved petting the animals and picking his own vegetables. He loved the tractor ride and running through the pumpkin patch. We had a fun afternoon!

Burts Bees

I just got in the mail today my free sample of Burts Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser and Facial Moisturizing Cream. Amazing.

If you want free samples of great products, become a BzzAgent. BzzAgent matches you with companies looking for your opinion of their products. Then, you're sent samples of the product and you're asked to give your honest opinion about them.

Burts Bees sensitive skin products contain Softening Cotton Extract which helps skin replenish its outer layer, shielding it from potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers, so your sensitive skin will look and feel beautiful, naturally.

Laughlin Summer 2011

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I want to try this

This is the SodaStream Fountain Jet Soda Maker Starter Kit. How amazing would it be to be able to MAKE your own soda? With the exact amount of sweetness you wanted, the exact flavor you wanted at any time you wanted? Not only amazingly convenient but cost effective too! Everything from cola to diet to sparkling flavored waters...OH MY! I totally need this product!

I'm part of the BzzAgent program where I get to try products for FREE and then review them! I've been able to try some really amazing products! This product is a pretty popular one with agents and there are only a few spaces left in the test. I want to be chosen as a participant!!!

The Red Hatters

Our latest outing to Paris in a Cup was a splendid afternoon. The tea was delicious, the scones were the best I've ever eaten and the company was divine!

Four Years Old

The baby is 4. THE BABY IS 4! How is that possible?????? It just seems like yesterday when we were in this stage:

Now we are in this stage:



Josh, we love you so much. You are a special gift to us. Your smile lights up an entire room and your love for all things with wheels makes me smile. You will always be our "love bug", "kissing bandit", and "pockmorn" eater. We pray you continue to love Jesus and grow to know Him more each day! Happy Fourth Birthday!