The flavors and scents of early fall....

Fall is the perfect time to bake - the scents and flavors are so unique to this time of year.  Enjoy these recipes:

Pumpkin Muffins - with Chocolate Chips!

Ingredients:

4 eggs

2 C sugar

1 can, 15 Oz Pumpkin Puree

1 1/2 C canola oil

3 C flour

2t baking soda

1t baking powder

1T pumpkin spice

1t salt

2 C chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400°.  Place 24 paper liners in muffin tins.  In a large bowl beat the eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil until smooth.  In another bowl combine flour, baking soda, flour, spice and salt.  Add flour mixture slowly to wet mixture and mix by hand.  Fold in all but 1/4 c chocolate chips.

Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and sprinkle a few chocolate chips on the top of each muffin.   Bake for 20+ minutes until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.

I can never wait for anything to cool - these were so tasty with a bit of melted butter:

24 muffins were made for less than $10 !!

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...because we live in 'apple country' and they are plentiful this year!

Apple Crisp

6 apples, peeled cored and sliced

2T white sugar

1/2 t cinnamon

1c. brown sugar

3/4 c old fashion oats

3/4 c flour

1t cinnamon

1/2c cold butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss apples with white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl to coat; pour into a 9-inch square baking dish.Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or 2 forks to mash cold butter into the oats mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; spread over the apples to the edges of the baking dish. Pat the topping gently until even. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown and sides are bubbling, about 40 minutes.

It's delish!!

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CHEESY-GARLIC SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Cut a small to medium spaghetti squash in half and scoop out seeds.  Microwave in a pan with 1/2 water about 15 minutes until tender.  Scoop out "squash noodles" and immediately stir in one crushed clove of garlic and 1/4 cup parmesan-reggiano cheese.  Place in a casserole dish and sprinkle a few tablespoons of mozzarella cheese on top.  Bake for 20 minutes at 350'