Pumpkin delight!

My oldest daughter was coming home from college for the summer. I wanted to make a special treat for her, she loves all things pumpkin. So much so that in the fall my husband and I take two loaves of pumpkin bread to her at A & M when we visit.

Instead of pumpkin bread for her arrival, I wanted to make something more decadent. I recalled a delicious recipe from Aunt Jane, my wonderful aunt I am fortunate to call family after my husband and I married. She's a fantastic cook, her mother whom we called Grannie could make a delicious dinner in no time flat. I'm talking NASCAR pit-crew fast. Aunt Jane seems to have that rare talent as well. At Christmas, she makes over six dozen cookies to take to church parties and friend's homes. All different varieties and each one absolutely delicious. This past Christmas we had the chance to visit her in Florida, she'd prepared a feast along with homemade apple pie and ice cream. My girls have mentioned several times since how wonderful a cook Aunt Jane is and fun too.

This is her recipe for pumpkin bars, the frosting is ooey-gooey and the cake is moist and flavorful. I had to take this photo quickly because it's quickly disappearing from the refrigerator. Thank you, Aunt Jane, for allowing me to share it.

Pumpkin Bars

4 eggs

2 C sugar

2 C canned pumpkin

2 C all-purpose flour

1/2 Tsp salt

1 Tsp. baking powder 

1 Tsp. baking soda

3 Tsp. cinnamon

1 C walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend well. Pour into greased and floured cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. (I baked it in a brownie pan and cooked it an extra 20 minutes to make a thicker bar).

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 Oz. cream cheese

6 T. butter

1 1/2 C confectioner's sugar

1 Tsp. vanilla

1 Tsp. Milk

Beat after creaming butter and cream cheese. Add confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over cooled bars. Enjoy! 

I'd love to hear about some of your family favorites and to you what makes them so special.