Pumpkin Fudge

Think you're too busy to make fudge?  Think again.  This one is perfect for autumn entertaining, a Thanksgiving hostess gift - or even a special, homemade Christmas gift.  It has a very smooth texture, and cuts beautifully (and easily).  If you like pumpkin, give it a try!  I made it this afternoon - and my kids haven't wanted to stop eating it. :)


Pumpkin Fudge

2 cups white sugar
1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
2/3 cup heavy cream (OR evaporated milk)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 - 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 (11 or 12 ounce) package white chocolate chips
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Line a 13x9 pan with foil; using a paper towel or napkin, rub the bottom and sides of the foil-covered pan with softened butter.  Set aside.

In a heavy, large saucepan (preferably at least 3-quart), combine the sugar, brown sugar, 3/4 cup butter, cream, pumpkin, and spices.  Add approximately 3/4 of the jar of marshmallow creme; set remaining creme aside.  (You'll use the rest at the end.)  Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.

When the ingredients are melted and smooth, maintain the heat at medium while stirring constantly; bring mixture to a full boil.  (You'll know it's reached a full boil when you can't stir the bubbles down.)  Continue boiling and stirring for 5 minutes; remove from heat.

Stir in the remaining marshmallow creme and the white chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth, approximately 5 minutes.  (You may return the pot to a burner on low heat, if necessary, to help melt the chips.)  Add the vanilla; stir to mix well.

Pour into the buttered baking dish; set in a cool place to harden.  Cut into 1" squares; store in a cool place (or the refrigerator) in an air-tight container. 

~Makes approximately 12 dozen squares 

Variation:  If you like nutty fudge, stir in 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans after you add the vanilla. :)

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

These pancakes were a big hit at our house!  I modified a recipe found in Taste of Home magazine, and everyone loved them.  Try serving them with the Warm Apple Cider Syrup recipe, or just good old fashioned maple syrup... they're yummy either way! 

I doubled the recipe to feed our family of 5, and we had just 5 pancakes left over for lunch the next day...  If you have leftovers, too, just cover them and chill (or freeze) until you're ready to use them.  Then just pop them into the toaster for a minute or two to warm through, and you're good to go. :)

Since I'm always looking to save time, I know from experience that you may be tempted to skip the egg separation step, and just throw the eggs into the wet ingredients without beating the whites to soft peaks first - but really, they won't get the heavenly light and tender texture that they do from that little step.  It only takes a couple of minutes to beat the white to soft peaks and it is SO worth it.  (To test the peaks, turn your mixer off and lift the beaters straight up.  The egg whites should be able to stand up in peaks, but the tops of the peaks should kind of curl over - sort of like the top of soft serve ice cream. :) )  Then gently fold them into the rest of the batter.  Believe me - you won't be sorry that you included that step!! :)

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (almond extract would also be great)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons melted butter or mild vegetable oil

Directions

In a large bowl,combine the dry ingredients.  In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, milk, vanilla, pumpkin and butter until smooth. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter.

Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot greased griddle. Turn when bubbles begin to form on top of pancakes and underside is golden. Cook until second side is golden brown.  Serve with butter, syrup, and whipped cream if desired.
Yield: approximately 15 pancakes