Pumpkin Pancakes with Butter Pecan Syrup

I know, pumpkin again.  But these pancakes are perfect for this time of year, and the syrup is what really makes them scrumptious!  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 eggs

1 cup water

3 Tbl pumpkin

4 Tbl butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 cup flour

4 Tbl buttermilk powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

In a large bowl sift sugar, flour, buttermilk powder, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon together.

Make a well in the center and pour in eggs, water, pumpkin, butter and vanilla.

Lightly mix until combined.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.

Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.

Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Butter Pecan Syrup

4 Tbl butter

2/3 cup light corn syrup

2/3 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup water

pinch of salt

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions
In a small sauce pan melt butter

Add brown sugar, corn syrup, salt and water

Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally

Turn off heat and mix in vanilla and pecans

Let cool for approx 5 minutes to slightly thicken

Makes 2 cups

Pumpkin Bread

I love all things pumpkin this time of year.  This is also one of my favorite fall gifts to give.  Cover the bread in plastic wrap and then wrap it in an inexpensive kitchen towel and tie with twine or raffia.

Pumpkin Bread

1 3/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 can pumpkin
1 egg
1/3 cup water

Directions
Combine dry ingredients
Stir in wet
Pour into two loaf pans
Tip:  Lightly sprinkle top of bread batter with sugar and it creates a simple sweet crust on top
Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 40 minutes

Red Velvet Cake Cookies

I am all for short cuts!  Don't get me wrong.  Sometimes it's great to make a mess in the kitchen and bake from scratch.  But having four little ones means that 9 times out of 10, I don't have the time.  This is one of those easy ones, and as a bonus, you can change up the combinations and make all sorts of yummy flavors.  I typically makes these every year for Valentine's Day to give our friends and neighbors.

Red Velvet Cake Cookies

1 pkg red velvet cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
2 eggs
1 Tbl vanilla
2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions
Combine cake mix, melted butter, eggs and vanilla until well blended.
Stir in chips
Drop onto cookie sheet with cookie scoop
Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes

Loaded Potato Casserole

This recipe is very similar to funeral potatoes, but in my opinion is BETTER. I made these as a side dish with our ham at Easter and there were no leftovers.  They are a perfect side dish.

Loaded Potato Casserole

10 cups shredded hash browns, thawed

12 oz sour cream

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 onion, diced

2 cups sharp cheese

8 to 9 slices of bacon, crumbled

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Saute onions in butter until translucent

Mix all ingredients in a bowl

Pour mixture into a 9x13 baking dish

Bake at 350 for 50 to 60 minutes