PUMPKIN COOKIES October 12, 2015

PUMPKIN – October 12, 2015
Today is Thanksgiving and I really have to say I have so much to be thankful for. Our harvest is all in the bin, the garden has produced so well, we are blessed with healthy children and grandchildren, we live in a country of freedom, we have plenty to eat and our creator God is always available! I could go one and on!

PUMPKIN PIES
I have a favorite pumpkin pie recipe that I share in WINNING WAYS cookbook. I made 3 or 4 pies three different times these past two weeks. The last time I made the recipe, I used 2 cups of pureed pumpkin instead of 1 3/4 cup and 1/3 cup sugar instead of 2/3 cup per pie. I loved the texture and the flavor so will make that change in the cookbook when I reprint. We are learning to use & also enjoy recipes with less sugar as we know it is much healthier.

PUMPKIN COOKIES
We are all done celebrating so today was a very quiet day for us. There are very strong winds and it rained, so I am staying inside. This afternoon I decided to make some pumpkin cookies. I usually make a crisp cookie, but for a change I wanted to try something soft and different.
I found these cookies hold together well and yet are soft and moist inside. They are delicious!

1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cup brown sugar ( I used demerara & will use only a cup next time)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup thick pureed pumpkin
1 1/4 cup spelt flour
1 cup unbleached flour (or any other whole grain flour of your choice)
1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 cup chocolate chips or raisins (I decided to use one of each & love them packed with goodies)
1 cup walnuts
Cream the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin. Add & beat in the dry ingredients. Stir in the chips, raisins and walnuts. With a tablespoon spoon batter on to a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 º F for 12 to 14 minutes, or until lightly browned. Enjoy!
These recipes and hints will be included in WINNING WAYS cookbook when I reprint. For many more garden fruits & vegetables recipes check out this cookbook.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Winnie