37 Pumpkin Recipes

Why is it that it is only acceptable to have pumpkin everything during the fall? I believe it should be socially acceptable to enjoy pumpkin in all it's many forms all year round. Let's raise up and say "We want pumpkin everyday all year round!" Let me hear you. 

I was looking for some Pumpkin recipes and found a whole bunch. I thought I would share the love. :) Here are 37 delicious, drool-worthy pumpkin recipes from soups to pasta to desserts from some of my favorite blogs and such. I started with desserts because I believe in having dessert first. 

Desserts:

1. No-Bake Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes 

                                                   

2. The Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese- Filled Brownies

3. Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler (Do I have to share?)

4. Clean Eating Pumpkin Ice Cream

5. Pumpkin-Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies

6. Slower Cooker Sticky Caramel Pumpkin Cake

7. Pumpkin Creme Brulee (I love creme brulee!!)

8. Oatmeal Pumpkin Creme Pies

9. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Sauce

10. White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Fudge

11. Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffle (Low Carb!!)

12. Pumpkin Better Than... Cake (a poke cake!)

13. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting (Good anytime of the year!)

14.Pumpkin Roll (No list would be complete with out a Pumpkin Roll recipe.)

Breakfast:

15. Pumpkin French Toast (yes, please.)

16. Pumpkin Donut Holes

17. The Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (I'm drooling right now.)

18. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes

19. Starbucks Pumpkin Scone 

Pasta:

20. Skinny Pumpkin Pasta Bake

21. Creamy Pumpkin Prosciutto Rigatoni

22. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Bake

Soups:

23. Pumpkin Chili

24. Low Carb Pumpkin Sausage Soup

25. Creamy Panera Autumn Squash Soup

26. Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Soup

Breads:

27. Moist Pumpkin Bread

28. Pumpkin Cornbread

Beverages:

29. Crock Pot Pumpkin Spiced Latte (take a sip of that after a long day!!)

30. Pumpkin Pie Frappe (Drink your pie!!)

31.  Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte  (save you a bit of money :) )

32. Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee

33. Skinny Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino 

Extras:

34. Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

35. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer (Just another reason to drink coffee)

36. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

37. Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies (Kids will love these.)

I hope you get your fair share of pumpkin this Fall and everyday of the year. And don't forget to share the love of Pumpkin with those that you love. I hope you have a very happy Fall (and lots of Pumpkin). :)

Peace, Love, Bake on.

                                                   Andrea

What I'm reading: The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming

I just finished listening to The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming. I enjoyed this book immensely. I learned so much while reading this book. I thought I knew stuff about the Romanov's, more specifically Anastasia, but in reality I knew nothing. I had no idea what actually happened. I was pleasantly surprised. 

www.yainterrobang.com

I had no idea the disparity between the rich and poor. While listening to The Family Romanov, I learned that 1.5% of the population owned 90% of the money. I couldn't believe that; it's still hard for me to wrap my head around. 

I always thought I knew a few things about Russia and the Romanovs from watching the animated movie with Meg Ryan, Anastasia. Everything that I thought I knew was wrong. The movie has nothing that is historically accurate aside that there is a character name Anastasia and Rasputin. 

 While this book was nonfiction, it wasn't boring, full of sentences just stating facts. It read like a story. Candace Fleming would juxtapose the lives of the imperial Romanov family and the peasants. The two lived vastly different lives, and the ruler of all Russia was the oblivious to the fact. 

Would I highly recommend this book? YES. A big YES. I listened to this book and I really enjoyed it. On the audiobook I listened to, Kimberly Farr read the book, and she did a really good job. I also had the book and sometimes read a long and looked at all the photos that were included in the book. This book was written for young adults, but I think everyone high school or older would enjoy this book. I'd recommend this book to those who are interested in the World Wars or learning about royalty. 

                                                                         Andrea 

P.S. This books has also won several literary awards, which can be found here.

Taylor Swift 1989 concert

I have to share my amazing experience at the 1989 concert.It was one of the best nights ever. 

Taylor Swift singing "Wild Dreams" and "Enchanted".

I have been to Taylor Swift concert before. I went to the Speak Now World Tour. The Speak Now World Tour concert was amazing. I still reminisce all the time by watching the concert on the Live dvd. I still get emotional just thinking about it. It had a huge impression on me. I was already a huge fan, but after I completely immersed myself in her music and all things Taylor. 

Speak Now World Tour

My good friend and I bonded over Taylor Swift. She is the person that I went to the Speak Now concert with, and the person that I shared my obsession of all things Taylor with. It was really great. Several, years later we still each share that love of Taylor Swift. 

She had already been to the 1989 concert, but she loved it so much that she wanted to go again. I was game. We had a hard time finding tickets. We thought all was over until she won tickets from Xfinity. It was a dream come true. It was really surreal. Xfinity gave us tickets to the show with backstage tour passes. How did we get so lucky? Thank you Xfinity. You gave us the best night ever. 

Finding out we had backstage tour passes and great seats!

At our backstage tour, we got to see what goes into a Taylor Swift concert. We got see the costumes up close and the technology that brings Taylor close to everyone, even those up in the nosebleed seats. (Side note: At a Taylor Swift concert, there is no such thing as a nose bleed seat.) The best part about the backstage tour was the person giving the tour, Mama Swift (Taylor's mom). 

Meeting Mama Swift. She was so nice!

Mama Swift made a point to speak to everyone in our small group and to give everyone a hug. She gave lots of info about the 1989 tour and it's mouth-dropping statistics, but she also told little stories about Taylor. You could tell that she was one proud mom and was happy to help Taylor make her dreams come true. It was really great to be a little part of that, even if it was a very small part. 

Cardboard cut out of Taylor's cat, Olivia and Meredith. They were really big.

Every part of the 1989 concert was very tailored. Taylor took the time to dot all her I's and cross all her T's. She thought of every aspect, from the moment you walked in until the moment you left. She looked genuinely happy to be there performing. 

Taylor bringing the front row to everyone. 

If you have never been to Taylor Swift concert, you have really missed out. She gives amazing performances. Her shows are theatrical and very personal. You can't help but sing, dance, and cheer at the top of your lungs. You'll tear up at least once and revel in the wonderful night you were able to participate in. 

'selfie' with Taylor

Another 'selfie' with Taylor.

Taylor talks to the crowd like she is talking to you personally. She makes you feel special, and it is so amazing (sorry for the overuse of the word, but it's all that really sums it up). You'll leave the night wonderstruck and feeling like you just went to a party with 15,000 of your closest friends. It's a feeling I can't quite explain. 

Taylor inspiring the crowd.

If you haven't been to one of her concerts and have the means and opportunity to, I highly recommend that you do.


Love,
                                                      Andrea 

Healthy Homemade Iced Coffee

Every time I have ever purchased an ice coffee from a restaurant, I have never really liked it. Probably because both times, I went to McDonald's and tried their iced coffee. Both times I did so, it had a horrible  after taste and I'd only go back for another sip just to get rid of the taste that was left after each time I went in for another drink. As you can see, it ended up being this continuous cycle. Everyone I worked with and went to school with kept raving about iced coffee. What was I missing that they were enjoying so much? How did they enjoy this iced coffee that I hated so much? I mean really. Finally, I found a basic recipe somewhere-- I am not really sure where as I can't remember where I found it. This recipe is a skeleton. You can dress it up as much as you would like. I like my iced coffee simple. So, I stick to the basics not doing much to it. If it's not broken, it doesn't need a flavored syrup. :) 

I like to make my own iced coffee because I can control what goes into it. I know all the ingredients that I am going to be drinking and putting into my body. I can control how much sweetener or sugar is used or how much milk is put into it. Not only, I find that making my own iced coffee ends up making my calorie intake lower. This recipe is quick and easy, which only makes me love it more. 

Here is how I make my iced coffee:

  

1 cup coffee

3/4 - 1 cup almond milk

1 dash of Vanilla

2 Tbs. - 1/4 cup Splenda 

I then stir all the ingredients together. I place in a cute mason jar and put it in the fridge or freezer to cool. How much sugar or milk I use depends on how strong the coffee is brewed. Generally, I like my iced coffee to be bit sweeter.  

This is how I make my iced coffee. Use this recipe as the block and build what you would like with it. Make it fit the flavors you desire. If you don't like almond milk, use the milk of your choice. Don't like Splenda? Use Sugar or Stevia. It's all up to you. Don't what it to have a strong coffee flavor, dial back the coffee and add extra milk. It's all in your hands now.

Once I found this very basic recipe, I found a starting point that I needed to guide me in the right direction. Sometimes, I add a little caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for added flavor. Let this be your guide. The sky's the limit. Now I'm going to go pour myself a glass of ice coffee and enjoy a good book. Have a great day. 

Peace, love, bake on.

                                   Andrea

17 Mouthwatering & Crowd-Pleasing Burgers

It's been far to long since I last posted something new. The last time I wrote I was in the middle of a hectic semester trying to keep my head above the water in Calc II. I kept afloat and will now be sailing on to Calc III. Yay! I say "yay" only  because I passed Calc II not because I love math and am excited for the riveting material waiting for me Calc III. I would like to thank my family, most especially my grandmother who offered many prayers for me to help me pass the final. Since the end of the summer, I have been on the go. I have also been struggling with what to write. I would this idea in the middle of the day or during an event, but then I would sit down to write it  and my mind would go blank or I couldn't get my thoughts together. It's been really frustrating. What has helped to get this post together is that I am house sitting for a week, so I have plenty of time alone to gather my thoughts. I have few things in the works that I will hopefully get together soon. 

Summer means it's time for cook outs and get togethers. I always want to prepare delicious recipes that will please a crowd. Burgers are always a classic during the summer. They are easy to make and dress up. 
I scoured the internet and found 17 crowd-pleasing and mouthwatering burger recipes that are sure to please a crowd and make mouths waters. 
Please give it up for the 17 stars of this post. 

1. Jalapeño Burger

2. Chipotle Mac and Cheeseburger

3. Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple 

4. Grilled Meatloaf Burger

5. Double Double Animal Style Burger

6. Bacon Blue Cheese Burger

7. Chipotle Veggie Burger

8. Asian Style Burger

9. Patty Melts

10. Blueberry Burger

11. Italian Sausage Burgers

12. French Fry Bourbon Burger

13. Smoked Bacon Cheddar Burger

14. Cheeseburger Meatball Grilled Cheese

15. Ultimate Bacon 'n Egg Burger

16. Guacamole Bacon Burger

Last but not least...

17. Italian Meatball Burger

I hope you try out a few of these recipes this summer because I know I will. At the very least, let these recipes inspire you to make a delicious burger that suits you and your family. Or make these for a crowd to make them drool. Which ever works for you.

Have a very fun summer! I hope it's a splash!

Peace, love, bake on.

                                      Andrea 

Andes Mint Chocolate Poke Cake

I decided to update my last post. I didn't like the name of the recipe, so I decided to rename it. I decided to rename because the ingredient central to this cake that is really featured are the Andes Creme de Menthe Chocolate Mint Baking Chips. I love the Andes Creme de Menthe chocolate mints. Sometimes the best part of going to Olive Garden or some other restaurant is when they give you the  Ande Mints after paying the check. I think they do that so you aren't so irritable about the amount on the bill. It's their incentive for you to come back. They taunt us with those wonderful little chocolate mints. It's both wonderful and sad at the same time. What I am trying to say is that because of the greatness that is Andes mints, I believe they deserve a cake of their own. It's really only fair to them and the world. 
I must also say that even though, I named this cake with Andes Mints in mind, it does taste like thin mints.
When I first saw the original recipes, it called for different ingredients. I made this recipe into my own by just using Andes Creme de Menthe Chocolate Mint Baking Chips. Ultimately it gave the flavor and texture I wanted. Beyond that, it also made the recipe simpler; instead of having to find buy several ingredients for the minty flavored ingredients, I simply had to find Andes Creme de Menthe Chocolate Mint Baking Chips and mint extract. 
When you add your mint extract to the cool whip, I'd recommend that you on the smaller amount and then add more. When I made this recipe the first time, I almost doubled the amount of mint extract. 

*****Warning: If you do not like cake with rich chocolate and mint then you will not like this cake. But that just means more for me. :)

Double Mint Chocolate Cake a.k.a. Grasshopper Cake

adapted from Something Swanky

Ingredients: 

1 chocolate cake mix(& water, oil, and eggs as listed on box)

1- 14.5 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1- 12.8 oz. jar Hershey's Special Hot Fudge Sauce 

2 cups crushed Andes mints 

1- 16 oz. container Cool whip

1/4-1/2 tsp. mint extract 

Green food color (optional)

Directions: 

1. Prepare and bake the cake mix according to directions on box and bake in a 9x13 baking dish for the amount of time labeled on box. Allow to cool completely.
2. Use the bottom of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire cake (about 20-30 holes). Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, trying to fill the holes.
3. Heat the hot fudge sauce in a small bowl in the microwave. 30-40 seconds should do the trick, you jut want it to soften a little.
4. Crumble half of crushed Andes mints into the hot fudge sauce and mix. Spread the fudge sauce mixture over the cake.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together mint extract, green food coloring, and the cool whip. Spread the whipped topping over the fudge layer.
6. Sprinkle the Andes Mint chips on top. Refrigerate and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
7. Serve up and enjoy!

If you like thin mints, you'll love this cake. My family does! There is never any left, and when there is a slice left, it isn't for long. The last slice or two is always fought over. 

Enjoy and let us eat cake!

Peace, Love, Bake on.

                                             Andrea