~All the Autumn's Joys~ Recipe for a Cozy Afternoon

Pull out your best teapot and a teacup and saucer per person.

Put the kettle on, bring it to a near boil and steep some Earl Grey

(or Peppermint for the Youngest One).

Complete your afternoon tea with this . . .

 Pumpkin Bars- still warm from the oven.

Sit by the fire, pour another cup or two of tea, make room for a furry friend on you lap and enjoy!

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 eggs slightly beaten
• 3/4 cup of oil (I use coconut)
• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 15oz can of pumpkin
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger, ground cloves, nutmeg, salt
• 2 cups flour

With a mixer blend the eggs, oil, sugar and pumpkin. Set aside. Stir together dry ingredients. Add to pumpkin mixer and beat until well blended. Pour mixture into greased and floured 9x13 pan and bake about 35 minutes at 350 degrees- bake until the edges pull away from the sides and the center springs back when touched. Let cool while you make the frosting.

For Frosting you will need:

• 3 oz cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1-2 teaspoons of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
• 3/4 grated orange zest
• powdered sugar- up to 1/2 a pound

Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature. Beat them together in a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the milk, vanilla and zest. Then add powdered sugar a bit at a time until you reach desired consistency.

Frost the pumpkin bars after they have cooled and serve! These bars are AMAZING just in case you were a little unsure! ;)

Cheers!