When I was younger I couldn’t wait to get out of Michigan. I fled to Florida the first chance I got. I spent five years there and loved it but was surprised at how much I missed the changing of the seasons. My favorite is Autumn. Now, unlike my daughter I never spend my summer wishing it was fall. As much as I love the season, I know what is coming and anyone who knows me will attest to how much I hate the winter.
Michigan is stunning in the fall. The color change in the trees, is a sight to behold. Spending the day wrapped in a warm sweater, visiting apple orchards, picking pumpkins, and walking in the woods is the absolute best! Then of course there is Halloween. Everyone at my place gets into the holiday, even the furbabies 🙂
Another great thing about fall is the scents and flavors. It’s the season of the pumpkin and although I am not a huge fan of pumpkin but I LOVE the smell of spiced pumpkin. My daughter and I look forward to the fall line at Bath and Body and snatch up soaps, lotions and candles by the armful. And while I may not like the taste of pumpkin when you add chocolate instead of nutmeg then… Well everything is better with chocolate!
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies anyone?
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl with electric mixer on medium until well blended. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined. Stir in flour mixture. Batter will be soft. Fold in morsels. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight container.
(Recipe via: Nestle)
What about you? What’s your favorite time of year?
Meet Jo Peterson
SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.