Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub- Bridal Shower Favors

What is more fall than pumpkin? As I've said in the past, I LOVE all things pumpkin. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin air freshener... So when I was wracking my brain trying to decide what to give for my sister's bridal shower favor (that matched the adorable polka dot matchbook emery boards I bought over a year ago), I was ecstatic when the light bulb went on and I thought about making a sugar scrub.

My sister-in-law, Jamie, had just given me a case of small 4 oz mason jars- which made the perfect package for the sugar scrub. I found this website that detailed how to make a sugar scrub and created the perfect little fall favor. It took my mom about an hour to make 36 of these cute little favors. I'm super sad I didn't get one to take home, but I'll just make some for myself when I have some free time.

Total cost of this project: $33...about $1 a piece. What a great affordable favor!

Here is the recipe...

Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast

Fall is here! This weekend was beautiful in Chicago. Afternoon temps in the low 70's and the evenings chilly enough to wear a sweatshirt and be comfortable. I LOVED it!

Fall is my favorite time of year (aside from Christmas). I love the cool temps, gorgeous fall colors, wearing sweaters and the food- pumpkin lattes, pumpkin crisp, crock pot stews, etc. I was in the mood for some stuffed french toast this morning and it was awesome! I've never made pumpkin stuffed french toast, so I modified my blueberry french toast by adding a little brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.

This makes four pieces, but since it was just me, I only made two and used the remaining batter for regular pumpkin french toast for the girls. It was wonderful...Hope you enjoy it!

7 Days of Pumpkin Day 7- Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

I saved the best for last! What's not to love about these awesome cookies... pumpkin cake cookie with a creme center...heaven! Try these cookies once and they will instantly be your favorite Christmas go-to cookie.

I've been perfecting this recipe for a few years and here is a few words of advice that I have learned through trial and error:

1. If you're putting in canned pumpkin, you will be temped to just put in the last bit in the can...don't do it. This is a very moist recipe and it will be too moist if you do
2. Don't go too big... teaspoonfuls of dough are the perfect size. These cookies are very rich.
3. To easily measure and add marshmallow fluff, spray measuring cup with cooking spray
4. Don't sit down with the whole plate or you won't have any to share later!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

7 Days of Pumpkin Day 6- Pumpkin French Toast

The French Toast was a hit in our house, as you can see by the little vultures surrounding Dad below.  They couldn't get enough. I always make extra so that I have an easy breakfast in the freezer for the kids, but that wasn't happening this morning! I went through an entire loaf of bread and they still wanted more!

7 Days of Pumpkin Day Five-Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

These pumpkin pancakes were a hit on Sunday morning breakfast. My step-son Logan, who complained about having pancakes, came back for seconds and thirds and Elsie had four pancakes even though she had just had a big bowl of cereal.  This is a big recipe because I like to make extras to freeze for an easy weekday breakfast.

7 Days of Pumpkin Day Four- Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

This is an awesome recipe.  So easy, yet looks like you've spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. I usually make this in my big bundt pan, but decided to do mini bundts since I never use that pan. This is a great cake to bring to your holiday dinner!

7 Days of Pumpkin Day Three- Pumpkin Streusel Muffin Tops

Get ready to taste a little bit of heaven. These muffin tops are very simple to make and low fat & calorie since it is made without the oil and eggs. 

7 Days of Pumpkin Day Two Pumpkin Crisp

Pumpkin Crisp is a favorite in my family.  I always bake two for holidays...one for the family gathering and one for my husband at home...sometimes, I do an extra for my brother-in-law Nick. This is a great recipe and has replaced Pumpkin Pie in my life. Beware that you may polish off the entire pan in one sitting!

7 Days of Pumpkin Day One- Pumpkin Puree

I love fall and everything that comes with it...the beautiful Chicago weather, leaves changing colors, Sunday afternoon Bears games and most of all the food! Pumpkin-anything is my favorite. So, I've decided to post a week of my favorite pumpkin recipes. 

Canned pumpkin has been difficult to find the last few years. It seems that the pumpkin crops have been sparse lately and since Libby's only cans pumpkin once a year (I found that out two years ago when there wasn't a can to be had in my town for months), I have found myself stockpiling it when I find it. So, I did some research and found a great way to puree my own pumpkin so I always have it.  I have been making it a few days in a row and storing the puree in my freezer since I know I will use it all this fall. If you're into canning, you can follow this recipe, just skip the puree part and can it. You can puree it before you use it.