Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares

It snowed today and was bitterly cold...I am huddled up in my warm cozy home pretending that I am on the beach in Hawaii. I am not ready for the snow. (Happy to report that I woke up this morning and all the snow is gone). They say we should be in the high 50's for Halloween.

Thank you to everyone who has sent postcards to Audrey. She has 9 so far. There is still lots of time to send one if you haven't already. Wes and I had Parent Teacher Conference with Audrey's teacher today. I am so proud of my little one (I know she is 8) the teacher had nothing but wonderful things to say about Audrey.

Mrs. Kringer summed it up -

"What a sweetheart! Audrey is an outstanding student and an absolute joy to each."

I am also happy to report that we had a "normal" school experience, we did not have any run-ins with the "crazy nurse."

I took Audrey to see High School Musical 3 ... it was good. The new Tinkerbell movie is also excellent. For those of you looking for a good movie to rent, the Hulk is really good and I am looking forward to Get Smart on the 4th. I finally finished Alias. I took a break and watched the second season of Ugly Betty (that is a great show!!). I am going to watch LOST (also by JJ Abrams) now. I have watched all the seasons but that is definitely a show you can watch over again just like Alias.

One of my favorite things to make this time of year is my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares. Try this recipe, you will really enjoy them.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares

Makes 24 *Prep Time: 30 * Total Time: 2.5 hrs

If you can't find pumpkin-pie spice, substitute 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp each allspice and cloves (all ground).

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbs pumpkin-pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 package (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

1 - Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2 - With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

3 - Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a tooth-pick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.