Pumpkin Recipe Hodgepodge

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year?

If I start getting sick, I immediately start taking extra vitamins, drinking more OJ, try to get more rest, and just generally try to take it a little easier. Sometimes, that is easier said than done though.

No, I do not have any plans to get a flu shot.

2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear?

Pray! I can't think of anything else that would help you more.

3. Share two good things about your life right now.

I have a family who loves me, and compared to five years ago, I am relatively healthy. What more could I ask for?

4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style?

Well, I guess it's better than some styles, and worse than others. I currently don't own any of these things, so I guess I have some shopping to do?

5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult?

I was involved with Brownies. I don't remember very much of it, as I was quite little at the time. I remember selling cookies, and going camping. I have not been involved as an adult, and so far, my girls have not been interested in being involved in it.

6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor?

It would have to be pumpkin, but only certain things. I don't like pumpkin pie, but I like pumpkin bars or pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting.

One of our favorite recipes to make with pumpkin is pumpkin chocolate chip mini muffins. I made these the other day, and my oldest daughter told me that she actually liked these better than cake, and maybe I could make THOSE for her birthday instead? Yeah....they are THAT good!

Since I know you are all patiently waiting, here is the recipe. Don't say I didn't warn you. They are like potato chips....you CAN'T eat just one.

I doubled the recipe, because that is how I always make it.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

3 c. flour (for my friends who are also GF, I replace this with Pamela's Baking Mix)
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 c. milk
1 c. canned pumpkin
1/2 c. vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients together. The original recipe called for preparing the wet and dry ingredients separately, but I found that it really didn't seem to make a difference, and since it saved time if I just combined everything together at once, I just do that! Stir together, but be careful not to stir too much. Batter will be slightly lumpy. Grease mini muffin pans with non-stick spray. Pour batter into pans. Bake at 400 for 10-12 mins. or until toothpick comes out clean.

You can also use raisins instead of chocolate chips if you want to. I have no idea why in the world you would want to do that though, since chocolate chips taste SO much better than raisins, but it is certainly an option ;)

7. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher?

You need to have an unending supply of patience, good organization skills, love children, and be willing to deal with the PARENTS that come with those children. From talking to some of my friends who are teachers, I have heard that THAT can be the most challenging of them all.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My oldest daughter's birthday is in just a couple of weeks, and she is planning an "80's" themed party. Does anyone have any great ideas that will entertain 20-30 teenage girls for 5 whole hours? Any games or fun "80's" ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks!