i'd rather be baking

I can’t resist brownies straight out of the fridge. I mean, hot fudge is good and all, but there’s something about cold chocolate that’s just perfect…and dangerous. I’ll grab a bite before and after breakfast, and don’t even get me started on the late afternoon sleepies.

And okay, I like non-traditional desserts at Thanksgiving! I’m a huge fan of this pumpkin bread pudding — usually I make that and this apple pie. But this year I’m making a plain-Jane pumpkin pie for my dear husband. Sacrifices! So first I made these bars, naturally. Just to get the crazies out of my system.

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Some people are really into things that are low-fat and fat-free. Yeah, I don’t really know what to say about that. I’m not that into it. I think those things have their time and place…but that place isn’t every food I eat! I mean really. Life is short.

I’m all about saving some fat and calories where I can, when it doesn’t make a big difference in my food. But usually I don’t touch low-fat or reduced-calorie cookies…it’s a cookie for crying out loud! But I made these a few days before leaving for our vacation in Mexico. I wanted to look awesome on the beach, and I also wanted to eat cookies. I’ll just be straight with you.

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Happy Friday! Personally I could not be more ready to start the weekend. My plans include watching movies, eating lots of this (lightened but still delicious — check it out!), buying another zillion apples, and hanging out with Ryan. Good stuff! If you’re looking for something cozy to do this weekend, I have an idea for you: make some pumpkin butter!

I made this a few days ago and it turned out so well! It tastes like pumpkin pie…only better somehow. More pumpkin-y. It’s a beautiful blend of spices and earthy goodness. And it comes together so quickly.

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I make pumpkin bread at least once every year, usually several times. It’s just easy, delicious, comfort food when the weather starts to get a bit chilly. It’s that lovely time of year again, and I think I’ve found my new favorite pumpkin bread recipe! It’s been less than a week and we’ve nearly finished both loaves. Before you think we’re gluttons…it’s healthy! And it definitely doesn’t taste healthy.

In fact…I kind of hate to share the fact that it’s a lighter version. If I were you, I wouldn’t tell anyone! We have a saying in my family: “don’t tell everything you know.” Sometimes it’s just the truth.

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I broke into my pumpkin stash last week. I had one can left from pumpkin hoarding 2010 that I hauled from Salt Lake to Portland because you just know I wasn’t letting that go to waste. I’m so ready for fall, I can taste it! It was time.

So far I’ve only seen a slightly creepy looking generic can of pumpkin in my usual grocery store, but I’m hoping the real deal shows up soon! Otherwise it’s okay because I now have 3/4 of a can in my freezer. Let pumpkin hoarding 2011 begin!

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