Pumpkin Muffins

 I made this recipe on Halloween to give to our neighbors. It's an oldie, but goodie that I grew up eating. Actually a cake recipe, we use it for muffins so they're extra moist. I sprinkle a touch of sugar on top before baking to crisp up the muffin top. They're great plain or warm with a dab of cream cheese.

Sift together:
2 c. flour
2 t. baking soda
2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt

Beat:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. oil

Then stir in:
1 c. pumpkin
1 c. raisins (optional)

Pour batter into muffin cups 2/3 full.

Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each muffin before baking.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

A Bit O' Color

We had an impromptu chili party the other night with both sets of grandparents. While fixing all the trimmings, I happened to glance at the uninteresting dinner table.

I like a beautiful tablescape as much as the next person, but time was of the essence.

I hunted down my Whole Cloves and grabbed the bag of clementines I'd just purchased at Meijer and . . .

. . . voila!

Teeny tiny pumpkins. They're not much, but a touch of color was all that was missing to welcome our dinner guests with flair.

And everyone ate their very own little splash of color.