For the Love of Pumpkin

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

1 C. whole milk
1/2 C. sugar
1 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
5 1/2 C.-3/4 inch cubes french or other firm bread
1/2 C. pecans or raisins
1 1/2 c. pumpkin

Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 350

2. Mix milk, sugar, cinnamon and eggs in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Stir in bread cubes, pecans/raisins, and pumpkin. Pour into ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.

3. Bake uncovered 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from edge of casserole comes out clean.

Maple sauce
1/2 C. butter
2 T. water
1 large egg
1 C. sugar
1 t. maple extract or 2 T. Pure maple syrup (this is NOT the same as say, Aunt Jemima’s)

Melt butter in 1 quart saucepan over low heat; do not allow to simmer. Remove from heat; Mix water and egg; stir into butter until blended. Stir in sugar. cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved and mixture begins to boil; remove from heat. stir in maple. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving. Store covered in refrigerator.

Light Pumpkin Pancakes

In large bowl mix:
2 c. flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. cinnamon

In small bowl, mix:
2 slightly beaten egg whites
1 1/2 c. skim milk
2 tbsp. oil
1/2 c. canned pumpkin

Add small bowl mixture to large bowl. Stir just until moistened. Heat griddle, brush lightly with oil. Pour batter by scant 1/4 cup onto hot griddle. Makes 16 pancakes.

*****

To negate the "light" status of these pancakes, we added chocolate chips to make jack-o-pancake faces.

What's your favorite pumpkin recipe?