Fun Fall Flavors

 Hello to all.  Hope everyone is well and safe.  A cool morn here, but not as cool as yesterday morning.  It will be in the 60's today for a high.  Pretty much that way all week.  It looks to get very windy again - so over the wind.  Yesterday was windy as well.

It is that time where I have gotten out my long-legged PJ's (vs. shorts) and I have thrown a heavy throw over the bed at night.  Still refraining from turning on the heat.  Even had to get out 'shoes' to do my walk yesterday!  I always do flip-flops, as I despise wearing regular shoes.   Yesterday warmed up in here (inside) by late afternoon due to the sun, and the house maintains heat well.

This brings back memories.  We had a Chambers stove, a yellow set of that table and chairs.  The black & white floor was in the dining room!

 

Now that the cooler temps are here in this part of the world, it is that time when we think comfort food.  It is time to get out those crockpots for hearty soups, beans, and stews.  It is also time for many treats that don't always happen during the summer.

Don't have to have a campfire to have S'mores.  You can enjoy them from the kitchen.

S'MORE BARS

8 - 10 whole graham crackers

1 pkg. brownie mix (13x9 pan size) - or your own homemade

2 C mini marshmallows

1 C chocolate chips

2/3 C chopped peanuts

Place graham crackers in the bottom of a 13 x 9 greased pan (single layer).  Mix up brownie mix and pour over crackers.  Bake at 350* for 25-30 min.  Sprinkle w/ marshmallows, chips and peanuts and place back in oven for another 5 minutes - until marshmallows puff and turn golden.  Cool and cut into 24 pieces.

*I leave off peanuts

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESEBALL

1 pkg. - 8 oz. - cream cheese - softened

1/2 C butter (no subs) - softened

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 C confectioner sugar

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

3/4 C mini chocolate chips

3/4 C finely chopped pecans

In a bowl cream the cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy.  Gradually add sugars, beat until combined.  Stir in chips.  Place all into a piece of plastic wrap and make a ball and refrigerate for about 1 hour.  Just before serving roll in nuts.  Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers.  NUMMY

HOT PIZZA DIP

1 pkg. - 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 C (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 C grated Parmesan cheese

1 can (8 oz.) pizza sauce

2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper

2 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onion

In a bowl mix cream cheese and Ital. seasoning.  Spread in an ungreased 9" pie plate (microwave safe).  Combine mozzarella and Parm, sprinkle HALF over the cream cheese.  Top with pizza sauce, peppers, onion and remaining cheese.  Microwave uncovered, on high for 3-4 minutes until cheese is almost melted.  Let it stand for a couple minutes and serve with breadsticks or tortilla chips.

Makes about 3 cups.

Just some easy and fun fall snacks for sure.  Great for a get together, a dessert, an appetizer, or just 'because'!  Kiddos would love all of these (after school snack) - and I know this big kiddo enjoys them as well!

Seems cream cheese is a must have for fall and winter desserts and dishes - so it is always something to stock up on when you find a deal.  Of course, chips and nuts are a biggy too.   Make sure you watch the sales and get all the seasonal ingredients as you can.

Have a grand day and notice every blessing that comes your way!