Do you know those times when you just wanna be with your mom?
I do.
And I got the best Halloween present ever this year. MY MOM!
I picked her up at the airport late last night just so we could spend our favorite holiday wearing cat ears and eating candy together. Kidding. But the candy part sounds about right.
Halloween feels like a good time for me to admit that I’ve never really been one to make holiday themed treats. Or I guess I should say cutesy holiday themed treats. You’re shocked, I know. Like the black and white cupcakes with a spooky/beautiful spiderweb pattern? I just… I don’t. I don’t and I won’t.
I will just be forever in awe of you who make our world pretty.
I actually do like to do the seasonal thing, like cozy pumpkin or squash or apple foods in the fall, except this year there’s that one tiny thing: I moved to the other side of the world, so my seasonal produce meter got significantly goofed up. Or maybe it’s my local produce meter. Anyways.
Then the saddest thing ever happened when “fall” rolled around in the Philippines: NO PUMPKIN.
They tell me it will be in stores close to Thanksgiving, but it was close to Thanksgiving about 20 weeks ago and I still haven’t seen it in my beloved little international aisle. {scowl}
Here’s my top ten tribute to fall foods – from the old glory days when I used to eat cream cheese frosted pumpkin desserts, and the current days when I’m stuffing my face with buttery squash-sauced pasta. Foooood.
Pumpkin Dip for Gingersnaps – for parties!
Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese with Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Apples – healthy. for real.
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Muffins – cozy Saturdays at home.
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars – OMG, make now.
Healthy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes – fork –> mouth –> repeat.
Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze – with a yellow cake mix, duh!
Classic Homemade Applesauce – recipe from Grandma. xoxo.
Healthy Bacon and Pumpkin Pasta – hello there bacon.
White Cheddar Mac n’ Cheese with Squash and Toasted Walnuts – my go-to fall dinner.
Baked Gingerbread Mini Donuts – please make that glaze.
And Squash Lentil Curry – oh wait. I haven’t shared that with you yet, I’ve only made it one million times. It’s comingggg.
I vow to get my hands on a can of pumpkin and make you my mom’s super easy and buttery and yummy pumpkin dessert before pumpkin season ends. Wait, does pumpkin season have an end date?
Good, I didn’t think so.
I hope you’re all eating something delicious today! If it’s cutesy, I’m rolling my eyes at you. And/or I’m jealous of your craftiness and please show me pictures.