Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Everywhere we go, we are saturated with pumpkin recipes this time of year.  Well, here's another one!  I've been making these for over 10 years and they are incredibly delicious.  Even though they are technically called a 'bar', I find them to be a cross between a brownie / piece of cake. Let's get started. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and gather the following ingredients:

                                                                       4 Eggs
                                                                   1 2/3 c. sugar
                                                                  1 c. canola oil
                                                          1  can of One Pumpkin Pie
                                                                       2 c. flour
                                                               2 tsp. baking powder
                                                                 1 tsp. baking soda
                                                                    1 tsp. salt
                                                                  2 tsp. cinnamon

                                    Mix eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until smooth and creamy.

It is a good idea to crack the eggs individually before putting them into the mixture.  It would be a shame to spoil the entire batch due to one bad egg entering the mix.  I am fortunate enough to have my own chickens that lay fresh eggs.  It is very rare for me to have any that are spoiled.  I'll talk more at some point about the benefits of buying fresh eggs.

 

 In a separate bowl, mix the remaining dry ingredients.  It's important that you mix these thoroughly to properly distribute the baking powder and soda throughout the flour. Also, remember to measure EXACTLY when baking.  This is so important and many fail to do so.  I was one of those people who learned the hard way.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix on medium for until it is well blended.  Spray TWO 8x8 square baking pans with canola oil and pour the batter evenly among the two.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

 While the bars are baking, gather the following for the cream cheese frosting. It's very basic.
                                                         3oz. cream cheese
                                                1 lb. package of confectioners sugar
                                                         1 stick of butter
                                                          1 tsp. vanilla
                                                      2 tbsp. half and half
Beat the cream cheese and butter. Slowly add the confectioners sugar.  Finally, add the half and half  along with the vanilla.

Let the bars cool for at least an hour before frosting. Finish by sprinkling cinnamon over the top.

 It yields two pans which is great if you need to bring one to a party because you'll have one for you waiting at home! 

 

                                                   Farm Fresh Eggs vs. Store Bought

                                                                        

Which egg is farm fresh? If you choose the one on the right, you are correct.  I know many people can't afford to buy farm fresh or have access to them.  However, if you do, you will notice some stark contrasts.  First, the average egg in the grocery store is about two weeks old before it hits the shelves.  The older the egg, the less nutrients and richness it possesses. Second, the taste is RICHER.  The texture is richer as well. The richer the egg, the less you'll use.  If a recipe calls for 2 eggs, you can easily get away with using only one farm fresh. Considering that, the cost actually evens out almost.  Just wanted to add a little FYI to the blog with these tidbits on eggs.  In closing, here a few pictures of our laying hens.