Pumpkin puree makes a luscious facial mask because pumpkin is rich in zinc and vitamins A, C and E.  Just take 5 teaspoons of pumpkin puree and add 3 teaspoons of brown sugar for natural exfoliation.  Finish with a little splash of cream and mix together.  Apply the lush mixture evenly to your face and neck and relax for 20 minutes.  The pumpkiny goodness will seep into your skin.  Rinse thoroughly and admire your pumpkin pretty skin.

“Mom can we have a snack?”

Make your children a delicious pumpkin snack.  Take 3 tablespoons of your pumpkin puree.  Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, a half cup of milk and a teaspoon of cinnamon.  Combine it all in a blender until you get a tasty milkshake – like pumpkin pie in a glass.

Relax at the End of a Stressful Day with a Pumpkin Cocktail

Fill a shaker with ice and add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and 2 ounces of vanilla vodka along with a drop of honey and a squeeze of lime.  Shake, pour into a glass, drink and enjoy.

Don’t Waste the Pumpkin!

Your left over jack-o-lantern will make a scrumptious treat for deer if you live in the country.  Just cut it into bite size pieces and toss in your yard away from the house.   Left over pumpkin seeds will feed the birds in any neighborhood.    Just add to your birdfeeder or scatter in your yard.  Relax and enjoy a warm cup of cider as you watch the animals gobble your pumpkin remnants.

Pumpkin Adds a Punch to Your Breakfast…

Make your Fall breakfast more appealing with Pumpkin Butter.  Put 2 cups of pumpkin puree in a saucepan.  Add a cup of brown sugar and a cup of water or apple cider for extra tang.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and add your favorite seasonal spices.  Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently.  Once your pumpkin butter is cool, store it in a jar in the refrigerator.   Spread liberally on breakfast breads and muffins, pancakes and even oatmeal.  Yummy!!

…and a Kick to Your Snacks

Go back to the pumpkin seeds and guts you set aside when making your pumpkin puree.  Rinse the seeds thoroughly, dry and lightly coat with oil.  Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray and spread pumpkin seeds on sheet in a single layer.  Sprinkle with salt for a salty snack or brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet snack.  Roast in 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes and munch, munch, munch!

Make your favorite pumpkin cookie recipe.  Line a mini muffin tin with Halloween/Fall decorative paper liners.  Spray with non-stick cooking spray and spoon pumpkin cookie mix into each tin.  Bake “Mookies” at 350 degrees for

8 -10 minutes or until done.  While Pumpkin Mookies are still hot, place a candy corn or other seasonal candy into the center of each one.  You can also use Halloween sprinkles.  Let stand for 5 minutes, and serve. An added bonus is the wonderful aroma of sweet pumpkin that fills your home, and will remind you of simpler times.

Be Prepared with Pumpkin Puree

There are other unique uses for pumpkin besides Mookie ingredients, and pumpkin puree is one of them.  It is easy to make.  First, scoop out the seeds and the “innards” of your pumpkin and set aside.  Put the pumpkin in a baking dish, cut-side down, and bake at 350 degrees for about 90 minutes.  When the pumpkin flesh is tender, scoop it out and puree in a food processor, until smooth.  Pumpkin puree can be used in anything from pancakes to pies, and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.  Add sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and other favorite spices as you cook with the pumpkin puree.

A decade ago, I was looking for a way to spice up the cookie recipes I baked for family celebrations and holidays.  I tried putting my cookie dough in mini muffin tins and Mookies were born.  The entire extended family loves them and requests them for every event.  Later I began lining the mini muffin tins with decorative liners for birthdays and holidays.  Over the years they have become very popular at our school, church and neighborhood activities. 
My husband combined the words "cookie" and "muffin" and created the name "Mookies."  I am constantly experimenting with ingredients and trying ideas my children come up with.  Try Mookies.  You will fall in love with their delectable sweetness!