Fresh Produce Blog

Fall is in the air… The leaves are changing colors, and the breeze is picking up. Its a time of reflection and cozying up with family and friends. But really when isn’t it a good time to gather up with people close to you. Well here’s the next excuse! These are some delicious Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Bars that I couldn’t wait to pass along. These bars are perfect for the autumn season, weather or not you celebrate halloween, or thanksgiving, these treats are sure to please!

 I have to admit I pulled these out of Martha Stewart’s Holiday: Halloween edition magazine. If you can’t find it on newstands, you can find more recipies at the Martha Stewart webpage.

Makes 24

• 2 cups (spooned and leveled) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin-pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
4. Lift cake from pan (using foil as an aid). Peel off foil, and use a serrated knife to cut into 24 squares.

I’ve come across the one stop shop for all of your summer entertaining needs.  Plum Party has summer categorized by every theme imaginable…Throwing a party on July 4th?  Click here for everything you might need to add the finishing touches to your soiree.  And really, who can resist a good luau?  I once hosted a luau for a couples’ bridal shower.  It was fabulous, and so much fun to organize!

Have you hosted a themed summer party lately?  Be the first to show us your favorite summer party pics and upload them to our flickr photo pool here!  We’d love to see them, and if you have any other theme ideas, send them our way - we’re always up for some fun and as always, lots of color!

Happy entertaining…fresh-E

A warm summer sunset, sitting on the porch, at the beach, or in the grass. It’s the best part of summer.  What’s even better during the summer? The sweetest and coolest drinks!

I love relaxing on a warm night with a chilled glass in hand, and good company. Or entertaining my neighbors with bubbly concoctions and great food.

Try this recipe for a refreshingly sweet and tart summer day finisher:

Pineapple Cooler

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