Pumpkin fro-yo and pumpkin dip

We are getting a little pumpkin crazed over here, and my husband is not loving it as much as the kids and I are. I wish it was socially acceptable to eat pumpkin all year long.
Here are the latest that are being eaten in the Melick kitchen.

Pumpkin Pie Frozen Yogurt
1 can pumpkin
2 cups vanilla yogurt (I used fat-free so I didn't feel terrible about eating it)
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Mix all together and if you have an ice cream maker, perfect. Just follow the directions for it. Otherwise, you can just put it in a freezer safe container and freeze, mixing every 5-10 minutes until it is the consistency you like.
We also topped it off with mini chocolate chips and whipped topping.

Pumpkin Dip
1 can pumpkin
1 package vanilla instant pudding
2 cups cool whip
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Mix all ingredients together, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Perfect for apples, Nilla wafers, or graham crackers.

Applesauce (I think)

My wonderfully darling friend, Ms Bright, posted this recipe for applesauce. It looked easy enough so I tried it. Um, it's not applesauce. Its dessert. Hana even tried it and said "this tastes just like apple pie!" Delish. I promise. Thank you, dear Lesley, for sharing.

And so, I am passing it along to you.

You are welcome.

10-12 Rome (or baking) apples
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup water
Peel the apples and chop into stamp size bites.
Put chopped apples in a crock pot.
Pour the rest of the ingredients on top of the apples.
Put the lid on and cook on high for 3-4 hours (or low for 5-6).
Let cool a bit and enjoy hot or cold!

I added a step and mashed them up a bit with a potato masher, but its not necessary. It is perfectly fine by itself, but honestly, its amazing warm served over vanilla ice cream. 

Fall treats

I decided instead of re-posting all of the great fall treats from previous years, I would just compile them all right here for you. I know. You're welcome.

Pumpkin Spice Bread http://linneaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/pumpkin-spice-bread.html
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese frosting http://linneaskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/09/pumpkin-cookies-with-cream-cheese.html
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie http://linneaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/11/pumpkin-cheesecake.html
Pumpkin Pie Shake http://linneaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/11/pumpkin-pie-shake.html
Pumpkin Muffins http://linneaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/pumpkin-muffins.html

Rocky Road Cheesecake Pie

This dessert has easily become our go-to pie for dinner guests, parties, or just if we need a sweet treat for the weekend. Again, easy, very few ingredients, and so delicious. The Kraft website gets the recognition for this pie and I couldn't thank them enough!

3

oz.  BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided

2

pkg.  (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened

1/3

cup  sugar

1/4

cup  milk

2

cups  thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

3/4

cup  Miniature Marshmallows

1/3

cup  chopped Peanuts

1

 OREO Pie Crust (6 oz.)

MICROWAVE 1 oz. chocolate as directed on package. Coarsely chop remaining chocolate.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar and milk with mixer until blended. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Whisk in COOL WHIP, marshmallows, nuts and chopped chocolate. Pour into crust.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm.

Ham and White Bean Stew

I hate to admit it, but Pinterest strikes again. Thank you plainchicken.com for this amazingly easy and delicious meal. Its a true lazy mom's meal. Or, busy mom. Whatever.

1 lb dry navy beans
1 ham shoulder, hock, steak, or cubed ham
6 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
Rinse beans and place in crock pot with water, ham, salt and pepper. Cook on med/low for 6-8 hours. Shred ham and serve with corn bread.
See? Easy. And just as delicious as ever. Salty, creamy, warm and cozy. Perfect for a fall evening.