Today I am so excited to share a few of my very favorite fun things for Fall with YOU! Of course, I have lots of things I love to partake in each Fall as I celebrate the season, but below I am sharing three that are a delight and would be so much fun to do with the family!
The Pumpkin Prayer
Here’s a meaningful way to carve a pumpkin with your family or at your kids next playdate.
Dear Jesus, Open my mind so I can learn about you.
(cut the top of the pumpkin)
Take all my sin and forgive the wrong things I do.
(Remove the seeds)
Open my eyes so your love I will see.
(Cut the eyes shaped like hearts)
Open my mouth to tell others you’re near.
(Cut a cross-shaped nose)
Let your light shine in all I say and do! Amen.
(Place a candle or flashlight inside; light it)
Caramel Corn
I’ve made this recipe every fall for more than 10 years, and it’s great for gifts and small-group meetings. I use an air popper to make the popcorn. The caramel corn will keep for weeks in an airtight container.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups brown sugar (packed)
ó cups light corn syrup
ó lb. butter or margarine
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
6 quarts (24 cups) freshly popped popcorn
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Preheat oven to 200°F.
2) In 2ó-quart saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, cream of tartar, and salt.
3) Heat to boiling, stirring over medium-high heat. Stir constantly for 5 or more minutes, while mixture boils rapidly to a “hard ball” stage.
4) Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda quickly but thoroughly, and pour over popcorn in large roasting pan. Stir gently until all kernels are coated.
5) Spread onto two jelly roll pans.
6) Bake in oven for one hour, stirring 2-3 times during baking to make it crunchier.
7) Turn out at once onto waxed paper, spread apart, and allow to cool. Break apart, and store in a tightly covered container.
Pumpkin Bread
Each October, I bake this pumpkin bread and give little loaves to friends, our small group, teachers, etc. It’s just another reminder that autumn is here, and that I love them and am thinking of them.
INGREDIENTS:
3- 1/3 cups flour
ó tsp. baking powder
3 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
ó tsp. ground cloves
ó tsp. ginger
3 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
3-4 cups (one large can) cooked mashed pumpkin
2/3 cup dates soaked in 2/3 cup hot water
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two large loaf pans or 4-5 small loaf pans.
2) Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger; set aside.
3) Combine brown sugar and eggs; mix well.
4) Add the pumpkin and dates, and mix.
5) Add half the flour mixture, and stir. Add remaining flour, and stir until mixed.
6) Divide dough into greased loaf pans.
7) For large pans, bake approximately 50 minutes; for small pans, bake approximately 30 minutes. Loaves are done when toothpick placed in center comes out clean.
I hope you enjoy these fun additions to your fall celebrations!!
Blessings,
Sandra
