PUMPKIN CHIP MUFFINS AND THE PERFECT DAY!

See that big smile on my face? Well, that's because when Big Daddy was snapping that picture, I was thinking to myself, "Self, I am just having the most PERFECT day!" And it's not just because I had myself a big ol' truck bed full of pumpkins and gourds, and not just because I had a new black crow figurine under my arm,  although that was all part of it.....I'll "splain".....

B.D. and I took off early on a slightly overcast and crisp September Saturday morning, headed for the darling town of Cazenovia, New York. I know, I know, you've heard me go on and on about my friend Marianne's shop, Old And Everlasting, FOREVER !!!, but this weekend was special, as it was their annual Fall Open House. And my nickname isn't Mrs. Punkin Pie for nuttin'....I just love autumn and anything having to do with this awesome season, so any chance I get to take a road trip to a fabulous shop that contains everything I adore, PLUS a chance to go to a huge pumpkin patch this time of year, well, sign me up!

Old and Everlasting was busy, busy, busy, even at 10:30 in the morning, but I did get a chance to snap a few (shhhh, don't tell Marianne!) photos inside and out.......her shop is in the country, off of Hwy 13, just south of Cazenovia...........

See where all of my inspiration comes from?...........

   She even has GOATS grazing next door...............

See that cute green sweater I'm wearing at the top of this post? B.D. bought that for me on this trip, plus a gorgeous scarf, some stationery, candles and the cutest tea towel with a pumpkin embroidered on it. Quite a haul.....I felt spoiled!

And no, those pumpkins and gourds in the truck weren't all for me....we were doing official business for our dear friend Jimmy, who is a florist and is doing an autumn wedding in a couple of weeks and needed lots of fall decor, so when he heard we were heading to Critz Farms, also on Hwy 13, just south of Cazenovia, he kindly talked us into loading up! Jimmy, you know I'd do absolutely anything for you........

If this place doesn't get you in the mood for FALL, then nothing will! Critz Farms boasts a pumpkin patch, apple orchards, petting zoo, hard cider mill AND a corn maze. B.D. was NOT disappointed....he got his beloved deep fried apple fritters! Look how seriously he takes his eating (hee hee).....

Here's a few more photos I snapped around the property..........

Only I would be sure to get part of an outhouse in my pumpkin patch photo.....

 
I think we took home all of these..............

Too soon, it was time to head back on up the mountain with all of our "booty" (that's pirate speak for stuff)....all in all, a perfect day!

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Last year, there was a pumpkin shortage--do you remember? I just remember having a difficult time finding canned pumpkin for the baked goods and soups I like to make this time of year. So far,  I haven't heard anything about a pumpkin "drought" this year......good thing, because I LOVE to make these muffins for friends each Fall--some people say they're some of the best muffins they've ever eaten!

To get started, mix together eggs, sugar, pumpkin (canned) and oil until smooth.............

In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt............

Add to pumpkin mixture; mix well. Fold in chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet)................

Fill muffin cups 3 / 4 full. Bake for about 18 minutes (careful--these burn easily!). These are great muffins to give as gifts, or to have for a delicious Autumn snack, perhaps with a cold glass of apple cider............

Enjoy! Here's the recipe...........

PUMPKIN CHIP MUFFINS

Makes 2 dozen muffins

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 can (15 oz.) solid-pack pumpkin

1 and 1 /2 cups vegetable oil (I use canola)

3 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

2 cups (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

optional: chopped pecans or walnuts

In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil until smooth. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3 / 4 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

TODAY I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR.....

***My wonderful husband who makes me so happy!

***Methotrexate and other drugs--think they're finally, finally starting to work (knock wood~)!

***The brisk walk to town I took with Wee Willie this morning--invigorating!