Friday, October 17, 2014

Autumn Double Delights

When Fall comes in, I can't help but think about pumpkin to enhance my baking.  Something new this year, by Nestle, is Pumpkin Chips.  I saw it advertised on television, but couldn't find them in my grocery store, so I ordered on Amazon.
I can tell you, after sampling a few, these morsels do indeed taste like pumpkin!  Pumpkin was Kelly's favorite flavor; she always asked for Pumpkin Pie for her birthday, which was these month on the 8th.  I couldn't help, but think she would have really loved to bake something with these to celebrate, so I did in her memory.


One of Kelly's best friends from high school sent me this photo last week with a touching note of how she came to have it.
"The reason I'm writing is that this picture (which I'm fairly sure is Kelly) 
showed up in an old purse at my mom's house the other day.
...Kelly gave me this, I think it was probably back when you
moved to Laguna & Kelly and I would mail letters to
each other with locks of hair, pictures, & hilarious stories.
We must have exchanged baby pictures during that time.
In any case, I wanted you to have it on her birthday.
I think the fact that it just showed up after so many years
is Kelly letting us know she's still around.
Your daughter was one of those truly wonderful & warm & silly
individuals that always put a smile on my face."
So, with tears in my eyes, but a happy heart, I baked and came up with something pumpkin to remember all the good memories I have. (And, Lisa if you are reading this post, thank you for sending me the photo).

Autumn Double Delights
Chocolate~White Chocolate Chip Base
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Lightly spray a 13" x 9" pan with baking spray.  Set aside.  In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together until fluffy.  Add the egg and vanilla and mix together.  Add the dry ingredients and beat until combined.  Stir in the chocolate chips.
Place the dough in the baking pan and use floured finger tips to spread the dough.
 Bake in the preheated over for 12 to 14 minutes.  Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the  Pumpkin Chip Blondie mixture.


Pumpkin Chip Blondie:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pkg. Nestle's Pumpkin Chips
1 1/2 cups lightly toasted walnut, coarsely chopped

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat the brown sugar and melted butter together to combine.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate completely.  Stir in the dry ingredients and 1 cup of the Pumpkin chips and half of the walnuts.  Pour the mixture on top of the cookie base.
Sprinkle the remaining pumpkin chips and walnuts on top.
Bake an additional 25 minutes-tester should come out cleanly.  Allow the bars to cool about 1 hour before cutting.
I hope you're having a beautiful fall day and thinking about all the good memories in your life.  Thank you Lisa for adding to mine.  Enjoy!

    
 

16 comments:

  1. How wonderful to receive the photo and have this sweet friend tell you some of her memories. It sure makes you proud to have had such a beautiful daughter. Sweet hugs, Diane

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  2. So kind of Lisa to remember Kelly that way.
    Jane x

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  3. That is so incredibly special. What a sweetheart Kelly's friend is to share that word and return the photo. I know you treasure it all.

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  4. Moments like this let us know our loved ones are always with us .....

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  5. I'm positive Kelly is with you, always, my dear friend. Been thinking of you all this month...Lv, me

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  6. So sweet and kind of Lisa to send you the photo and the note...that's just precious.
    I love those pumpkin chips and this fall dessert must be very delicious!
    Have a peaceful and lovely weekend, Susan!
    Angie

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  7. Those look great, and I love that you bake in Kelly's memory. Big hugs to you!

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  8. What a special moment for you. I'm sure Kelly is always there around you. Another great recipe from you! Hugs to you my dear friend.

    Linda

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  9. Such a beautiful photo, how lovely that you were able to bake this recipe in her memory.

    Helenxx

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  10. October is a time to remember for both of us as you know.
    If I find those pumpkin chips I will deninately try the pumpkin blondies recipe.
    look outside and enjoy the changing of season.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  11. "With tears in my eyes and a happy heart"....I so love that! Precious, precious memories! Oh dear Susan.....I am so happy to have you as my blogging friend! I simply must try this delicious recipe too! Blessings and hugs!

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  12. What a sweet tribute to Kelly! The picture is adorable and just precious. What memories we have of our daughters and without those memories it would be even more difficult. I've missed keeping up with my blog friends and I hope to get back in gear with it!
    Big Hugs,
    Donna

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  13. Dear Susan- Kandyce texted me today to let me know about your beautiful blog and this specific entry. I'm so happy and relieved to find that the picture was indeed Kelly. (Who else would have those eyes?) I will be making these pumpkin chip Blondies on her birthday this year in memory of her and all the warmth that she shared with those she loved. Sending you a big hug! – Lisa

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