Favorite Pumpkin Dessert

Thanksgiving is here! If you still have pumpkin you're wondering what to do with, you can try my favorite pumpkin dessert. I've never been crazy about pie crust - something about white flour and Crisco - I don't know. Even though I love pumpkin pie (and sometimes leave some crust behind!) I like this even more. I hope you enjoy it.

Pumpkin Squares

Mix together:

3 eggs, beaten
3 1/2 c. cooked, mashed pumpkin, or 29 oz. can
1 c. sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 can evaporated milk
4 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
-or-
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves (or allspice)

Pour mixture into a 9 x 12 casserole dish
Put on top, in order:

1/2 pkg white cake mix (dry)
1/2 stick melted butter (4 tbl)
chopped nuts (optional)

Actually, the butter is optional, too, if you want to cut down on calories, but for me it's essential! :-) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes, or till knife comes out clean. It's soft like Pumpkin Pie, but I cut it into squares. Serve with a dab, or a lot, of whipped cream on top.

I love getting fresh garden pumpkins in the fall. Just like with the zucchini (Oct 19 recipe), I cook it and put it in freezer containers so I can make Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Cookies or Pumpkin Squares, any time of the year! This is a simple and favorite dessert for any occasion.