Halloween is just around the corner. That means decorations are going up! We
always wait until the morning of October 31st to put up the outside decorations. That way, they will be a surprise for the neighbors. But the inside of my house is getting a spookier and spookier!


Everyday, a new ghoul or goblin makes it's appearance! Eeee-hee-hee-hee-hee-heeee! That's my best witchy laugh, if you couldn't
tell. *wink*

The Halloween menu is still in the works. It's always a balancing act to come up with a glorious array of sweet and savory items--some heavily decorated and some that just taste great!


I go a little crazy this time of year with pumpkin treats. There's such a small window of opportunity to go overboard on pumpkin
without getting a cock-eyed look! You know what I mean--try pulling out a
pumpkin pie July 4th and see what happens! So clearly, I feel a certain
urgency to serve pumpkin as often as possible!


These little beauties are the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. They combine the soothing effects of cream cheese,
graham crackers, and chocolate with Bourbon, Chinese Five Spice, and
ultra creamy Creme Fraiche. Oh yes...and pumpkin! The result is a
decedent treat to satisfy the young and old. The bourbon and five spice
deliver depth a distinguished palette can appreciate, but THAT won't stop the ankle-biters from gobbling them down, so set some aside.

This is a very easy recipe to pull together. Just allow plenty of time for cooling before you try to cut the bars!

Sommer

Only the knife knows what goes on in the heart of a pumpkin.
~Simone Schwarz-Bart


Click here for the Creamy Choco-Pumpkin Bar recipe!