PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE BROWNIES: Autumn Brownies

Libby's Pumpkin Ad, November 14, 1949

Autumn for me is always all about pumpkins. Add chocolate and I'm there! 

Here's an easy recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies adapted from a recipe from Libby's Pumpkin. My mother's name was Libby, so I always love using Libby Pumpkin in recipes. "Libby, Libby, Libby, on the Label, Label, Label." You can always substitute 'real' pumpkin puree that you make yourself. 

FYI: These brownies are more cakelike than chewy. With that in mind, enjoy!

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon DARK unsweetened Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup broken dark chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)

Directions
PREHEAT - 350° F. Spray 8- or 9-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
COMBINE pumpkin, sugar, egg, egg whites, and oil in large mixer bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Add flour, baking powder, cocoa, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and nutmeg.
BEAT on low speed until batter is smooth. Stir in chocolate chips (or chunks). Spread evenly into prepared pan.
BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares.

Do you have a favorite Chocolate Pumpkin Brownie recipe? Leave a comment and link!

CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN DRINKS: National Liqueur Day

Happy Liqueur Day! Since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought I'd post a few drinks recipes using Pumpkin Liqueur. It's my opinion that pumpkin needs chocolate, so I put together two recipes for Chocolate Pumpkin Cocktail recipes for Halloween. These can be served all throughout the Fall. 

CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN COCKTAIL

3 ounces Pumpkin Liqueur
Chocolate (melted)

Shake pumpkin liqueur with ice in cocktail shaker.
Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Slowly add melted chocolate to glass.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN MARTINI

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
2 ounces Vanilla Vodka
1/2 ounces Pumpkin Liqueur
1 tsp whipped cream

Pour white chocolate liqueur, vodka, and pumpkin liqueur into shaker filled with ice.
Shake. Pour into martini glass. Optional: Add whipped cream.

Cartoon of the Day: Brownies

I LOVE LUCY DAY! Lucy & Ethel in the Candy Factory

Today is I Love Lucy Day. And really, who doesn't love Lucy? Being that it's all about chocolate for me, here's my favorite scene from the Queen of Comedy: Lucy and Ethel in the Candy Factory.

And, in case you're curious about where this episode was filmed.. Filming actually took place at the See's Candies factory in Los Angeles, on May 30, 1952.  Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance spent half a day learning the ropes, dipping chocolates and packing candy on the production line before filming began. The uniforms the two wore were actually borrowed from See's workers.