Mmm..mmm..good :)

I don't know what's gotten into me lately. Fall maybe?? But I can't seem to get enough of recipes using pumpkin :)

I made some pumpkin muffins last night that are out of this world! Guaranteed to be a huge hit with anyone who loves them some punkin'...

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

1 Box Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix, dry
15 oz canned pumpkin
1 tsp imitation vanilla extract
1 tbs pumpkin pie spice
1/2 c water

Combine all ingredients and spoon mixture into muffin cups lined with paper cupcake cups. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees (or 325 for dark or coated pans) for 18-21 minutes (mine took 21). Muffins are done when toothpick comes out clean. (20 Servings)

The only thing I did differently was add chopped pecans to the batter. Moist, sweet and delicious!

But just so you know I'm not all about dessert, I also tried a new dinner recipe before dessert :) It was great too. Simple and easy. Just my kind of dish :)

Baked Rigatoni

4 c. tomato sauce (I used a jar of Ragu)
1 lb. ground round
2 1/2 c. dry rigatoni (cooked)
1-1/2 c. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 c. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Brown beef and drain well. Combine beef, cooked rigatoni, sauce, and 1 c. mozzarella and place in spray coated 11x7 baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 c. mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. (8 - 1 Cup Servings)

And since it looks like it's going to be a nice cool weekend, I foresee doing a little more cooking. I've got a new crock pot recipe up my sleeve ... and of course - something else pumpkin :)

Oh, and speaking of pumpkin ... I'm hoping someone will drop by and do a little pumpkin carving for me. Gotta get ready for all those little ghosts and goblins that will be stopping by soon :)

Until later :)