PUMPKIN HERMITS

One can of pumpkin goes a long way! Sunday was a very productive day.  I woke up at 7:30am and my body was ready to start the day!  By 11:30am I had cleaned through our entire apartment, made breakfast, and was pulling these cookies out of the oven.

Soft and spicy with chocolate chips (and nuts if you have them on hand to throw in) make these the perfect pairing with a cup of tea.

And given all the time I had on Sunday morning, I thought I'd give you an inside look into how things come together in my perfect little kitchen.

I strongly suggest giving them a go, and if you do, let me know! 

Pumpkin Hermits, an October classic by my Mom (the note on the recipe she sent me said Oct/96...which means she's been making these since I was 7!)

3/4 cup shortening

1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

splash of vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp baking soda 

pinch of salt

optional
1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped nuts

In a large bowl, beat together shortening and sugar until combined; beat in eggs, pumpkin and vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt; stir into sugar mixture.  Stir in chocolate chips, nuts and/or raisins.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 350*F for 10-12 minutes.