Pumpkin Bars

Last Saturday was all about Grandma Warren.  In the morning I went to my first ever basket making class. For those of you who never had the chance to meet her, Grandma was a extraordinary lady who loved her family, was a great cook, and she made amazing baskets.  It was so special to learn the basics of her craft, and hopefully be able to continue the tradition.  On Saturday I also decided to make her famous pumpkin bars.  When my sisters and I were younger, without fail, Grandma would come to church with two pans of pumpkin bars.  And every Sunday, they would all be gone within an hour of coming home.  Back then it was all about how yummy they were, but thinking about it now, it was more about the time and thought that she put into making them for us.  I hope that you enjoy them as much as we always did.

Pumpkin Bars

3/4 c. canola oil
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 c. cooked pumpkin
1 t. baking soda
2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. whole wheat pastry flour

Frosting
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 stick of butter, softened
1/2 pound powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
tad of milk




1. Mix the ingredients for the bars and spread on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
2. While the bars are cooking, cream together the frosting ingredients.
3. Remove the bars from the oven, and allow to cool completely.  Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.  Top with walnuts, if desired.  Cut into 2" squares to serve.

Enjoy!


Here is the basket that I made on Saturday.  Not too bad for the first try... hopefully I will be as good as Grandma someday.