The Great Pumpkin

With the leaves on the trees turning colors and the ones on the ground crunching underfoot, it takes me back to skipping up the sidewalk to our house where the aroma of after school treats would greet me. 

This treat is among my favorites and it's yummy any time of year ~

Pumpkin Nut Bars

1/2C all vegetable shortening (pretty sure mom used Crisco)

1C brown sugar, firmly packed

1C sifted all purpose flour

1/2t soda

1/2t baking powder

1t cinnamon

1/4t ginger

1/4t nutmeg

2/3C pumpkin

2 eggs

1t vanilla

1/2C chopped nuts

Combine all ingredients except nuts in a large mixing bowl.  Beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer at medium speed.  Fold in nuts.

Spread evenly in 13x9x2 pan.  Bake in preheated 350 deg oven for 20 to 25 minutes.  Cool.

Spread with frosting.

Orange Frosting:

Blend until smooth 2T solid vegetable shortening (again with the Crisco), 1-1/2C sifted powdered sugar, 1T grated orange peel and 2T orange juice.  Makes about 1C frosting.