Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

I'll admit -- I'm just as much a sucker for pumpkin things as the next person, come sweater season, but my favorite way to indulge is through sweet things cooked and baked in my kitchen. These scrumptious pancakes are no exception. 

A delightfully easy autumn breakfast, these can be whipped up in 5 minutes flat (minus the cooking time). Bonus: This recipe works equally well with cooked sweet potatoes.

Pumpkin Pancakes

1 1/2 c. flour (all-purpose, whole wheat or a combo)

3 1/2 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

1/2 t. nutmeg

1 1/4 c. cooked pumpkin

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 c. milk

1/4 c. butter, melted

Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl. Using a whisk, stir wet ingredients into dry until they are dissolved into the wet. Batter will be lumpy. 

Drop 1/4 c. full of batter onto greased skillet. Flip over when you begin to notice edges solidifying. (They don't tend to get bubbly like regular pancakes.) Remove after about 1 minute on second side.

Don't forget to drizzle with a bit of warm maple syrup or a dollop of peanut butter!

Crockpot Tri Tip

My brother, Gabe, knows how to create a good, heartwarming meal. We invited him and his girlfriend over for dinner last week and it seemed fitting to celebrate his birthday as it was only a few days before.

I asked him what he wanted to eat and he unhesitatingly requested tri-tip. And, of course, a little bacon jalapeno mac and cheese and sesame green beans on the side, finished off with a pumpkin pie. (You can't get more comfort food-esque than this, folks!)

I'm no pro on the BBQ but we wouldn't let that stop of us from enjoying a juicy piece of red meat.

Crockpot to the rescue! We had such great success that we may never place one on the grill again. It melted apart.

So easy to do, it is definitely a necessity for your autumn dinner repertoire.

Crockpot Tri Tip

2-3 lb. tri tip sirloin

2 c. beef broth

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

a few dashes of Tabasco

about 2 t. steak seasoning (enough to thoroughly cover the top of the roast)

Fill the crockpot with the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco. Place sirloin into crockpot. Sprinkle steak seasoning liberally over the top. Cook on low for 8 hours (or 4 on high).