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We are aware that October is a pause before autumn gives way to the winter months. Many of us can remember hiking through a pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin for a jack-o'-lantern. And this still holds true today. From a small seed comes a mighty pumpkin! In this area we see mostly small ones, looking like the larger ones had already been picked. This is true in some cases. This has not been a good year for growing large pumpkins, however. Guess it depends on just how much rain came down in certain areas.

It is said that pumpkins can range in size from less than a pound to more than a hundred pounds. Reading an article about pumpkins, it tells of a man in Ontario, Canada who brought a 400 pound pumpkin to the Paris World's Fair in 1900. But this was out-done by a man from Nova Scotia who sent a 616 pounder to the U.S. for a Pumpkin competition. He was questioned by customs officials as they couldn't believe such a large crate could hold one pumpkin. They called the drug squad and from what they saw it really was just one pumpkin.

Obviously it's about pumpkin recipes today.

For you who have to limit sugar in your diet, this is for you.

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LOW-CALORIE PUMPKIN PIE

1 egg

2 egg whites

1-15 oz. can solid-pack pumpkin

2/3 c. granulated sugar substitute - Splenda suggested

1/2 c. reduced fat biscuit/baking mix (Bisquick Heart Smart)

1 t. vanilla

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. ginger

1/4 t. cloves

1-12 oz. can fat-free evaporated milk (can use regular if you wish)

1 c. "lite" whipped topping

In a large mixing bowl combine first 9 ingredients until smooth. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into a 9-inch pie plate coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. Dollop with whipped topping before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Makes 8 servings.

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OLD FASHIONED PUMPKIN LOAF

2 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 c. solid pack pumpkin

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. milk

1/4 c. butter, melted

1 c. chopped nuts

Spray a 9x5 pan with cooking spray; dust with flour. In a medium bowl combine first 6 ingredients; whisk to combine and set aside. In a large mixing bowl blend next 6 ingredients; mix until just moistened.

Pour into loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan onto rack. Cool completely before slicing.

Note: After it has cooled completely, wrap it in foil and put in the fridge for a day or two, to mellow. It's also much easier to slice. Store in fridge.

Makes 1 loaf.

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These soft drop cookies are filled with oats and chocolate chips.

PUMPKIN CHIP DROPS

1 c. butter, softened

1 c. sugar

1 c. packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 t. vanilla

2 c. flour

1 c. quick-cooking oats

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

1 c. canned pumpkin (use the cup leftover from the pumpkin loaf)

1 c. chocolate chips (semi-sweet)

In a mixing bowl cream the first 3 ingredients. Beat in next 2 ingredients. Combine next 5 ingredients; add to the creamed mixture alternately with pumpkin. Stir in chips.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. or use parchment paper. Bake 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cook on wire racks.

Makes 4 dozen.

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KIM'S EASY PUMPKIN MUFFINS

1 pkg. regular size yellow cake mix

3 eggs

1/2 c. oil

1 t. baking soda

2 t. cinnamon

1-15 oz. can or 2 c. solid pack pumpkin

In a large bowl combine first 5 ingredients. Mix, following cake mix directions. Stir in pumpkin until smooth. Using paper liners in muffin cups, fill 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees 18-22 minutes.

Makes 24 muffins.

Note: If you don't have 2 muffin tins with 12 cups, fill the muffin cups first, pour the remaining batter into a greased 8x8-inch square baking pan and bake for 32-36 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar.

Note: Leave muffins in tin for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire rack.

TFD: If you're out driving about, please watch for those little ghosts, witches and the "New-style" costumes the little ones are wearing. They can dart out into the street so quickly. If you're having a costume party, go ahead and "bob for apples." You'll come up with a new hair-do!

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