Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bars

One of my favorite things about autumn is the flavors of fall like pumpkin pie spice, and apple cinnamon; they are so inviting and comforting.  I've been making a lot of fall themed foods lately.  We've made pumpkin pancakes.  (Found the recipe in this month's Taste of Home magazine.  Yum-o!)  Yesterday I made a pumpkin chicken soup.  It was actually quite good.  However, the best pumpkin recipe this season came from my mom, of course!  My mom is the go to source for great desserts.  Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.  We loved it!

Pumpkin Bars:
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
4 large eggs
1 c. pumpkin

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. almond flavoring

1  1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1  1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Beat butter and sugar first in large bowl.  Then add eggs and pumpkin and stir until blended.  In small bowl, mix together dry ingredients.  Then pour dry mixture into wet ingredients and stir.  Finally, fold in pecans.  Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes.  Frost when cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. powdered sugar (add more for thicker frosting)
1tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond flavoring

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Slowly add sugar and stir till well blended.  Finally, add vanilla and almond flavoring and stir thoroughly.  Enjoy!

Mommy & K making pumpkin pancakes.