Maple Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars

Is there anything greater that pumpkin? Seriously. 

There really isn't'.

Today I've asked Melissa from my PBandJ to be a 

special guest and share her favorite pumpkin recipe.

Every year for Thanksgiving I bake a new dessert to serve alongside the traditional pumpkin and apple pies. Last year it was a pumpkin praline New York cheesecake, the year before a cranberry pear galette and for this year, an out of this world maple pumpkin pie cheesecake bar. The filling is reminiscent of it's custardy sibling yet has a subtle richness from the cream cheese. A buttery gingersnap crust is the perfect bed and cool fresh whipped cream tops it all off making for a great alternative dessert to serve this Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:
1 Package gingersnap cookies (about 9 ounces)
1 stick butter, melted

For the Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar (not packed)
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 eggs
6 ounces evaporated milk
2 teaspoons maple extract or 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. I use a fluted tart pan with removable bottom for an easy release. If you do not have a tart pan use a 9x13-inch pan and line with parchment paper, the excess paper should hang over the sides to help release after cooling.

2. Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they become fine crumbs. Next, add in melted butter and mix until combined. Press the crumbs into the bottom of your pan. Bake for ten minutes. Bake the crust at 350º F for ten minutes.

3. Make the filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. Beat together the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and well combined. Add in pumpkin and beat on slow until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time and scrape the bowl as needed. Add the evaporated milk, maple and vanilla and beat until combined. Next, add the spices, beating until combined.

4. Pour the filling over the crust. Tap the side of the pan a few times to release any bubbles. Bake until the filling is set in the center, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Place in the refrigerator and cut when ready to serve. Enjoy with whipped cream or as is.

recipe adapted from sticky gooey creamy chewy

Thank you SO much Melissa for sharing this amazingness. 

This is defiantly on my "to-make" list for Thanksgiving.

Enjoy friends!

Instagram SPAMMERS

Are you an Instagram user?

Most of us are. 

It's a fanatic way to share the ins and outs of our daily lives though pictures.

Click HERE to view my Instagram profile.

Lately though, Instagram have been bombarded with SPAM comments.

If you're like me, I didn't know how to remove comments left by others.

Hope this helps....

Apple iOS Devices

To delete your own comments on any photo or any comments on your own photo:

Example of SPAM comment.

1. Tap the "comment" button below the photo.

2. Swipe your finger to the right over the comment you'd like to delete in order to reveal a trash can icon and a reply icon.

3. Tap the trash can icon and select to Delete & Report Abuse or Delete.

  Source
Take that spammers!  

Rag Tie Garland

I obsess over antique, rustic decor. Put burlap, linen and lace together, it screams romance.

Fabulous for wedding ceremonies or a portrait session backdrop.

Only supplies needed for this project are:

7' Burlap Rope

4 yards of each material type: burlap, linen and lace

Simply cut the material into 3"x12' strips

Knot strips to the burlap rope so 5-1/2' hand on each side evenly.

Are you swooning of this DIY vintage decor?

Perfect for that rustic, fall bride.

Hellocotton LinkUp!

We're back!!

Lena {Mom2MemphisAndRuby}, Megan {AbosluteMommy}

and I are back with another awesome Hellocotton LinkUp!

It's been a while, eh!?

For anyone not familiar with Hellocotton yet, you have no idea what you're missing!

Hellocotton allows you to follow for free the most talented women bloggers out there. It is the easiest way to discover the latest on trends and to take on a daily dose of inspiration. Hellocotton also allows you to comment, vote and share it all with your friends.

Hellocotton brings together all inspiring blogs of the moment. All you friends (people you follow) messages and articles are uploaded in real time to your homepage. This way, you don't miss a thing. Scroll the "Headlines" to make sure you checked out the most popular publications. Hellocotton is a goldmine, therefore essential.

Create a Hellocotton account, if you haven't already, then come back  here and link up!

The Rules

1. Follow your hosts

{they are the first 3 in the linky and they WILL return the favor!}

2. Follow at least 3 new blogs via Hellocotton

{or more!! and don't be shy, introducing yourself is a wonderful way to make new friends!}

3. Spread the word!

{the more the merrier!  grab the button & add it to your blog, tweet or Facebook about the linkup!  this is not necessary, but would kindly appreciated!!}

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Hellocotton!

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Fall Bucket List

 

Found here.

Fall

My favorite time of year.

Especially as a photographer, the golden colors are breathtaking for portraits.

Last year I attempted a fall bucket list. Yes I said attempted.

This year is different. New priorities.  Fresh outlook on life.

What a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

Who's with me?

Changing the life of a child... forever!

We would like you to meet Jose.

It's been a almost two years since God brought Jose into our lives. I remember receiving the packet in the mail like it was only yesterday. He was 4 and from Mexico {left photo}. It came with a very brief letter from the agency about where he lived, his likes/hobbies and a little hand written note with a drawing he had made. Just melted our hearts. We knew, even from afar, he was part of our family.

Since then, we've been much like pen-pals. Every few months we get a photo and letter about what's going on in his life. Birthday's and Christmas we sent a gift but that's been where it ends.

Two years later, now he's 6 {right photo}, and we receive our newest letter and for the very first time his questions weren't: Where do you live? How many kids do you have? What's your favorite thing to do? His questions was, when will you get to visit me?

Talk about your stomach hitting the floor. I just about started balling. We've always wanted to do more than just be his sponsors, was this it? Are we suppose to travel to the middle of Mexico to meet this adorable little man? Our hearts say yes. We're not sure how or when, but YES, we're going to meet him soon.

There are so many children out there that need only a kind heart. Someone to give them encouragement. 

Matthew 7:12 ”So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 

do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Become a sponsor. It will change your life forever. Click HERE for more information.

A Little Sparkle...

 

 I woke up this morning with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step.

Realizing God is working on our family. 

Change is happening.

We're transforming.

Typically we want God to answer our questions.

We need to take the time to listen to what He is asking us.

That's what I started this morning.

Asking, "Jesus, speak to me."

Then I wait, and ask again.

God spoke to my heart saying, "Why do you worry?"

Worry accomplishes absolutely nothing.

Worrying is not good for you.

Worrying is the opposite of trusting God.

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He as done."

Philippians 4:6

I feel God moving in my heart.

I'm excited to start this new chapter in our lives.