I had to take the baby to the drug store at 7:30 this morning to buy diapers. I made her promise not to poop until 8. I was positively giddy when I stepped outside into our 65 degree morning. I've lived in the south long enough to know that we are still in for some long, hot days, but I love it when the weather teases me like this. One cool morning as a sneak peek into fall. It makes me want to scatter fall leaves and set up the pilgrim figurines. I refrained, but I did restock the diaper stacker then head into the kitchen to make a special breakfast for the kids. These muffins are delicious, and they make the house smell like fall.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup oil

4 eggs

1 can pumpkin

1/2 cup water

3 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (I bet raisins would be good too)

Preheat oven to 400. Mix sugar, oil, and eggs. Add pumpkin and water. In separate bowl, mix dry ingredients together. Add to the wet mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Fill 24 muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18 minutes.

I also tried a new chicken recipe for dinner last night that we liked quite well. I pounded my chicken breasts real thin before fixing them so they cooked quickly and evenly. I served this with homemade whipped potatoes and cream gravy. It was a pretty meal, and it's too bad I don't have a picture to share with you. I was chin deep in whipped potatoes before I ever thought to snap a photo. And at that point, I wasn't willing to pause. Ohhhh....mashed potatoes and pumpkin muffins. Comfort, comfort, comfort!

Ranch Chicken

1 packet dry Ranch seasoning

3/4 cup finely crushed Corn Flakes

3/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 stick butter, melted

Dip chicken in butter, then coat in crumbs. Bake at 350 about 40 minutes, depending on size of meat.

A helpful tip when coating chicken in butter is to make sure the meat is not too cold, otherwise the butter gets gloppy. I let my meat rest on the counter for a few minutes before preparing. Also, I might try this recipe next time without the butter, or with fat free yogurt or mayo, to cut calories. I can't bring myself to change the potatoes or cream gravy, so I have to look for other ways to lighten things up a tad!