As we approach the upcoming holiday season, I want to reflect on this past year and how thankful I am to have been able to continue helping homeowners over the past 12 months. Thanksgiving is such a great time to take time to acknowledge everyone and everything that has helped you accomplish all that you have done over the year, and give back to those who were not as fortunate. I am so thankful for the amazing clients that I was able to find homes for this year, and all of the relationships that I made along the way. When I work with clients, I am here to support all of their real estate needs, even after closing.
There are so many ways to help out those less fortunate in our community, from soup kitchens and donation centers to animal shelters and other charitable organizations. While there are many organizations throughout the city and surrounding suburbs aimed to help those in need, one organization in particular that I wanted to highlight is the Community Kitchen PGH. Not only does this organization provide food for the homeless, but they also host several workforce development programs that are designed to support adults who have been out of the workforce or who experience barriers to employment to find and maintain stable, higher than entry-level positions in the foodservice industry. Community Kitchen PGH offers a culinary arts diploma program, DOL-certified apprenticeship program, and transitional job opportunities in their warehouse and kitchen. These programs help build up the workforce in our community and in turn make our community stronger.
This holiday season, I am also thankful for the health and well-being of my family, with who I am fortunate to be able to spend this holiday. Every year I look forward to gathering around the table sharing stories and enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal. One dish I can’t celebrate Thanksgiving without is my mother’s pumpkin bars. They’re easy to make and extremely delicious! This recipe is great to make the day before, and easy enough that your children can help as well!
Mom’s Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin Bar Ingredients:
4 Eggs
1 2/3 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Cooking Oil
1 16oz Can of Pumpkin
2 Cups Flour
2 Tsp Baking Powder
2 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Baking Soda
Icing Ingredients:
1-3oz of Cream Cheese
1/2 stick Margarine
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 Cups Sifted Powdered Sugar
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, and mix thoroughly. Spread batter in ungreased pan 15x10x1″ and bake 20 to 30 minutes.
While the bars are baking, add cream cheese, margarine, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in powdered sugar, a little at a time, and beat. Cool the pumpkin bars before frosting, and cut them into squares.
Serve and enjoy!