Fall is in full swing, even though it's feels like Winter here in Kansas. We just had our first frost, it's only 39* degrees right now with a high of 55* and northwest Kansas just had 3 inches of the white stuff dumped on them yesterday. Fall is a time for....
PUMPKINS and HALLOWEEN
and FOOTBALL!
We've done a few get togethers with our friends and had some amazing eats! My friend Jill made a Baked Asparagus dip, Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers, grilled Maui Chicken and a ton of other good food one night we got together. The dip and the poppers are both from a Taste of Home cookbook her mom had given her. But, luck us, both recipes are on their website and are super simple appetizers to make for a group of people. While browsing their site I came across a neat pumpkin recipe - Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Carmel Frosting. Let me just say, they were amazing! I'm flash freezing the remaining rolls so we can enjoy them all month long. They were simple enough to make, just remember to use dental floss to cut the roll. Just place the floss underneath the roll, pull both sides up, cross over and pull tight. Your roll comes out perfect each time. 
While the rolls were rising and baking, I started cooking a ham so we could have ham sandwiches this week. Here's my Mom's recipe that never fails. I used a 9lb hickory smoked shank, boil for 1-2 hours on the stove top, turning occasionally, then score it and cover it with cherries and pineapple rings in foil lined roasting pan. Mix up pineapple juice, mustard and brown sugar to taste and pour over the ham. Cover with foil, bake at 350* for 2 1/2 - 3 hours until done.
Here's the ham before it went in the oven.
It smells amazing in my house and I can't wait for you all to try one of these awesome recipes! Enjoy!
