This time of year everyone is going out to their favorite pumpkin patch to gather up pumpkins, cornstalks, gourds, mums and other items to take home and decorate for fall and the Halloween season.

Afterward you can invite friends over and enjoy some pumpkin treats and hot chili.Chili1 1/2 pounds ground beef2 celery ribs, chopped1 medium onion, chopped1 can (46 ounces) tomato juice1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained1 can (10 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted1/2 cup water2 tablespoons chili powderSalt and pepper to tasteIn a large stock pot, cook the beef, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato juice, tomatoes, beans, soup, water, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.Pumpkin Patch Bars1/2 cup shortening1 cup packed brown sugar2 eggscup fresh or canned pumpkin (I use fresh)1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)Orange Frosting3 tablespoons shortening2 cups confectioner's sugar3 tablespoons orange juiceCandy pumpkinsIn a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the nuts. Spread into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. In a mixing bowl, beat the shortening, confectioner's sugar and orange juice until blended. Frost bars; cut into squares. Top with candy pumpkins.Fairytale Pumpkin Cake3 cups flour2 cups sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon cinnamon2 teaspoons baking powder2 teaspoons baking soda2 cups fresh or canned pumpkin (I use fresh)1 cup vegetable oilcups chopped nutsMix all dry ingredients together. Add oil and pumpkin. Mix well. Add the nuts. Pour into greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pans or one large Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.With these recipes that use pumpkin, I cooked down what they call Fairytale pumpkin. It is a very deep orange in color and very easy to cook and strain for your favorite pumpkin recipes. It also makes delicious pumpkin pies.