A Lighter (and Easier) Thanksgiving Pumpkin Dessert This Year

pumpkin mousse

I don't know if it's age and slowing metabolism making me not want the heaviness of pie pastry or if I just don't want to do the making part of pie pastry and rolling it out, but this year I chose to make a lighter version of my mom's pumpkin pie. I've made pumpkin mousse, which is basically a pumpkin chiffon pie filling in dishes without a crust. I also baked a half-batch of gingersnaps, for those who want something substantial with their mousse. And of course I'll top each dish with whipping cream just before serving (oops, there goes the "lighter" part).

Pumpkin mousse is an alternative for those who, for whatever reason, don't want the pie crust. 

Wishing all in the US a happy Thanksgiving. And to those not celebrating a Thanksgiving holiday today, I am thankful for you and wish you a lovely day.

Out With the Old, In With the New

I'm almost embarrassed to show you my now-retiring pots & pans scrubbing sponge. But I know there's got to be at least one friend here who, like me, can't part with a sponge when there are still some good scrubbing spots on it left.

But with company coming over on Thursday, I thought now would be a good time to toss the old sponge and replace it with a brand new one.

I buy sponges in multi-packs at Dollar Tree. The old sponge is the last one of a pack bought before Covid. Dollar Tree still carries the 6-sponge pack, but the price has risen to $1.25. 

Although I use my sponges until they're on their last legs, I do sanitize them frequently in the dishwasher. I know some folks prefer to microwave their kitchen sponges or give them a bleach and water soak periodically, the dishwasher trick is what's easiest for me.

I just like to get my money's worth. And I thought I'd provide a laugh to all of you.