Welcome to this issue.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and pull up a chair.
Get ready to spice up your life!

The Spice For This Issue

EDITOR’S COMMENTS
CUSTOMER REWARDS
MOTIVATIONAL WORDS
OCTOBER SPECIALS AND HOLIDAY AND GIFT LINE
LAUGH A LITTLE
MY WATKINS STORE
CONTEST
HEALTH TIP
COOKING TIP
RECIPES - PUMPKIN
BIRTH OF A HUMMINGBIRD AND BIG SIT
JOIN OUR TEAM
DID YOU KNOW?

Visit our web site for new offers and information. Watkins Visit our online catalog to see our complete product line and September's specials.

If you would like to receive a new Watkins catalog and product sample, send me an email with “new catalog and sample” in the subject line. Send to: eleisiawhitney@watkinsonline.com

Good morning everyone and welcome to Around the Kitchen Table. First I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of the newest members and a great big thank you to all of you who continue to support me.

Several of you sent your helpful ideas about this newsletter but not nearly as many as I'd like. We all lead busy lives and I appreciate that you take a few minutes to read this newsletter and enter the contest by sharing your thoughts. I just wish more of you would join in.

This issue has some yummy pumpkin recipes and an assortment of other recipes.

If you missed the pictures of the birth of a hummingbird you can see them in this issue. There's also a fun outdoor activity for you, your family, and friends. Sign up for the Big Sit!

Enter this month's newsletter contest and win a bottle of Double-Strength Clear Vanilla Extract, for pure white cakes, frostings, and candy.

Well, it's also time to start making plans for holiday gift giving and holiday baking. Our new gift line of products is now available. Some items are included in this months specials! We have some scrumptious baking and personal care gift sets. If you'd like one of our September Specials catalogs send me an email. Or you can see our complete gift line under Gifts and Entertaining - 2005 and September Specials at our online catalog. Watkins Online Catalog

If you have any cooking or recipe questions just send me an email. I'll be happy to answer them or ask our readers for help.

If you are interested in starting your own Watkins Home Business get all the details at: Watkins Business Details

For a few highlights about the Watkins business Business Highlights

Build your own home business so you can stay home with your family, retire early, pay off bills, or save for retirement. With consistent effort you can build a thriving business! Let me help you.

Until next issue,

Make your house a Watkins home.

eleisiawhitney@watkinsonline.com

CUSTOMER REWARDS

I'd like to reward my Watkins customers.

Become a Member of my Watkins $100 Club!

Each time your product total reaches $100.00 you will receive a gift certificate for $10.00 off your next Watkins order. (Total does not include shipping and sales tax.) This total is accumulative - you do not have to order $100 worth of Watkins products in one order. I keep a total of the products you purchase and when your total reaches $100 I will send you a $10 gift certificate! Customer Rewards begins March 1st.

Ask your family and friends if they would like to order Watkins products with you. If your order is $75.00 or more your shipping is free!

Order Online:
Watkins

Order by Phone:
Toll-Free Ordering at:
US 1-800-247-5907
Canada 1-800-665-5756
Please give them my ID# 335001 when ordering.

Order by Mail:
Mail your order with check or money order to:
Watkins Incorporated
P.O. Box 5570
Winona, MN 55987-0570
Please give them my ID# 335001 when ordering.

Get FREE SHIPPING on orders over:
$75.00 in US
$99.00 in Canada

Please share this newsletter with your friends. Help me grow my subscribers. The web address is http://www.everydaynecessities.com/atktnewsletter.htm Thanks!

Privacy Statement - We never share your personal information with anyone else.

Gift Idea: Package Peppermint Stick Cocoa with a mug and chocolate dipped candy canes or peppermint sticks for stirring.

Gift Idea: Pamper with Peppermint - Place Peppermint Stick Cocoa, Peppermint Room Freshener, Watkins Peppermint Foot Scrub and Foot Cream in Watkins Wire Basket with custom linen or decorative towel.

Gift Idea: Trade Winds Gift Set for men - Place travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, and other toiletries in travel bag with Shave Soap, Skin Elixir, and Aftershave Balm.

US 2005 Holiday Gift Line
View the entire US 2005 Holiday Gift Line with promotional pricing.

Dessert and Frosting Mixes Regularly $5.99 Special $5.49 Save $.50 each 01012 Banana 01013 Butterscotch 01014 Chocolate 01015 Coconut 01016 Lemon 01017 Rice Pudding 01019 Vanilla Regularly $7.99 Special $7.29 Save $.70 01018 Tapioca The goodness of holiday baking, with the convenience of a mix! Stock your pantry and create luscious puddings, pies, sauces, fillings, and frostings that taste just like homemade.

Poultry Seasoning (65 g/2.3 oz) 01143 Regularly $7.49 Special $6.89 Save $.60 Save on our economy-size package of the best thing that ever happened to stuffing! A savory combination of our premium-quality herbs is specially blended to complement any poultry dish. It's the best seasoning for stuffing you've ever tasted (recipe on can); add to any chicken or turkey casserole, or use as a rub for roasting.

Gourmet Extracts and Flavors - 2 fl oz
Regularly $4.99 - Special $4.59 each Save $.40
21392 Butter
21364 Caramel
21398 Chocolate
21394 Cinnamon
21385 Maple
21388 Peppermint
21391 Rum
21375 Vanilla (Clear)

01390 Vanilla (Original Double-Strength)
Regularly $5.49 - Special $4.99 Save $.50

Dessert and Frosting Mixes
Regularly $5.99 - Special $5.49 each Save $.50
01012 Banana
01013 Butterscotch
01014 Chocolate
01015 Coconut
01016 Lemon
01017 Rice Pudding
01019 Vanilla

Spicy Soy Sauces
Regularly $3.99 - Special $3.69 each Save $.30
01161 Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce
01162 Hot Honey Soy Sauce
01163 Tangy Teriyaki Sauce

Purest Granulated Black Pepper (340 g/12 oz)
01141 Regularly $13.99 - Special $11.99 Save $2.00 The most flavorful pepper you've ever tasted. Won't tickle your nose or make you sneeze.

Poultry Seasoning (65 g/2.3 oz)
01143 Regularly $7.49 - Special $6.89 Save $.60

Chai
01205 $7.19
05080 Infuser
Regularly $3.69 or just $2.69 with purchase of Chai (#01205)

Aloe & Green Tea Revitalizing Body Wash and Bubble Bath
03068 $8.49
Aloe & Green Tea Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion(240 mL/8 oz)
03066 $8.99
03067 Travel Size (60 mL/2 fl.oz) $3.99 or Free with purchase of 8 oz. Hand and Body Lotion (#03066) and Body Wash and Bubble Bath (#03068)

Analgesic Balm 00495 Regularly $12.99 - Special $11.59 Save $1.40

Icy Blue Ointment 00490 Regularly $9.99 - Special $8.99 Save $1.00

Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
06780 $10.49 or just $9.49 each when you buy two - save $2.00!

Odor Trap
06724 Regularly $4.99 - Special $4.49 Save $.50

05400 Snickerdoodles Cookie Mix - $5.49
Snickerdoodles probably originated in New England in the 1800s, and nobody seems to know whether the name came from the Germans or Dutch, or if it was simply made up for fun. All we know is that they are delicious...and with Watkins, they're easy! This traditional sugar cookie mix is back by popular demand; make plain snickerdoodles or jazz them up with our Cinnamon Holiday Baking Spice.

05137 Cinnamon Holiday Baking Spice - $4.59
Our premium cinnamon is accented with rare star anise and other spices to comprise a delightfully fragrant blend that's perfect for traditional spice cakes, cookies and other holiday baking. It's a limited production, so order now while there's still some left for the holidays!

Gingerbread Topping Gift Set - Limited Quantities
Lucious Gingerbread Honey Creme and Gingerbread Spice in a wooden crate with Watkins logo.
05432 Regularly $19.99 - Special $14.99 Save $5.00

Gold Medal Sampler
05961 $15.99 - Vanilla, Cinnamon, Black Pepper

Cranberry Mustard
05545 $4.99

Limited Edition Extracts (2 fl. oz.) $4.99 each 05407 Anise 05538 Danish Pastry 05405 Hazelnut 05539 Irish Cream 05404 Wintergreen Limited Edition Extract Set (all five listed above) 05540 Regularly $24.95 - Special $19.95 Save $5.00

Classic Extracts in Trial Mark Glass Bottle (11 fl. oz.) Regularly $15.99 - Special $11.99 each Save $4.00 each Buy both for just $19.98 - Save an additional $4.00 05546 Almond 05401 Vanilla Nut

Beverage Sampler Set Two single-serving packets of Peppermint Stick Cocoa, Raspberry Truffle Cocoa, and Cinnamon Chai Latte packed in a tin with Watkins logo. 05550 $6.99 Traditional Cider Brew 05939 $8.99 Limited-Edition Hot Cocoa Mixes $4.99 each 05347 Peppermint Stick 05203 Raspberry Truffle Cinnamon Chai Latte 05542 $5.99 Cinnamon Sticks 05307 $4.99 or only $1.49 with purchase of Cinnamon Chai Latte (#05542)

Lavender Body Care Set Lavender Firming Lotion, Lavender Dry Oil Body Mist, and Lavender Shea Butter This luxurious set is packaged in a clear cello bag. 05567 $18.99 Mango Bath Set Mango Body Wash and Bubble Bath (11 fl oz) and Mango Hand & Body Lotion (11 fl oz) packaged in an organza bag. 05560 $18.99 Sold Separately 05562 Mango Body Wash and Bubble Bath $8.49 05561 Mango Hand and Body Lotion $8.99

Aloe and Green Tea Sink Set Our moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap and nourishing Hand and Body Lotion in a stainless-steel holder to keep them neat and organized in the bath or kitchen. 05563 $19.99 Aloe and Green Tea Shea Butter 10473 Regularly $6.99 - Special $5.99 Save $1.00 or only $3.29 with purchase of Aloe and Green Tea Sink Set (#05563)

Life Before Technology

An application - was for employment.
A program - was a TV show.
A cursor - used profanity.
A keyboard - was a piano!
Memory - was something that you lost with age.
A CD - was a bank account!
And if you had a broken disk, It would hurt when you found out!
Compress was something you did to garbage, Not something you did to a file!
If you unzipped anything in public you'd be in jail for a while!
Log on - was adding wood to a fire.
Hard drive - was a long trip on the road.
A mouse pad - was where a mouse lived.
Cut - you did with a pocket knife.
Paste - you did with glue.
A web was a spider's home.
And a virus was the flu!

As part of our new Brand Awareness program, Watkins is allowing Associates to sell a limited number of products on their personal web site. Some of you have expressed an interest in ordering one or two products and not having to pay the full shipping cost, so to save on shipping costs, you may order one, two, or more items for a shipping cost of only $4.00.

I'm offering 10% off any of the products listed in My Watkins Store. I have included some of the most popular products in my online store. Take a look! If you would like to order a particular product, just ask. I might have it in stock even though its not listed in my online store. My Online Store

Congratulations! Our two winners of September's newsletter contest are Marilyn from Missouri and April from South Carolina! They each win a 2 oz bottle of one of our Limited Edition Extracts - Hazelnut Extract, Irish Cream Extract, Danish Pastry Extract, Wintergreen Extract, or Anise Extract.

Marilyn and April, please email me your choice of extracts and your address.

Thank you to those of you who shared your comments about the newsletter format and the font size in particular. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments and ideas. Most of you said not to change the font size. There were mixed comments as to whether I should add a background. The newsletter originally had a background and I finally decided to publish without it. My goal is to bring you an informative newsletter that is simple and quick to load. Since the newsletter includes images and photos I decided a background could cause it to download too slowly.

If other subscriber's would like to share their comments about the newletter and suggestions for additions, changes, or improvements, please let me know. Although I enjoy looking for information and putting everything together, the newsletter is for you, my subscribers.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER OCTOBER'S CONTEST

This month I'm giving away an 11 fl oz bottle of Watkins Double-Strength Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract. This extract is great for wedding cakes, divinity, and other baked goods and frostings that need to be pure white. It is bake-proof, freeze-proof, and double-strength.

To enter this month's contest send me a gift idea using Watkins products, something you would like to receive or give to a friend or relative.

Please email your opinion to: eleisiawhitney@watkinsonline.com with "October Contest - Gift Idea" in the subject line. Please include your name and address.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells, according to the American Heart Association. It's essential to have some cholesterol, as it is used to produce cell membranes and some hormones, and serves other needed bodily functions.

But if there's too much cholesterol in your blood, it can begin sticking to the walls of arteries and veins. These plaque deposits can block blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

The goal is to lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is the bad kind that clogs blood vessels.

"We call it the bad cholesterol because it's being delivered to the cells from your liver," Dr. John C. LaRosa, president of the SUNY (State University of New York) said. "If you're delivering more cholesterol than your tissues can use, some of it tends to find itself in places where it shouldn't be, including the blood vessel walls."

On the other hand, "good" cholesterol -- high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol -- tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed from the body. High HDL levels are considered a good thing.

An estimated 106.9 million American adults have total blood cholesterol values in the "borderline high risk" range of 200 milligrams per deciliter and higher, according to the American Heart Association. Of these, about 37.7 million people have levels of 240 or above, the level at which doctors recommend immediate lifestyle changes and a prescription to cholesterol-busting statin drugs. (Consult your physician for information.)

People with total cholesterol over 240 have double the risk of heart disease, compared to those who keep their cholesterol under 200, the American Heart Association says.

Studies have shown that statins are extremely effective, reducing LDL levels by 25 percent to 35 percent.

The drugs also have proven themselves to be relatively risk-free, LaRosa said. "These are very safe drugs, these statins, and very effective," he said. "They're safer than aspirin, for example."

Accordingly, doctors now are prescribing them to a wider range of people.

Individuals with "high-risk" profiles -- smokers, those with cardiovascular disease, people with poorly controlled high blood pressure -- might find themselves on statins even though their LDL levels are around 100 milligrams per deciliter.

The doctor noted that eating well and exercising can provide other benefits, including a reduction in the risk of diabetes and cancer.

The lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in your cholesterol levels include:

• Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet.
• Losing weight if you're overweight, which can reduce your LDL cholesterol and boost your HDL cholesterol.
• Devoting at least 30 minutes a day to exercise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This information is to provide you with the newest information about cholesterol. I do not advocate the use of any drug. Consult your physican if you are concerned about your cholesterol levels.

HealthDay News - September 30, 2005
SOURCES: David J.A. Jenkins, M.D., professor, department of nutritional sciences, University of Toronto; John C. LaRosa, M.D., president, SUNY (State University of New York) Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y.; American Heart Association

If frost threatens and your garden leaves you with green tomatoes, chop them and use as you would green peppers, in casseroles, omelets, soups, and stews. Bring partially ripe tomatoes inside to complete the ripening process.

Caramel Corn
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Butter or Margarine
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup White Corn Syrup
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon Watkins Caramel Extract
4 quarts of popped popcorn

Put first 4 ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take off heat and add baking soda and Watkins Caramel Extract. Pour over popped popcorn. Stir. Put in big roaster pan. Bake 1 hour at 225 degrees. Stir every 15 min. Remove from oven and break apart.

Oven-Fried Fish

Delicious served as a main dish or on a roll as a sandwich.

4 4-ounce fresh or frozen cod or other fish fillets
Watkins Nonstick Cooking Spray
6 tablespoons seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
6 tablespoons cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Lemon and Pepper Seasoning
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 slightly beaten egg white

Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Measure thickness of fish. Spray a shallow baking pan with nonstick spray coating; set aside. Stir together bread crumbs, cornmeal, and lemon-pepper seasoning. Add oil, tossing to combine. Brush sides of each fish fillet with egg white, then dip in bread crumb mixture. Place fish fillets in prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, in a 500 degree F. oven for 6 to 8 minutes for each 1/2-inch thickness of fish or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. If desired, serve with tomato slices and garnish with parsley. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition facts per serving
calories: 161 total fat: 5g saturated fat: 1g cholesterol: 43mg sodium: 283mg carbohydrate: 9g fiber: 0g protein: 20g starch: .5diabetic exchange very lean meat: 3diabetic exchange fat: .5diabetic exchange

Salsa Verde Beef Stew (Crockpot Recipe)

1 1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck pot roast
1 tablespoon cooking oil
4 medium unpeeled potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 green sweet pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 14 1/2-ounce can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 15- or 16-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup bottled mild or medium green salsa
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Watkins Ground Cumin
6 flour tortillas

Trim fat from meat. Cut beef into 1-inch pieces. In a large skillet brown half of the beef at a time in hot oil over medium-high heat. In a 3 1/2- to 5-quart crockery cooker combine beef, potatoes, onion, sweet pepper, undrained tomatoes, beans, salsa, garlic and cumin. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 9 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours. Serve with warmed tortillas.

Nutrition facts per serving
calories: 465 total fat: 12g saturated fat: 3g cholesterol: 72mg sodium: 709mg carbohydrate: 56g fiber: 8g protein: 33g vitamin A: 4% vitamin C: 51% calcium: 11% iron: 31%

Pumpkin Gingerbread

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup butter
3/4 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup buttermilk (or sour milk)*
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 recipe Caramel Sauce, recipe below (optional)
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Chopped pecans (optional)

In a large bowl combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the 3/4 cup pecans. Press 1-1/4 cups of the crumb mixture into bottom of an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish. To remaining crumb mixture, add buttermilk, molasses, pumpkin, egg, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; mix well. Pour over crumb mixture in baking dish. Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 50 minutes or until center tests done. Cool 30 minutes. Serve warm with Caramel Sauce, if desired.
Top with ice cream and additional pecans, if desired. Makes 9 servings.

Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter; stir in 1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup. Cook and stir until boiling. Stir in 1/2 cup whipping cream; return to boiling. Serve warm.

*Note: To make sour milk, place 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar in a glass measuring cup. Add enough milk to make 3/4 cup total liquid; stir. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes before using.

Dietary exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fruit, 4 fat.

Nutrition facts per serving
calories: 394 total fat: 21g saturated fat: 9g cholesterol: 61mg sodium: 370mg carbohydrate: 49g fiber: 2g protein: 5g

Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Muffins

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
2 teaspoons Watkins Baking Powder
1-1/2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
1-1/2 teaspoons Watkins Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Watkins Ground Allspice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cooking oil
3/4 cup chopped dried figs or chopped pitted dates
Streusel Topping (see recipe below)

1. Lightly grease twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder, lemon peel, cinnamon, baking soda, allspice, and salt. Make a well in center of flour mixture.
2. In another medium bowl, combine egg, milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, and oil. Add all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in figs or dates.
3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each three-fourths full. Sprinkle batter with Streusel Topping. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups; serve warm. Makes 12 muffins.

Streusel Topping
Stir together 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Nutrition facts per serving
calories: 257 total fat: 8g cholesterol: 24mg sodium: 159mg carbohydrate: 43g fiber: 3g protein: 4g

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Torte

2-2/3 cups toasted slivered almonds
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 15 square crackers)
1-1/4 teaspoons Watkins Baking Powder
1-1/4 teaspoons Watkins Pumpkin Pie Spice
8 eggs, separated
3/4 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1-1/3 cups sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1-1/2 teaspoons Watkins Vanilla
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons Watkins Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Pumpkin Pie Spice
2/3 cup finely chopped pitted dates or raisins
1/2 cup chunk-style applesauce
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel

1. Grease and flour three 8x1-1/2-inch round baking pans; set aside. Process or blend almonds in small batches in a food processor bowl or blender container, covered, until nuts are finely ground but not oily. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Stir in crumbs, baking powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 3/4 teaspoon orange peel; set aside.
2. Beat egg yolks and 2/3 cup of the sugar in a small mixer bowl with an electric mixer on high speed for 6 minutes. Stir in pumpkin and vanilla. Fold in nuts.
3. Wash beaters. Beat egg whites in a large mixer bowl on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add remaining 2/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Fold 1 cup of the egg white mixture into pumpkin mixture. Fold pumpkin mixture into remaining egg white mixture. Spread evenly in prepared pans.
4. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool thoroughly on racks.
5. For the filling, in a small bowl beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Add the brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; beat well. Stir inthe dates and applesauce. Set aside. For the whipped cream, in small chilled mixing bowl beat the whipping cream, 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon orange peel with an electric mixer on medium speed just until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
6. To assemble torte, split each cake layer in half horizontally. Place bottom of one split layer on a serving plate. Spread with about 2/3 cup of the Apple-Date Filling. Repeat with remaining cake layers and filling, ending with top cake layer. Spoon Sweetened Whipped Cream on top layer. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 4 hours. Makes 16 servings.

Make-ahead tip: Wrap baked cake layers for freezing and freeze up to 3 months ahead. Thaw before using. Prepare Apple-Date Filling, cover, and chill up to 2 days ahead.

Nutrition facts per serving
calories: 433 total fat: 26g saturated fat: 10g cholesterol: 148mg sodium: 184mg carbohydrate: 44g fiber: 3g protein: 10g vitamin A: 54% calcium: 11%

Pumpkin Pound Cake

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons Watkins Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Watkins Ground Cloves
1 teaspoon Watkins Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pecans or other nuts
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
Orange juice (optional)
Coarse sugar (optional)
Maraschino cherries (optional)

1. In a large mixing bowl beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, shortening, and eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Add flour mixture and pumpkin alternately to shortening mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until combined. Stir in raisins, nuts, and cherries.
2. Turn batter into a greased and floured 10-inch fluted tube pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Brush with orange juice and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired. Makes 14 to 16 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Refrigerate cake, covered, up to 3 days. Or freeze, wrapped in foil, up to 2 months.

Nutrition facts per serving
calories: 400 total fat: 17g saturated fat: 4g cholesterol: 30mg sodium: 235mg carbohydrate: 60g fiber: 3g protein: 4g vitamin A: 68% iron: 15%

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Gingersnap Crust (see recipe below) or Baked Pastry Shell (see recipe below)
1/2 cup sugar
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Ground Allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Watkins Ground Ginger
1/4 teaspoon Watkins Ground Nutmeg
3/4 cup milk
2 egg yolks
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
Whipped cream (optional)
Chopped toasted pecans (optional)

1. Prepare Gingersnap Crust or Baked Pastry Shell; set aside.
2. For filling In a heavy medium saucepan, stir together the 1/2 cup sugar, gelatin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, ginger, and nutmeg; stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin dissolves.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, slightly beat egg yolks with a rotary beater or fork. Gradually stir about half of the hot milk mixture into yolks. Pour yolk mixture into hot filling in pan. Stir in pumpkin. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Cover and chill until the pumpkin mixture mounds when spooned, stirring occasionally (1 to 1-1/2 hours).
4. In a chilled medium mixing bowl, combine the whipping cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Beat with chilled beaters of an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture. Cover and chill again until mixture mounds when spooned (about 30 minutes).
5. Transfer the filling to Gingersnap Crust. Cover and chill about 4 hours or until set. If desired, garnish with additional whipped cream and top with pecans. Makes 8 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Pie can be assembled and chilled overnight before serving.

Gingersnap Crust
Combine 1/3 cup melted butter and 1-1/4 cups finely crushed gingersnaps (20 to 22 cookies) in a medium mixing bowl; toss to mix well. Spread evenly into a 9-inch pie plate. Press onto bottom and up sides to form a firm, even crust. Chill about 1 hour or until firm. (Or, bake in a 375 degree F oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until edge is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack before filling.) Makes 1 (9-inch) pie crust.
Graham Cracker Crust
To make a graham cracker crust, prepare as above except stir 1/4 cup sugar into the melted butter and substitute 1-1/4 cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 18 squares) for the crushed gingersnaps.
Baked Pastry Shell
Prepare Pastry for Single-Crust Pie. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten dough. Roll dough from center to edges into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. To transfer pastry, wrap it around the rolling pin. Unroll pastry into a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into pie plate, being careful not to stretch pastry. Trim pastry to 1/2-inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry. Crimp edge as desired. Generously prick bottom and sides of pastry in pie plate with a fork. Prick all around where bottom and sides meet. Line pastry with a double thickness of foil. Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 8 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 to 6 minutes more or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition facts per serving
calories: 349 total fat: 23g cholesterol: 118mg sodium: 299mg carbohydrate: 33g fiber: 1g protein: 5g

Chocolate Dessert Sauce

This sauce is perfect for cream pies, eclairs, cream puffs, and ice cream

1 cup (6 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup half-and-half or condensed milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Watkins Vanilla

In a one quart saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate with corn syrup, stirring constantly

Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients until mixed and butter is melted. Serve warm over your favorite dessert. Makes 1 1/3 cups. Refrigerate.

I added a few drops of Watkins Chocolate Extract to make it taste even more chocolately.

I'm including these pictures again in this isssue. This is truly amazing. Be sure to click on next page at the bottom of each page of pictures. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. It took 24 days from birth to flight. Because you'll probably never in your lifetime see this again, enjoy; and please share.

The 13th annual Big Sit! will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2005. So far, more than 60 teams from 33 states and seven countries have registered. Will your bird-watching clan join the fun? We hope so.

The Big Sit! is an annual, international, noncompetitive birding event hosted by Bird Watcher's Digest and founded by the New Haven (CT) Bird Club. Every team that observes this year's "Golden Bird" has a chance to win $500. We hope bird watchers from around the globe will unite on this special day by participating in this event (it's free!).

Don't delay! Participating teams must register prior to October 9, 2005, by visiting the Bird Watcher's Digest website.

New this year!: Find out how your bird club can use the Big Sit! as a fundraiser. But hurry, because there's only a few more weeks to collect pledges for each species you count!

Visit Project FeederWatch for more bird watching facts. Project FeederWatch

The Watkins Business Opportunity

• The ability for you to take control of your personal and financial future and earn in direct relation to your effort.
• Equal Opportunity: Whether you have a Harvard degree or a GED, you possess the key to take charge and make a difference in your personal development and financial well being.
• Everyone, regardless of life's challenges, has the opportunity, in accordance to your willingness and commitment to work, to learn and earn in accordance to your dreams and aspirations.
• The time and money to achieve your dreams.
• Opportunity for you to live and work as you choose according to your personal values and vision.
• A system of learning that is founded on successful people teaching and inspiring others based on their experience.
• Opportunity to develop skills that you will use in every walk of life: communication, money management, time management, goal setting, and leadership.
• The privilege of identifying people that you want to help and empower by opening the door to endless opportunities.
• Turnkey opportunity for you to learn and realize your goals and aspirations. Learning curve, motivation and inspiration increase with your belief and conviction to make it happen.

Start your own home-based business with Watkins. We offer several assortments to join Watkins and the Summit Group.

1 – The Basic Business Starter Kit - $200.00 US; $279.00 Canada (plus tax and shipping)
2 – The Good Tastings Starter Kit - $99.00 US; $145.00 Canada (plus tax and shipping)
3- The Business Introduction Package - $59.95; $69.00 Canada (plus tax and shipping)
Assortment details, pdf file Assortments

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The Watkins Company is beginning its 137th year of providing outstanding products that people use every day. What other company has such a history of experience, success, and integrity?

Get all the details today! Watkins Home Business

Or contact me at: eleisiawhitney@watkinsonline.com

DID YOU KNOW THAT WATKINS:

• Offered the first known money-back guarantee?
  
• Had two leaders presented in Success Magazine’s “We Create Millionaires” article on MLM?
  
• Is 137 years old?
  
• Was rated as one of 5 Hot Home Based Companies in Executive Female Magazine?
  
• Was listed in the “A” list of Top Network Marketing Companies in Downline News Magazine?

“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway. We might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.” - Earl Nightingale

The packing pellets that Watkins uses to ship their products are made of cornstarch and are biodegradable. Use them to protect your own packages when mailing to family and friends. If you like to recycle, take them to your local packaging and shipping company. They will recycle them for you.

If you would like to receive a Watkins Monthly Highlights catalog, our Watkins Mainline catalog, and a FREE sample please send your request to eleisiawhitney@watkinsonline.com

Hope to see you next month!
Eleisia Whitney
Independent Watkins Associate, ID# 335001
23 Oak Ridge Lane
Danville, CA 94506

Watkinize Your Life

Copyright 2002-2005
Around the Kitchen Table

The statements made and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the Independent Watkins Associate who is the publisher of this document, and are not to be construed as the statements or opinions of Watkins Incorporated. Sponsoring or selling Watkins products outside U.S.,U.S.Territories and Canada is strictly prohibited. Contests and prizes are provided by Eleisia Whitney and not Watkins, Inc. or other Independent Associates.

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