Happy Halloween from Faulkner's Ranch!

Here's wishing everyone a 
Happy Halloween 
from 
Faulkner's Ranch and Pumpkin Farm!

Remember to be safe and have fun!

Happy Trick-Or-Treating Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

How To Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree

Howdy Folks!

You might have noticed when browsing through our blogs that a lot of our recipes call for Pumpkin Puree.

While you can purchase this at your local grocery store, you can also make your own homemade version just as easy 

(and you can save a few bucks by doing so)!

Just follow this super simple recipe from 

The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking.

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PUREE

Ingredients:

1 small pie pumpkin

Directions:

1.  Cut the pie pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds

(Don't throw them away though! Save them because we've got some yummy pumpkin seed recipes coming up.)

2.  Place the pumpkin in a shallow baking dish, open side facing down, with about a 1/2 inch of water.

3.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour, until soft.

4.  Remove the skin and puree.  Use a food processor, blender, or do it by hand with a stick blender/potato masher.

5.  Use as you would canned pumpkin in any recipe that calls for it. 

*yields approximately one cup of puree for each pound of pumpkin.

Need some pie pumpkins?  Stop on by the Pumpkin Farm and pick some up while supplies last!  We'll make sure you have just what you need to get cookin'!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Pumpkin Turkey Burgers With a Twist!

Okay, so if you haven't caught on yet, here at the ranch we love all things pumpkin!

Give us a recipe that has pumpkin in it and we'll be your best friends.

So of course, when Matt Faulkner came across this amazing pumpkin seed recipe he just had to share it.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Turkey Burgers

Served in a Pumpkin

INGREDIENTS:

1 pumpkin - inside cleaned of seeds

2 lbs Turkey Burger (or ground beef)

1 onion diced

3 cloves garlic

salt & pepper to taste

1 c brown rice cooked

2 green onions

2 c chicken broth

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat oven 350.

2.  Cook turkey burger with diced onion, garlic & salt & pepper.

3.  Mix brown rice, chicken broth & burger together.

4.  Place everything inside pumpkin on cookie sheet & cook for 1 1/2 hrs or until pumpkin is cooked.

5.  Scrape inside of pumpkin as you are spooning out burger mix onto plate and sprinkle with green onions.

ENJOY!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Thirsty Thursday: Pumpkin Pie Martini

It's time for another edition of Thirsty Thursdays!

Halloween is just around the corner which means that there are lots of Halloween parties going on.  Why not make this delicious drink to enjoy while you dance the night away!

The perfect drink?

A PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI!

Image and Recipe via What To Drink

INGREDIENTS

1 oz. Vodka

3/4 oz. pumpkin pie filling

1/2 oz. Kahlua

2 oz. milk

sprinkle of cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.  Shake until cold and pour into a cocktail glass rimmed with cinnamon.

Enjoy!

And of course, remember to be safe!  Always have a designated driver!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Mini Pumpkin Extravaganza!

Our creative genius, Lisa, has done it again!

Check out these adorable Mini Pumpercase Living Pumpkins that she created!

They're for sale in the Harvest Barn for just $2.00 a pumpkin!

Come pick some up today to make the perfect fall centerpiece or mantle display!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Congratulations to Our Donation Request Winners!

Congratulations To Our Pumpkin Donation Request Drawing Winners!!!

This Year’s Pumpkin Donation Drawing Winners Are:

Hawthorne Hill Elementary (Angie Stott)

Residential Care Facility (Rita Dillon)

Johnson Elementary PTA (Stephanie Tyler)

Chapel Lakes Elementary (Jacque Hayes)
and
Langsford House of Lee's Summit (Carla Griffin)

*Please contact Faulkner's Ranch to set up a time to pick up your pumpkins.

Thank you for all of your entries!Remember, if you didn’t win this time you stay in the drawing pot for future drawings until your group’s name is drawn.

As a bonus thank you to everyone who entered, all donation request groups will receive a special rate on mini-pumpkins while supplies last.  Mini-pumpkins will be only $ .50 a piece, our lowest price available to any group!

Just call 816-761-1234 and place your order over the phone!  We’ll package them up and have them ready to go for pickup Monday through Friday!

The Story of YOUR Pumpkin - Contest Winner!

Last week we asked you to share the stories of YOUR pumpkins!  We got many wonderful entries and enjoyed reading all of them, but one stood out among the rest.

So now, without further ado, we would like to say a big congratulations to the winners of our contest:
George and Sandra Binger!

Their story made us smile so much and we know that it will make you smile too.
Enjoy!

The Story of OUR Pumpkin

by George and Sandra Binger

In a sea of orange, located at Faulkner's Pumpkin Farm, was a pumpkin who longed to be decorated.  He wanted to sit on a porch, to sit with other scarecrows and flowers and be admired by many.  

Along came a little girl, with her mom, and took this special pumpkin into her arms.  The little girl also asked to take home two petite white pumpkins.    

She already had an idea in her head, coupled with a magazine display, and promptly took her Momma to the craft store for the necessary purchases.  

Carving was not the decorating this little girl had in mind.  Observing and catching butterflies is one of the numerous things she loves to do, and decided to take her love for butterflies and place them on her pumpkin.  

This pumpkin was elated to be a part of the process and is very content sitting on this little girl's front porch, now complete with a cluster of glossy black butterflies "flying" around him.

What came of the little white pumpkins?

They are in "hiding", like Zorro...keeping an eye on all the porch happenings...

Isn't that story just the sweetest?
We love hearing that our pumpkins go to good homes and we love it when our guests share with us the adorable ways that they make those pumpkins their own.
So, thank you so much for sharing this delightful story, George and Sandra!
Be sure to stop on by the pumpkin farm to pick up your prize - a signed copy of George Fiorello's The Story of Pumpkin and another pumpkin for you to take home and have fun decorating!

Now it's time for you all of you to come on out to the pumpkin farm and create your own story of pumpkin!

Have a great day ya'll and we hope to see you soon!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

In Case You Missed Us On TV!

Remember when we told you that Joel Nichols from KMBC 9 News Kansas City came by the ranch for some Pumpkin Season fun?

Well, just in case you missed it when it aired this past Sunday, here he is is having a rip roarin' good time!

Joel Nichols interviewing our spokesperson, Corey!

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

ENJOY!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - For more videos of Faulkner's Ranch, click here!

What Is The Story of YOUR Pumpkin? Contest

Ever since our first pumpkin season, one very special book has been read literally thousands of times by our scarecrows: The Story of Pumpkin.

This delightful fall tale, written and illustrated by Frank Fiorello, holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at Faulkner’s Ranch and Pumpkin Farm.  Not only has it been the story that we share with wide-eyed children year after year, but Frank Fiorello has become a good friend of the Faulkner’s.  Each year, Frank, a fellow pumpkin farm owner, calls Christine to talk pumpkin patches and see how many books she would like to order.

We love hearing his story of pumpkin - after all these years it never gets old!

That is why we want to know...

What is the story of YOUR pumpkin?

We want to hear your favorite pumpkin memory!

What did you do with your pumpkin once you brought it home? Did you give it a name? Did you carve it? Did you use it to make a pumpkin pie? Did you bring it home alone or did you have a whole little pumpkin famliy.
And most importantly, why does that pumpkin bring about a special memory?

Submit your story via Facebook Message or e-mail it to socialmedia@faulknersranch.com.

The winning story will receive a copy of The Story of Pumpkin, as well as a free pumpkin to take home.

Contest is open to all ages.
Winner will be announced on Thursday, October 17th.

Good luck! We can’t wait to hear your stories!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner’s

PS - Stop by our Harvest Barn to get your own copy of The Story of Pumpkin to share and enjoy for only $8.95.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies

Remember earlier today when we shared a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes? Well, we have the perfect treat to go with it!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies

Image and Recipe via Pennies on a Platter

This recipe from Pennies On a Platter is deeeeeelish!

Make a batch and share with everyone you know! 

It's easy - just follow the recipe below.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 whole egg

2 egg whites

1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil

1 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Preheat oven to 350˚F.  Line an 11″ x 7″ pan with parchment paper.

2.  In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs and oil until smooth.  Set aside.

3.  In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt and brown sugar.  Add to the wet ingredients and mix until thoroughly incorporated.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

4.  Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.  Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until passes toothpick test.  Cool completely before cutting.

5.  Enjoy!

Yield: 24 small brownies

Don't forget, if you need someone to taste test you can always stop by the Pumpkin Farm!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Bars

Image and Recipe via Recipe Girl

Do you like chocolate?

Do you like pumpkin?

Well then, you're in luck because these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Bars from Recipe Girl are sure to make you smile!

INGREDIENTS:

Batter:

1 3/4 cups unsweetened pumpkin puree

1 cup canola or vegetable oil

4 large eggs

1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

3/4 cup mini- chocolate chips

Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

4 Tablespoons butter, at room temperature

2 teaspoons milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar, measured then sifted

1/2 cup mini- chocolate chips (for topping)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare batter: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 10x15-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs and sugars until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger and cloves. Toss in mini chocolate chips and stir to combine. Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir until moistened.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan coated with nonstick spray. Bake until the center springs back when lightly pressed in the center- about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and place on wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix until smooth. Frost bars and sprinkle with additional mini chocolate chips.

Yields 45 bars

We hope that you enjoy these yummy goodies!

Be sure to share!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

image via

Is it just another Manic Monday for you?

Then beat the Monday blues and get an extra boost of energy with this delicious

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
from Low Fat Cooking.

Here is what they have to say about it:

"This healthy pumpkin smoothie is like chilled pumpkin pie in a glass, but without the fat and calories. This thick and creamy smoothie makes a delicious and filling liquid breakfast or an energy-boosting 'snack.' Be sure to use a very ripe banana, preferably frozen, and sweeten your smoothie according to your preference."

Ready to try one of your own?

Just follow the simple directions below!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 very ripe medium-sized banana

3/4 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt

1 tbsp honey

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup crushed ice

PREPARATION:

Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth, making sure the ice is completely crushed.

Makes two servings.

Feel free to throw in some chia seeds, kale, baby spinach, and more for an extra energy boost!

For some alternate pumpkin pie smoothie recipes check out the ones below:

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

Overnight Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

We hope these recipes help kickstart your week!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Record Setting Pumpkins

Did you heard the latest pumpkin news?

Ron Wallace, a Rhode Island man, won $15,500 for his record setting pumpkin that weighed a whopping 2,009 lbs!

Ron Wallace and his 1-ton pumpkin (image via)

Holy Moly!

That's a lot of pumpkin pie folks!

Our two record pumpkins this year were 77 lbs and 80 lbs.

Looks like we've got a ways to go to catch up with this man!

To read more about the record setting 1-ton pumpkin check out this article from the Kansas City Star.

Also, you can take home one of our record holders! Both are available in the Harvest Barn for just $.40 a lb!

Have a great day and we hope to see you soon out at the Pumpkin Farm!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Have You Seen This?

Remember when Joel Nichols visited the ranch back in September!

Well, our favorite hilarious weatherman was back this week to have some Pumpkin Season fun!

Here he is interviewing Corey, our spokesperson!

Tune into KMBC 9 News on the morning of Sunday, October 14th to see what these two were chatting about!

And just in case you missed it, CLICK HERE to see Joel horsing around at the ranch back in September.

We told you he was hilarious folks!

Come have fun like Joel did out at the ranch this weekend for Wild Western Weekend!
Remember, if you wear a cowboy hat you get $1.00 off admission!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Pumpkin Poppers

Earlier we shared with you how to make Pumpkin Spice Lattes for Thirsty Thursday.  Well, you might recall that we promised a super tasty recipe to go with them.

These Pumpkin Poppers are the perfect little treat!

image via

They look and taste just like a pumpkin donut hole and are the perfect treat to enjoy with your coffee!

image via

PUMPKIN POPPERS

from Domestically Speaking

INGREDIENTS:

Popper:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoons ground cloves
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 pumpkin (fresh or canned, just not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup low-fat milk

Coating:1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

These are made in a mini muffin pan, but you could definitely use a regular size muffin tin, just add to your cooking time.

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat your oven to 350 and spray your muffin pans.

2.  Combine all the dry ingredients in one bowl and whisk till combined.

3.  In another bowl, mix together the oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk.

4.  Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and mix till it’s just combined (you don’t want to over mix).

5.  Fill your mini tins till almost full.

6.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.

7.  While they’re baking, melt your butter and in a small bowl combine your sugar and cinnamon.

8.  Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before rolling them around in the melted butter and then plunging them into their cinnamon sugar bath.  If you want less sugary sweetness you could just dip the top of the muffin into the butter & cinnamon sugar.

We hope that you are enjoying all of these yummy fall recipes! Keep checking back every day because we have plenty more to share!

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's