We’re back in action after a few years’ hiatus (moving, job changes, marriage—you know, the usual stuff!). To make it up to you, we’re sharing these delicious pumpkin muffins. I recommend using “large” muffin tins or liners so the center stays a little “moist”—it’s much more satisfying that way! The recipe serves 12 people and is very easy to follow.

Maybe a little late, but I’d like to share a delicious treat for Halloween: Halloween pumpkin pie—or as they say in America, pumpkin pie! So if you’re wondering what to do with the pumpkin flesh left over from carving a Jack-o’-lantern—that classic scary face made by carving out a pumpkin and lighting it with a candle for Halloween—you won’t want to miss this Halloween pumpkin cake! The recipe I used is Betty Crocker’s, which I modified by converting their measurements to a more readable format and, most importantly, by reducing the amount of sugar and condensed milk: they’re crazy! :D So here’s the shopping list for Halloween pumpkin pie!

As promised, here’s the recipe for** baked chiacchiere**. I’m writing this for everyone who, like me, hates deep-frying but can’t resist the temptation of chiacchiere during Carnival season!! The ingredients are enough for 6–8 people who aren’t too big of a sweet tooth! (That last part is very important: if it’s anything like at my house, they’re just enough for 2 people… :D )

Chiacchiere, bugie, cenci, frappe, crostoli—or whatever you call them in your area—have a very long history, which I’ll share with you here. I found it on an interesting Facebook page (LINK), from which I’m also borrowing the image that very clearly illustrates how widespread the name is in Italy! "Chiacchiere trace their origins to frictilia, fried pastries that women used to make in honor of the deities who protected fertility, specifically during Carnival. These pastries come in numerous recipe variations and perhaps even more so in their names, which frequently vary from province to province, reflecting the vast linguistic and dialectal diversity found in Italy, as well as its history." Cute, isn’t it? Did you know that? Let me know in the comments what you call these treats! This time, the recipe is from my dad: I spent an afternoon with him learning the art of making chiacchiere :). The ingredients are for six people, and it takes about an hour to make them!