It's been a rainy morning

but with the cracklin' fire, snorin' dawg, and moody candles--it's all very cozy. I am peeking out the window, watching the ducks enjoy the gentle sprinkle of rain... the chickens are huddled under the hen house. I am sure the goats are also in their shelter--away from rain. Goats hate wet, they melt you know!

They have all been enjoying their snack of punkin' seeds, carrots and apples sprinkled with a little garlic.. it's all good natural dewormer this time of year. I cut a large pumpkin in half, slice up some carrots and apples and press garlic over the whole mess, then stir it around with my hands--viola!- peep and goat treats on the half shell.

One of our favorite breakfast treats this time of year would most definitely be a recipe from my friend Tina... My kids enjoy these with maple syrup

or the cider syrup.. I like them with whip cream and cinnamon apple jam! :)

~Punkin Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup~

2 C flour

3 TB brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 C milk

1 C pumpkin puree

1 large egg (or if you have my chickens-- 2-3 smallish eggs *wink*)

2 TB veggie oil

2 TB vinegar

Combine flour, sugar, spices.. add wet ingredients and mix. Cook on your hot griddle, enjoy!

Hot Cider Syrup

3/4 C cider (or apple juice)

1/2 C packed brown sugar

1/2 C corn syrup

2 TB butter

1/2 tsp lemon juice

dash of cinnamon and nutmeg

*Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until slightly thickened. Let stand 30 minutes before serving. ...on a personal note-this syrup is a little on the thin side, you may choose to thicken it slightly with cornstarch...