Because it's getting to be that time of year

... and because my sister in law asked for this recipe a while ago and I completely forgot. Here it is:

Pumpkin Cookies

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups canned pumpkin

1 cup oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1 cup nuts

2 cups raisins

Beat sugar, pumpkin, oil and vanilla together. Mix dry ingredients, add to pumpkin mixture and stir. Add raisins and nuts.

Drop by spoon onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.

Makes 6 dozen.

Feel free to use healthier substitutes, such as applesauce or yogurt instead of oil, and whole wheat flour instead of white. You can use chocolate chips instead of raisins and these cookies are still delicious.

I made these when I was in high school and took them to share with a class. They're not much to look at, so some kids took convincing that it wasn't some kind of joke. But once they got a taste, all six dozen were gone in minutes. Yum. I love pumpkin.