I’ve been sitting on this post for quite a while now. (Not literally mind you; it’s just a figure of speech.)

I mean it is November. And it has been pumpkin season for quite a while.

In the past I’ve written about my love of all things pumpkin.

My recipe page certainly is not lacking  pumpkin recipes.

I’ve even written  An Ode to Pumpkin. (Not kidding. Couldn’t make that up.)

Yet I’ve been struggling with this post. I mean, how could I possibly put out a recipe unless I had some inspirational, thought provoking post to accompany it?

So are you ready?

Here it is. (It’s the best I’ve got, so be kind.)

My students are in the midst of their first writing unit of the year, and the focus of the first bend of Narrative Writing is simply generating topics to write about.

For some students, this is incredibly frustrating. Despite the fact they have lists of people who are important to them and can recall memories, despite the fact they have sketched maps of their favorite places and jotted down memories, despite the fact they have created lists of first times and last times, despite the fact they can list times in their lives in which they have learned lessons or realized something. some kids struggle to write any more than the date in their Writer’s Notebooks.

Some feel they don’t have anything important to write about.

Some feel their writing needs to be perfect from the get go.

I get it.

Obviously.

Yet what do I do when I sit and conference with them?

I listen patiently to all the reasons they feel they can’t write, nod my head to demonstrate understanding, and then tell them to stop thinking so hard and start writing.

Today I will take my own advice.

So here it is. My not overly thought provoking, slightly less than inspirational, definitely not perfect post.

And the pudding? I almost forgot about the pudding!

It’s totally kick a**. Tasty. Easy to make. Healthy. (And very addictive!)

I hope you give this a try!

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Makes 6 servings

1 can organic pumpkin

1 c. walnuts

1/4 – 1/2 c. maple syrup

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/4 t. ginger

pinch of salt

handful mini chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life brand)

Place all ingredients, except for chocolate chips, in blender. Blend until smooth. Spoon into individual jars. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Eat immediately if you like a “just out of the oven” type experience. Or refrigerate and save for late.