The annual Pumpkin Fest at Allen and Tangie's house was a great success. The larger guest list and increased space for playing games added to the excitement.

Allen declared that the dishes were much more exotic than they were when the annual party and food contest started 7 years ago. The food was plentiful and had much variety from pasta to soups to dumplings, cookies to pies to cupcakes. The most talked about foods were the pumpkin penne pasta with Tabasco sauce and a pumpkin orange soup. A warning came with the chocolate espresso pudding with pumpkin cream on top. No one wanted to feed their child coffee at 8 o'clock at night. The results of the annual secret ballet voting for the best dish went to Cory and her Pumpkin-less Chili, which won by a "land-slide" Congratulations, Cory!

Those who want to win next year better brush up on their recipes for the next twelve months. May I suggest finding a new spin on a pumpkin roll. That creation always seems to be in the running. Such a traditional dish still has its place on the palate.

Thank you Allen and Tangie for your hospitality.