PUMPKIN PIE DESERT SQUARES

YIELDS: 12 -15 SERVINGS

1 box yellow cake mix (approx. 19 oz)

30 oz. pumpkin pie mix

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

3 eggs

1/4 cup butter (cold)

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

2/3 cup half and half

2 cups sweetened whipped heavy cream

Lightly butter bottom of 9x13 cake pan and reserve.

Measure 1 cup cake mix and reserve.

In large bowl combine remaining cake mix, butter and 1 egg.

Evenly press this mixture into pan and reserve.

In separate bowl combine pumpkin mix, 2 eggs and half and half.  Mix until smooth.  Pour in cake pan.

Combine reserved cake mix in separate bowl with sugar and spices.  Cut into this the ¼ cup of cold butter.  Sprinkle on top of pumpkin mixture.

Place pan in 325° convection oven and bake for 45 minutes

Check with toothpick for doneness.  Cool and cut into squares and garnish with whipped cream.

PECAN/DATE STICKS

YIELDS 15 PIECES

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup chopped dates

1 cup flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

3 whole eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Lightly butter a 9x13 pan.

Separate eggs yolks and white (reserve whites).  In medium bowl combine egg yolks and sugar.  Beat until creamy in texture.  Add vanilla, baking powder, salt, pecans and dates.

In a separate bowl whip egg whites with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff.  Fold egg whites into pecan mixture.  Pour into 9x13 pan and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.  Cool and cut into sticks and roll in powdered sugar.