It is high time to be planting seed for winter grazing in east Texas pastures. Winter pastures have greatly benefitted east Texas stockmen for generations.
A winter pasture could consist of ryegrass, clovers, or small grains such as wheat, oats, or rye. Winter pastures are planted in the fall and can provide very high-quality grazing during a time when hay is fed.
Additionally, the cost of many winter forage options can be very competitive with the price of hay. You could easily budget as much as $100 to $150 or more an acre for seed, lime and fertilizer. Yet, that single acre should then produce superior forage for as many as 2 cows. And considering an average cost of $50 for a typical round bale of hay, the economics are in favor of a winter pasture.
The risk of course is that it takes moisture to germinate seed, and when it does germinate, we need adequate moisture to keep it alive and growing. And moisture it our soil is what we don’t have right now.
I asked our regional expert in this field, Dr Vanessa Corriher-Olson. She is a Professor and Extension Forage Specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. When I asked if her if it was too dry to apply seed she responded, “It is too dry in may parts to put out winter forage seed, but if you don’t get it out, and then miss a rain event, then we will be regretting that decision.”
Dry fall seasons often discourage producers from overseeding pastures since stand failures occur due to a lack of water seed bed moisture. Adequate rainfall is key to the success of any winter annual forage program.
Dr. Olson went on to say that the least risk would be ryegrass. “Broadcast it out, dust it in, and wait for rain.” Ryegrass (not to be confused with rye grain) can offer a tremendous amount of forage to graze late in the spring and even into early summer enough rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Then next level of moderate risk can be given to small grains. Many producers use no-till drills with good results on established bermuda and bahiagrass. No-till drills are sometimes available for rent through the local soil conservation district or seed/fertilizer dealer. The deeper planting required by small grains may provide a measure of insurance in dry soil.
“I would think twice on legumes,” says Olson. She states, “They are the most risky winter annual to plant in this dry soil.” Now I’m a big fan of legumes and hate to hear this. Not only can winter legumes provide grazing in March, April, and May, before summer grasses start their growth, but clovers can also add extra nitrogen if they are managed by grazing. In good conditions, clovers may add about three tons more dry matter to the total forage (summer grasses + clover) produced during the year.
Remember that any high quality, cool season forage could be used to supplement cows and grow retained, purchased, or gain stockers Rye is the most winter hardy of the annual small grain winter pasture grasses.
Olson closed with, “If we do end up with adequate soil moisture this winter, be prepared to manage any winter forages planted, especially those overseeded into existing warm season perennial sods.” An over-abundance of any vegetation in the spring could hinder the growth of summer forages, both bermuda and bahiagrass. Olson advises to “Be prepared to increase stocking rate or harvest excess forage at that time to allow for warm season perennials to break dormancy.”
Join us Thursday, November 14 at The Pines Theater in Downtown Lufkin as we announce this year’s winners of the 4th annual CELEBRATE BUSINESS: Chamber Business Awards, presented by citywidepromo.com!
Purchase your tickets at bit.ly/CelebrateBA-2024. Tickets are ONLY $30 for Chamber Investors and $40 for Non-Investors. Light appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials have announced the schedule for the revamped 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, and the schedule features eight events — including some vintage tournament stops for the organization — across two divisions.
For 2025, Opens anglers placing in the Top 50 in each division’s Angler of the Year race will advance to the Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series. This stand-alone series will feature three events, spanning from September through November, where anglers will compete to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series. The Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series schedule will be released at a later date.
“We are proud of the diversity of this schedule,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon. “Each division works its way from south to north as the year goes along and mixes in different kinds of fisheries from highland reservoirs to river systems to tidal fisheries as well. At the end of the Opens, we should have a very diverse and tested group ready to move into the EQs.”
The schedule begins Jan. 23-25 at Clarks Hill Reservoir in Evans, Ga. This event marks the first time an Open event has visited the fishery, which is the third-largest artificial lake east of the Mississippi River. Featuring more than 400 miles of shoreline, Clarks Hill is referred to by Georgians as “Georgia’s Freshwater Coast.”
After a break of more than two months, Division 1 will pick up competition again April 16-18 at Tombigbee River in Columbus, Miss., a stop that hasn’t appeared on a Bassmaster schedule since 2004. Arkansas pro Mark Davis brought 62-4 to the scales to win that event by a massive 15-pound, 1-ounce margin over Kevin VanDam.
“Visit Columbus, partnering with the city of Columbus and Lowndes County, is thrilled to welcome Bassmaster and its anglers,” said Frances Glenn, tourism director for Columbus-Lowndes Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We cannot wait to show off our beautiful town and great fishing on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. A tournament of this size is a huge economic boost not only for our hospitality partners, but our area as well. Columbus is known for its warm Southern hospitality, and we are looking forward to welcoming a national tournament.”
Division 1 then heads to Upper Chesapeake Bay in North East, Md., July 23-25. Elite Series pro-Aaron Martens picked up a 2015 victory at Chesapeake Bay with a total of 70 pounds, 2 ounces. The Division then heads over to St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y., July 31-Aug. 2, which claimed the No. 1 spot overall on the 2024 Bassmaster Magazine 100 Best Bass Lakes list for its deep, clear waters that are famous for chunk smallmouth.
Division 2 kicks off its season Feb. 13-15 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Jasper, Texas. The 114,000-acre Sam Rayburn ended up No. 7 in the 2024 Bassmaster Magazine 100 Best Bass Lakes: Central list for producing giant largemouth consistently. The next stop for Division 2 will be a familiar one, as the Opens return to Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley in Paris, Tenn., March 6-8.
Division 2 then takes a swing to a destination that has not been visited by Opens competitors in nearly a decade — Norfork Lake in Mountain Home, Ark., April 3-5, where anglers will find plentiful bass in more than 22,000 acres of crystal blue water set in the Ozark Mountains.
The final stop of Division 2 will be Aug. 14-16 on Leech Lake in Walker, Minn., where in 2024 22-year-old Easton Fothergill fished his home waters to win an Open event with a weight of 49-13. The 2024 stop was the first visit for the Opens to Leech Lake.
“I absolutely circled this one on the calendar,” Fothergill said after winning the Leech Lake event. “Being 30 minutes away (from home) and the first time B.A.S.S. has come to Leech Lake and Walker, Minnesota — I’ve spent so much time out here through my childhood; it means the world to me to pull off the win on my home lake.”
Also new for the 2025 Opens and EQ Series, the new electronics rule for 2025 that was implemented for the Elite Series will also apply for the Opens. That includes standardization practices that allow for only one live transducer connected to the trolling motor shaft and capping total screen inches at 55. Complete details of the 2025 Opens format can be found at Bassmaster.com.
2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN
Division 1
Date
Location
Clarks Hill Reservoir
Jan. 23-25
Evans, Ga.
Tombigbee River
April 16-18
Columbus, Miss.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
July 23-25
North East, Md.
St. Lawrence River
July 31-Aug. 2
Waddington, N.Y.
Division 2
Date
Location
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Feb. 13-15
Jasper, Texas
Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley
March 6-8
Paris, Tenn.
Norfork Lake
April 3-5
Mountain Home, Ark.
Leech Lake
Aug. 14-16
Walker, Minn.
Chronological
Clarks Hill Reservoir
Jan. 23-25
Evans, Ga.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Feb. 13-15
Jasper, Texas
Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley
March 6-8
Paris, Tenn.
Norfork Lake
April 3-5
Mountain Home, Ark.
Tombigbee River
April 16-18
Columbus, Miss.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
July 23-25
North East, Md.
St. Lawrence River
July 31-Aug. 2
Waddington, N.Y.
Leech Lake
Aug. 14-16
Walker, Minn.
Registration will open Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. CT at Bassmaster.com for pro angler B.A.S.S. members, Nov. 19 for Single Division – Life and B.A.S.S. Nation members and Nov. 20 for Single Division – B.A.S.S. members who want to participate in the Opens.
For full details of the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN please visit Bassmaster.com.
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota 2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha 2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S. B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic.
Angelina College Visual Arts students will have their semester works presented in a professional setting in a group exhibition scheduled to run Oct. 29 through Nov. 20 at the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the AC campus.
A reception for those artists – all students in AC instructor Le’Anne Alexander’s studio courses – will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the ACA foyer.
Following is the list of participating students, along with the title and description of their courses:
Painting I: Introduction to painting using water-soluble oils on a variety of supports.
Artists: Jordan Boisdrenghien, Samantha Burns, Makenna Hankins, Savannah Holt, Lorenzo Mansilla, Alejandra Rodriguez and Cassidy Sullivan.
“Blueberries” This oil painting titled “Blueberries” by Angelina College Visual Arts student Cassidy Sullivan is one of the works scheduled for display in the upcoming Visual Arts Student Exhibition scheduled to run Oct. 29 through Nov. 20 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. An artists’ reception takes place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the ACA foyer. (Contributed image)
Design I (2-dimensional): Learning to apply the elements of art and principles of design on a 2D surface, which is foundational to understanding art.
Artists: Michael Anderson, Kevin Avilez, Brett Briley, Tavonte Brown, Mossi Davis, Laura Hill, Taylor House, Amber Kennerly, Lauren Lee, Katie Owens, Ashby Price, Kai Randles, Samara Reagan, Anessa Rebolloso, Valerie Runnels, Jamie Soria, Michael Vasquez and Jane Wright.
Drawing I: Introduction to drawing using a variety of traditional materials and techniques. Students study still life, portrait, landscape, technical and expressive drawing.
Artists: Michael Anderson, Yolanda Crain, Mykael Harris, Laura Hill, Amber Kennerly, Jayden Lacy, William Lawes, Randy McKelvey, Kameron Minnick, Jamie Soria and Alan Torea.
“Geometric” This oil painting titled “Geometric” by Angelina College Visual Arts student Savannah Holt is one of the works scheduled for display in the upcoming Visual Arts Student Exhibition scheduled to run Oct. 29 through Nov. 20 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. An artists’ reception takes place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the ACA foyer. (Contributed image)
Both the reception and exhibition are open to the public. Admission is free. For further information, contact Le’Anne Alexander at lalexander@angelina.edu.
As we look ahead to 2024, it’s clear that the energy landscape is undergoing significant changes. For businesses operating in the ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) region, understanding these shifts can help you make more informed decisions about your energy procurement strategy. In today’s article, we’ll explore the trends shaping the energy market, including the integration of renewable energy, advancements in smart grids, and how these factors could impact pricing and savings for Amerigy Energy customers.
1. Renewable Energy Integration Continues to Grow
Texas is leading the nation in renewable energy production, particularly from wind and solar power. In 2024, we can expect to see even more renewable energy sources coming online, thanks to continued investments in large-scale solar projects and wind farms. This increased capacity is helping to stabilize the grid, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ultimately lower energy costs for consumers.
However, the variability of renewable energy (i.e., when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing) can create challenges for consistent energy supply. As a result, ERCOT continues to rely on natural gas during peak demand periods. For businesses, this means energy prices could still see fluctuations during extreme weather events or when renewable sources are not performing at full capacity.
What this means for you: Businesses that invest in renewable energy or partner with providers offering green energy plans, like Amerigy Energy and sister company MCF Solar, may see long-term savings. Additionally, Texas’s growing commitment to renewable energy could mean more opportunities for businesses to take advantage of sustainable energy programs and potentially lower costs.
2. Advancements in Smart Grids and Energy Management
Another major trend in 2024 is the advancement of smart grid technology, which enables better communication between energy providers and consumers. Smart grids allow for real-time monitoring of energy use, helping businesses and homeowners optimize their energy consumption.
In Texas, ERCOT’s evolving grid technology is aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of electricity distribution. Smart grids can help reduce outages, manage peak demand, and integrate renewable energy more effectively into the grid. For commercial businesses, smart grid technology also means more control over energy use, as data-driven insights can help identify inefficiencies and opportunities for savings.
What this means for you: Amerigy Energy can help businesses leverage smart grid technology to optimize energy use and lower costs. By using data from smart meters and energy management systems, businesses can adjust their energy usage patterns to reduce consumption during peak demand periods, which can result in significant savings.
3. Market Pricing and Energy Volatility
In 2024, market conditions and energy prices are expected to remain volatile. ERCOT, which manages the flow of electric power to 90% of the state, continues to experience fluctuating demand, especially during extreme weather events. In September 2024, ERCOT recorded a peak demand of 77,780 MW, reflecting the growing energy needs of Texas residents and businesses.
While renewable energy is helping to offset some of the costs associated with fossil fuels, natural gas prices will continue to influence electricity rates. Businesses should be aware that unexpected events—such as severe weather or natural gas price spikes—could cause short-term volatility in electricity prices.
What this means for you: Businesses can protect themselves from these price fluctuations by locking in a fixed-rate energy plan with Amerigy Energy. By securing a stable rate, companies can avoid the uncertainty of market volatility and ensure predictable energy costs throughout the year.
What Amerigy Energy Customers Can Expect in 2024
At Amerigy Energy, we’re keeping a close eye on these trends to ensure that our customers are always getting the best possible rates and service. As the energy market evolves, we are committed to offering flexible energy plans that align with your business’s specific needs, whether that means locking in fixed rates or exploring renewable energy options.
How to Prepare Your Business for 2024
If you’re looking to stay ahead of rising energy costs and position your business for success in 2024, now is the time to review your energy plan. Contact Amerigy Energy today for a personalized energy consultation. We’ll help you assess your current energy usage, review market conditions, and explore ways to optimize your energy savings. 877-631-8875
This article is part of a regular weekly column provided by Amerigy Energy, your trusted partner for residential and commercial energy solutions across the ERCOT Market of Texas.
It’s nice to stay inside and relax; maybe play a game or watch a movie, but it’s better to take a stroll outside. You should go for a stroll outside at a park trail. Getting that breath of fresh air is vital because life can be stressful.
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis park in Lufkin is a lovely park. It has plenty of walking trails to take a stroll or even walk your dog. There’s a playground for the kids, beautiful greenery, a pretty pavilion with lots of shade, and many other things.
Features:
Bandstand / Gazebo
Picnic Area
Restroom
Disc Golf
Tennis Courts
Basketball Court
Volleyball Court
Spray Play Pad – Open 10 am. to 8 pm, May 11, 2024 until September 20, 2024
Skate Park
This is a perfect place to take the day off and stroll around or play some outdoor games.
Pecan Acres Park
This is another fun park in Nacogdoches! There’s a little parkour for the kids on the playground, there’s some flowing streams nearby, great scenery, and an overall lovely atmosphere.
Features:
Benches
Disk Golf
Open Field Area
Pavilion
Picnic Areas
Playground
Walking Trail
Davy Crockett Memorial Park
This 35-acre city park was established in 1937 in honor of woodsman and Alamo hero Davy Crockett of Tennessee. One of the main reasons to visit Davy Crockett Memorial Park is its beautiful natural setting! Visitors can explore the park’s many historic markers, including the Crockett Family Cemetery, where Davy Crockett’s ancestors are buried, and the Monument Hill, which commemorates the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Nacogdoches.
Features:
Cabins
RV sites
Tent camping areas
Picnic shelters
Playgrounds
Volleyball court
Basketball court
Ebenezer Park
Ebenezer Park features some of the most beautiful horseback riding trails in southeast Texas. It’s the only Army Corps of Engineers park on Sam Rayburn Reservoir with equestrian campsites, making it the go-to destination for horse-owners.Ebenezer caters best to equestrian campers and tent campers. Equestrian sites have electric hookups and horse corrals near each site. Ebenezer Hall, an enclosed building with a full kitchen, A/C and heating, is available for reservation.
Features:
Horseback riding
Fishing
Picnicking
Swimming
Bird watching
Lake Livingston State Park
Fish at one of the largest lakes in the state, hike quiet trails through the forest, or camp under the trees. You can go boating, have a picnic, ride a mountain bike, or even geocache!
Features:
Fish
Boat
Hike
Bird
Camp
Picnic
Mountain bike
geocache
There are alligators in the area, so be sure to read their alligator safety tips and be careful!
Soak Up Some Sunlight
There are so many parks in East Texas that even if you don’t like the ones listed above, surely you’ll find a park that suits your likes. Take the time while it’s not scalding hot outside due to the heat index, and enjoy the fall weather. Get the sunlight and breath of fresh air that you need.
CONROE, Texas—Today, community members gathered to kick off the year-long Texas State Forest centennial celebration at the W.G. Jones State Forest in Conroe, Texas.
Thirty-five exhibitors, including natural resource partners, were in attendance. Visitors experienced emergency response vehicles, received tree seedlings, fished at the forest’s lakes, participated in forest therapy hikes with Dr. Daniel Porter, and learned about different species living in the forest.
“Today was a culmination of forestry and conservation we have pioneered at Texas A&M Forest Service for over a century now,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “Our state forests are extremely vital to local ecosystems, and they offer access to tens of thousands of visitors annually to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of forests.”
Presentations at today’s festival included topics about Texas state forest history, Red-cockaded woodpecker conservation efforts, and health benefits of forest exposure and featured a demonstration by Chikawa Aztec Dance and Traditions.
The Texas state forest centennial celebration honors a century of sustainable forestry practices occurring on state forests across East Texas. State Forest No. 1, now E.O. Siecke State Forest, was the first state forest to be acquired by Texas A&M Forest Service. State Forest No. 2, now W.G. Jones State Forest, was acquired in 1926.
Texas A&M Forest Service owns and operates five state forests that serve as working demonstration forests and educational classrooms that welcome thousands of visitors and horseback riders. Forestry practices such as prescribed burning and timber thinning and harvesting are performed on state forests. Texas state forests are managed by Texas A&M Forest Service Foresters, and some forestry practices at the forests are conducted in collaboration with Texas state agency natural resource partners.
“State forests are essential to our forestry research and practices,” said Billy Whitworth, Texas A&M Forest Service Area Operations Chief. “We also host many community and educational events throughout the year at the forests including our youth deer hunts next weekend. Access to our forests helps build a greater appreciation for natural resource conservation and introduces the next generation of foresters to the trade.”
At 1,700 acres, the W.G. Jones State Forest is one of the nation’s largest managed state forests. This forest is comprised of loblolly and shortleaf pine tree plantations. The forest is also notable for its sanctuary for the federally endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) population.
The W.G. Jones State Forest was named after W. Goodrich Jones in 1949. Jones is known as the father of Texas forestry, as he brought innovative silvicultural practices to Texas, helped form the Texas Forestry Association in 1914, lobbied for the inception of the Texas Department of Forestry in 1915 and established Texas Arbor Day in 1889.
Two additional celebration events will be held at the I.D. Fairchild State Forest on April 26, 2025, and E.O. Siecke State Forest in the fall 2025.
Thanksgiving is a day most people look forward to. There’s family fun, Friendsgivings, the fall weather–which we’re all thankful for–and most importantly, a delicious feast for all. But sometimes it can get boring making the same dishes year round without much change. You need to refresh your palette every now and then with something new.
Personally, my favorite food at Thanksgiving are desserts. Aside from the turkey, of course. Even with desserts though, it can get old if you don’t try new things.
Honey and pie in one recipe? It sounds awesome! This is definitely something everyone should try making for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
Pie crust, refrigerated or homemade
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups (600ml) heavy whipping cream
1 cup (144g) unpacked light brown sugar
1/3 cup (45g) cornstarch, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (120ml) honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
Sea salt, optional
Instructions:
Prepare the pie crust in a deep dish 8 inch pie pan, or a 9 inch pie pan, and set it in the fridge. Do not pre-bake it. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Add the egg yolks to a large bowl. Set aside.
To make the filling, heat the heavy cream, brown sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan on medium heat until it comes to a rolling boil, stirring regularly. It should start to thicken.
Once the mixture comes to a full boil, remove it from the heat.
Temper the eggs by adding a little bit of the cream mixture to the eggs and whisking, then adding a little more. Add the remaining cream mixture and stir until combined and smooth.
Add the honey and vanilla extract to the custard and stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the chilled pie crust.
Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes. It will bubble up and start to brown on top.
Remove the pie from the oven. It will still be pretty jiggly. Set it on the counter to cool until it comes to room temperature. It will firm up as it sits.
Refrigerate the pie until it’s cold and fully firm.
This easy pecan dessert recipe only requires 5 ingredients and 18 minutes to pull off! A lot of people love pecan pie, so surely this will be loved just as much.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 graham crackers
1 1/2 cups pecans, halves or whole
1 baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Spatula
Heavy bottomed pot
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325° and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Spread graham crackers out on baking sheet. Note: Break them apart if you need to to make them fit.
In a large heavy bottomed pot, combine sugar, vanilla, butter, and pecans.
Over medium-low heat, bring pecan pie bark mixture to a boil.
Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Carefully pour pecan dessert mixture over graham crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 8 minutes.
Allow to cool before breaking this pecan dessert into pieces. Enjoy your pecan pie bark!
3. Pumpkin Oreo Balls
Photo by sokorspace on Envato Elements
If pie isn’t your style, that’s okay, because this is for you! It’s delicious AND easy to make.
Ingredients:
36 Oreo cookies
8 oz cream cheese softened
12 oz orange candy melts
Instructions:
Pulse Oreo cookies in a food processor until finely crumbled.
Mix in cream cheese until well combined.
Scoop into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate on a parchment-covered baking sheet for 15 minutes.
Use a toothpick to score lines into the Oreo balls to resemble pumpkins. Place back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
In the meantime, melt orange candy wafers over a double boiler or in the microwave according to package directions.
Dip pumpkin oreo balls into melted chocolate, shake off excess, and place back on lined baking sheet. Immediately decorate with a small pretzel stick and leaf icing decoration.
Pudding isn’t for everyone, but this is a must-try. With it being fall and with Halloween and Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s perfect for the season!
Ingredients:
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding
1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin
3 cups 2% milk
¼ cups light brown sugar, , packed
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for topping, (if desired)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, beat pudding mix, pumpkin, milk, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Spoon pudding into small bowls or mason jars and refrigerate for at least one hour, or until chilled.
Before serving, top with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers, if desired.
The pudding will only keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days!
This dessert is ight and fluffy, and not super heavy for after a large meal. It’s also really easy to make with only 5 ingredients needed! This recipe make 5-6 servings.
Ingredients:
1- 3-4 oz Package Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 1/4 – Cups Cold Milk
1- Cup Pumpkin Puree
1- Cup Cool Whip
1- tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
Instructions:
Mix pudding mix and milk together in a large bowl.
Add in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice and mix until thoroughly blended.
Gently fold in Cool Whip until well incorporated.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
As an added plus, if you don’t want to have a lot of sugary desserts, you can make this with cool whip and sugar-free pudding!
There’s just something about apple desserts that defines it as a classic for the fall season. If you like apple pie, or really just apples, you’ll love this.
Ingredients:
Apple Filling:
6 Apples, Peeled and Sliced
3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Graham Cracker Filling:
2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
8 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
Pinch of Salt
Cream Cheese Filling:
1 Package (8oz) Cream Cheese, Room Temperature
1 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream, Whipped
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350º. In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Saute apples for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until apples are warmed through and butter and brown sugar have come together to create a nice golden sauce. Remove from heat and let apple mixture cool completely.
Add graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and pinch of salt to a small bowl. Mix just until combined and then spread graham crackers on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake graham cracker crumbs for 7-10 minutes in preheated oven until golden and edges are just starting to brown. Remove from heat and cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
To assemble your mini apple pie trifle dessert: Start with a layer of graham crackers. Spread evenly on base of each jar. Then spread a layer of cream cheese mixture. Next, top with apples. Repeat until you have 3 or 4 layers. Finish with the apples on top. Serve chilled or slightly colder than room temperature.
Now this one is a unique dessert! You must be thinking, “Lasagna isn’t dessert.” You’re right, but this mouthwatering delight is!
Ingredients:
Crust:
1 family-sized package of Oreos
⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
Filling:
2 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese softened
2 3.4 ounce packages instant vanilla pudding POWDER ONLY
2 & ½ cups whole milk
½ cup prepared caramel sauce
Topping:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
1 cup prepared caramel sauce
1 cup hot fudge sauce
1 cup chopped pecans
15 turtle candies optional
Instructions:
Place the Oreos into a food processor, pulse until crumbs are formed. Take out 1 and ½ cups of the cookie crumbs and set aside. Toss the rest of the cookie crumbs with the melted butter, press into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, no need to grease.
In a body of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip the cream cheese until completely smooth on medium-low speed. Add in the pudding powder and mix until smooth. Add in the milk a little at a time on low speed until thoroughly mixed. If you add all the milk at once there will be lumps. Add in the caramel and mix it in well. Pour this on top of the cookie crumbs.
Sprinkle the remaining cookie crumbs on top. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce and half of the hot fudge sauce for assembly on top. Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans on top.
Place the heavy cream into a large bowl along with the powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip on medium-low speed with a hand mixer or in the stand mixer until soft peaks form. Spread this on top of everything. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 6-8 hours to set up, overnight is best. (To get a clean cut like the photos, freeze overnight, then cut and serve.)
Before serving, garnish with the remaining caramel, hot fudge sauce, chopped pecans, and turtle candies.
To get a clean cut, freeze overnight, then cut and serve. The pudding will resemble “ice cream” filling. If you don’t want that then let it sit out for 30 minutes-hour before serving.
The Time for Baking is Now!
Now that you’ve read over all of the listed desserts and recipes to go along with them, start baking now! While all of these are wonderful desserts, it may not be suited to your taste! You may be a great baker, but you need to get familiar with the recipe before Thanksgiving or it could end in chaos. Remember, Thanksgiving is only a little over a month away!
Nacogdoches Junior Forum is proud to present their annual Holiday Spectacular: Holiday in the Pines!!
A 3 day vendor market with holiday treats, boutique shopping, raffles, and more. All proceeds go back into the Nacogdoches Community and help support the needs of many.
