This recipe was requested this week and is popular during the fall. Enjoy!

¾ cup canned pumpkin 1 cup brown sugar

¾ cup peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Mix peanut butter and brown sugar.

2. Add vanilla and stir.

3. Add pumpkin and stir until well blended.

4. Serve with graham crackers, bread, apples slices, celery sticks, etc.

E-Shopping: Tips, Tricks, and Transactions

Have you ever wanted to buy something online, but just aren't sure if you should? Extension is offering a unique workshop that may help you find the answer.

E-shopping: Tips, Tricks, and Transactions will make you aware of the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online as well as through catalogs. You'll learn how to safeguard your personal information and understand electronic payment options. Lois Smith, Consumer and Family Economics Educator with University of Illinois Extension will present the program.

She will provide several shopping tips and answer questions about purchasing items in non-traditional ways.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 21^st at 10:00 a.m. in the Extension Building. Anyone is welcome to attend. Call 439-3178 to register.

Something for Kids on Columbus Day

A day of making nutritious snacks and Halloween crafts is planned for youth on Monday, October 13^th at the Extension Building. The session will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The morning will be spent making nutritious foods that will be eaten for lunch, and the afternoon will feature crafts such as painted pumpkins and spider pops.

There is no fee for the program, but please call 439-3178 to register by October 8^th. Space is limited.

Long-Term Care: Talking, Deciding, Taking Action

Financial decisions, housing options, family communications …..decisions about long-term care are enough to make your head spin. And when they come unexpectedly, these decisions are often made "in the moment" rather than based on a well thought out plan that includes the care receiver, caregivers and support organizations and agencies.

To help you take a proactive approach and make those decisions for yourself with family and friends, University of Illinois Extension is offering the seminar, Long-Term Care: Talking, Deciding, Taking Action. The seminar is set for Tuesday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Jackson County U of I Extension Office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Topics include financing options for long-term care, housing options, family dynamics and caregiver stress. This seminar is designed for those planning for their own future needs as well as family professionals and service providers.

Registration is required by October 17. The participation fee of $10 includes lunch and workshop materials. Make check payable to University of Illinois and mail it to U of I Extension, Jackson County, 402 Ava Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966. Continuing Education Units for service providers are offered at an additional cost.

For more information or if you need dietary or disability accommodations to participate in this program, contact Joyce Pyatt at 618-687-1727, japyatt@illinois.edu.

Learning to Sew Can Help Save Money

Knowledge of basic sewing skills can help save on the cost of alterations and keep clothing items useable longer. Sewing also provides lots of satisfaction in having a completed project that you have done yourself.

Alice Hunt will be teaching the basics of using a sewing machine, learning to read patterns, choose fabrics, etc. Class participants will make potholders and gift bags to practice sewing skills. Anyone who has a project started and needs help in finishing it is welcome to bring it along. This class is just in time to help you with making a special Halloween costume or starting a fall quilt project.

This session is for adults and is set for Thursday, October 23^rd from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Extension Building. There is no fee, but please call by October 21^st to let us know you would like to enroll. You will need to bring a sewing machine or share one with a friend. If you have fabric or patterns, bring them as well. Basic sewing supplies, scissors, pins, seam ripper, and tape measure will also be needed. Call 439-3178 to register, and let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation to attend.