Confessions of a Foodie

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Showing posts with label Autumn Squash Casserole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autumn Squash Casserole. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Wednesday Recipes

Enjoy!

RUTH REICHL'S GIANT CHOCOLATE CAKE

This comes from Kim Severson in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Kim writes, “In her new book, 'My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life,' Ruth Reichl calls this the cake that cures everything. The recipe produces a large stacked rectangular layer cake with whipped cream cheese in the frosting to add lightness and stability. The cake is very tender, based on a technique she first started using when she was a cook at the Swallow, a restaurant collective in Berkeley, Calif.” Time: 11/ 2 hours; 20 to 25 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 1/8 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process), plus more for dusting the pans (rule of thumb: 4 tablespoons equals 1/4 cup, so figure 2 tablespoons for 1/8 cup)

3/4 cup whole milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

Salt

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

6 eggs

For the Frosting:

5 ounces unsweetened chocolate

3/4 cups (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup whipped cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Preparation

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter two large rectangular baking pans (13 by 9 by 2 inches) and line them with waxed or parchment paper. Butter the paper and dust the pans with cocoa (you could use flour, but cocoa adds color and flavor).

Measure the cocoa powder into a bowl, and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water until it is smooth, dark and so glossy it reminds you of chocolate pudding. Whisk in the milk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk the flour with the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt.

Put the butter into the bowl of a stand mixer and beat in the sugars until it is light, fluffy and the color of coffee with cream (about 5 minutes). One at a time, add the eggs, beating for about 20 seconds after each before adding the next. On low speed, beat in the flour mixture in 3 batches and the cocoa mixture in 2, alternating flour-cocoa-flour-cocoa-flour.

Pour half of the batter into each pan and smooth the tops. Bake in the middle of the oven until a tester comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes. Let the pans rest on cooling racks for 2 minutes, then turn the cakes onto racks to cool completely before frosting.

Make the frosting: Chop the chocolate and melt it in a double boiler. Let it cool so that you can comfortably put your finger in it. While it’s cooling, mix the butter with the whipped cream cheese. Add the chocolate, the vanilla and a dash of salt, and mix in the confectioners’ sugar until it looks like frosting, at least 5 minutes. Assemble the cake, spreading about a third of the frosting on one of the cooled layers, then putting the second layer on top and frosting the assembled cake.

LENTIL SALAD WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

This comes from Melissa Clark, also in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. She writes, “This lentil salad looks and tastes bright, thanks to a combination of tangerine juice, sherry vinegar and colorful caramelized roasted root vegetables. It works either as a main course, served with good bread and butter, or as side dish with roasted meat or fish. For the maximum visual impact, use both golden and red beets. Vegetarians can feel free to leave out the bacon. Leftovers will keep for at least five days, though try to pack it up without the radicchio, which gets soggy in the fridge.” Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 10 to 12 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Lentil Salad:

1 small whole acorn squash, peeled if desired, halved, seeded and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium celeriac, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

3 small beets, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 sprigs thyme

1 sprig rosemary, cut in half

4 slices (4 ounces) bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)

2 cups brown or green lentils

2 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sherry Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup sherry vinegar, more to taste

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed

For Serving:

2 heads radicchio, sliced

2 scallions, thinly sliced (whites and greens)

Parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish

Flaky sea salt, to taste

Cracked black pepper, to taste

1 tangerine, halved and seeded

Preparation

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place vegetables in one layer on one or two large rimmed baking pans, toss with olive oil and salt. Place thyme and rosemary on top of vegetables, cover pans with foil and roast for 25 minutes. Remove foil, stir in bacon and bake for 30 to 40 minutes longer, until vegetables are tender and golden all over.

In a large pot, combine lentils, 6 cups water, garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until lentils are tender.

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard and salt. Then whisk in olive oil.

Drain lentils and discard bay leaf; keep or discard garlic as you like. Toss lentils with half of the sherry vinaigrette while still warm. Add more salt, olive oil and vinegar as needed.

Toss radicchio with enough of remaining vinaigrette to lightly coat it and arrange it on a platter. Combine lentils and roasted vegetables, adding more of the vinaigrette to taste; spoon mixture on top of radicchio. Garnish with scallions, parsley, sea salt and black pepper. Squeeze tangerine juice over the lentils and drizzle with more olive oil if needed.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

As far as I'm concerned, one can never have enough mac and cheese recipes. This one comes from Tyler Florence of The Food Network's Food 911. Total Time: 1 hr 5 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 55 min; Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Level: Intermediate

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/macaroni-and-cheese-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

4 cups (1 pound) elbow macaroni

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cups milk

1/2 medium onion, stuck with 1 clove

4 cloves garlic

1 bay leaf

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups grated Cheddar, plus 1 cup in big chunks

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until done, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and toss it with 2 tablespoons butter; set aside.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter and set it aside. Put the milk into a saucepan and add the clove studded onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and mustard. Warm over medium low heat until the milk starts to steam, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the flavors infuse while you make the roux. In a large pot over medium heat add 2 tablespoons butter and the flour. Cook, stirring, for about 2 to 3 minutes; don't let the roux color. Strain the infused milk onto the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the sauce is thick. Remove from the heat and add 1/2 the grated Cheddar and 1/2 the Parmesan; stir until it is melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour this over the macaroni, add the chunks of Cheddar, and mix until well blended; put this into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Bake until the top is golden and crusty, about 25 to 30 minutes.

AUTUMN SQUASH CASSEROLE

Ingredients

1 stick of butter, melted

1 onion, chopped

5 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Place the butter, onion, squash and orange juice in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 to 10 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cinnamon and maple syrup. Using a potato masher, mash the ingredients. Mix until smooth and serve warm.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, APPLE, ONION AU GRATIN

Cooking spray

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 pinch cinnamon

1 butternut squash - peeled, seeded and sliced

4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced

1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9- x 11-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray.

Place flour, salt, and cinnamon into a large plastic bag. Add squash, apples, and onions; shake until lightly dusted.

In glass dish, layer 1/2 of squash, apples, and sweet onion. Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock over the top, then sprinkle 1/2 of cheese. Layer with remaining squash, apple, and onions. Pour remaining chicken stock over the top, and cover with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Take out and sprinkle with bacon crumbles and remaining cheese. Return, uncovered, to oven; bake for another 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

VEGAN PUMPKIN RISOTTO

A vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto - pumpkin! Why not? Pumpkin adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving7 entree, or anytime. This Italian risotto recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cups arborio (risotto) rice

1 cup white wine

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp margarine

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Sautee the onion in olive oil over medium heat for three to five minutes, or until soft. Add the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Slowly add the wine. Start to add the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the moisture to cook off before adding the next 1/2 cup. Stir frequently.

Add remaining ingredients, stirring well, and cook for just a few minutes, until heated through.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Tuesday Recipes

Enjoy!

INTENSE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

This comes from Nigella Lawson in in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Nigella writes, “There is very little that needs to be said about a chocolate mousse cake. This one lives up to its name. It is gloriously intense. But the whisked egg whites ensure that it has a balancing lightness. A slice of it, with a smattering of fresh raspberries and a dollop of cream, or better still, sour cream, is the perfect finale. It may also invite a certain inelegant gluttony at the end. I have noticed that even those who claim not to go in for desserts come back for more.” Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; One 9-inch cake

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

10 ounces bittersweet chocolate

9 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 large eggs, room temperature and separated

Pinch of salt

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons brandy

1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Position the oven rack in lower center of the oven. Cover the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with a double layer of foil. Using a microwave oven or double boiler, melt together chocolate and butter; set aside to cool slightly.

In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until pale, frothy and increased in volume. Whisk in brandy, then fold in chocolate mixture. Place a kettle of water over heat, and bring it to a boil. Using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites and salt until thick. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and continue to whisk until stiff and shiny but not dry.

Fold about 1/2 cup whisked egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Gently fold in remaining whites, being careful not to let the mixture deflate. Pour mixture into lightly-buttered springform pan, and place pan in a roasting pan. Add boiling water to roasting pan to come halfway up side of springform pan. Bake for 45 minutes; top of cake will be hard and inside will be gooey.

Remove cake pan from water, and place on a rack to cool completely. Unwrap foil and remove side of springform pan. Place cake on a serving platter. Just before serving, dust top with confectioners' sugar passed through a sieve.

EASY SHEET-PAN CHICKEN

This one is from Melissa Clark, also in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for the Times' newsletter, I highly recommend it.

For this recipe, Melissa writes, “Crisp-skinned and very juicy, this is a more sophisticated version of the crumb-coated, oven-fried chicken dishes of childhood. In addition to bread crumbs, the chicken is slathered with two kinds of mustard plus fresh thyme and minced garlic, which makes it deeply flavored, bright and complex. And because it calls for only one pan, clean up is minimal. While the recipe calls for bone-in drumsticks and/or thighs, if you prefer boneless white meat, feel free to substitute it, reducing the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes. Serve this with potatoes – either sweet or white – and your favorite green vegetable or salad. It’s weeknight cooking at its finest.” Time: 1 hour; 4 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

2 teaspoons chopped thyme leaves

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks (or a mixture), patted dry

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2/3 cup plain dried bread crumbs

Olive oil, for drizzling

Preparation

Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, combine whole-grain mustard, thyme leaves, garlic cloves, butter and Dijon mustard.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Rub mustard butter mixture all over chicken (some might fall off but that’s O.K.). Place bread crumbs in a wide, shallow bowl, then coat the chicken evenly with bread crumbs. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake until chicken is golden and no longer pink, 35 to 40 minutes.

MAC-N-SMOKED GOUDA WITH CAULIFLOWER

This comes from Rachel Ray of The Food Network's 30 Minute Meals. Total Time: 25 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/mac-n-smoked-gouda-with-cauliflower-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

Coarse salt

1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi (corkscrew-shaped pasta)

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

3 cups whole milk

1 cup chicken stock or broth

3 cups shredded smoked Gouda

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to season the cooking water, then add the pasta. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the cauliflower and cook for 3 minutes more or until pasta is cooked al dente and the florets are just tender. Drain well and return to the pot.

While the pasta cooks, heat a medium sauce pot over medium-low heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and heat with the butter until it melts. Add the onions and cook for 3 to 5 minutes to sweat them out and turn the juices sweet. Raise the heat a bit, then whisk in the flour, cayenne, and paprika. Whisk together until the roux bubbles up, then cook for 1 minute more. Whisk in the milk and stock and raise the heat a bit higher to bring the sauce to a quick boil. Once it bubbles, drop the heat back to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the cheese to the thickened sauce and stir to melt it, a minute or so. Stir in the mustard and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Pour over the cauliflower and cooked pasta and toss to combine. Adjust the seasonings, transfer to a large platter, and serve.

SMOKY CHIPOTLE AND CHEDDAR MAC

This is another yummy recipe from The Food Network's Rachel Ray (30 Minute Meals). I absolutely love her recipes. (Yes, I know; I'm a vegetarian...for anything with meat in it, one can always substitute vegetarian stuff, such as vegetable stock in this recipe for the chicken stock, etc.) Total Time: 40 min; Prep: 15 min; Cook: 25 min; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/smoky-chipotle-and-cheddar-mac-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

1 pound macaroni elbows or cavatapi corkscrew shaped pasta twists

Salt

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, plus some for drizzling

3/4 pound chorizo, 1 package, casing removed and diced

1 (15-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes, drained

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 chipotle in adobo and their juices, chopped or 1 tablespoon ground chipotle chili

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup chicken stock

3 cups shredded smoked Cheddar

Directions

Place a pot of water on to boil for macaroni. When it boils, salt water and cook pasta until a little under done, just shy of al dente.

While pasta cooks, place a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and chorizo. Brown the chorizo then add the canned tomatoes to the pan and heat them through. Remove from heat and reserve.

While chorizo begins to cook, heat a medium sauce pot over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, then add onions and chipotles and cook 3 to 5 minutes to sweat it out and turn the juices sweet. Raise heat up a bit, add the flour and whisk together until mixture bubbles up. Cook 1 minute more. Whisk in milk and stock and raise heat up a little more to bring the sauce to a quick boil. Once it bubbles, drop heat back to a rolling simmer sauce to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes.

Drain macaroni or pasta. Add cooked pasta back to the large pot.

Add cheese to milk sauce and stir to melt, a minute or so. Stir in chorizo and tomatoes and season sauce with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over cooked pasta in large pot and toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving platter, garnish with chives and serve.

AUTUMN SQUASH CASSEROLE

Ingredients

1 stick of butter, melted

1 onion, chopped

5 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Place the butter, onion, squash and orange juice in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 to 10 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cinnamon and maple syrup. Using a potato masher, mash the ingredients. Mix until smooth and serve warm.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, APPLE, ONION AU GRATIN

Cooking spray

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 pinch cinnamon

1 butternut squash - peeled, seeded and sliced

4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced

1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9- x 11-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray.

Place flour, salt, and cinnamon into a large plastic bag. Add squash, apples, and onions; shake until lightly dusted.

In glass dish, layer 1/2 of squash, apples, and sweet onion. Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock over the top, then sprinkle 1/2 of cheese. Layer with remaining squash, apple, and onions. Pour remaining chicken stock over the top, and cover with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Take out and sprinkle with bacon crumbles and remaining cheese. Return, uncovered, to oven; bake for another 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Weekend Recipes

Enjoy!

BUSH’S® DINSPIRATION: CHIPOTLE GRILLED SHRIMP

This comes from BUSH’S® Best emailed newsletter. I recommend checking out their site and signing up for their newsletter.

This recipe begins, “Mildly smoky chipotle gives a depth of flavor to juicy jumbo shrimp. For an extra chipotle kick, serve with Smokehouse Tradition Grillin’ Beans®.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 8 minutes; Total Time: 23 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 can (22 oz) BUSH'S® Smokehouse Tradition Grillin' Beans®

1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup freshly-squeezed lime juice

3 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp salt

1 large handful cilantro

2 lbs peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp

1 pkg wood skewers

Directions

For Marinade: In blender or food processor, blend peppers, oil, lime juice, garlic and salt until smooth. Add cilantro to mixture, blend until ingredients are combined. Pour marinade into large plastic resealable bag.

For Shrimp: Place shrimp in bag of marinade, shake to coat and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight.

While shrimp is marinating, soak wood skewers in water for at least 1 hour.

Set clean, well-oiled grill to low heat. When grill is hot, thread shrimp onto skewers and place on grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until shrimp is opaque.

Remove skewers from grill and place on serving platter.

Serve with BUSH’S® Smokehouse Tradition Grillin’ Beans® or BUSH’S® Black Bean Fiesta Grillin’ Beans®.

LOW-FAT VEGAN EGGPLANT LASAGNA

This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian food expert. She writes, "A wonderful vegetarian lasagna recipe full of healthy spinach and eggplant. This vegetarian and vegan lasagna recipe uses no cheese, making it both vegan and dairy-free, as well as much lower in fat than a traditional lasagna." Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 medium eggplant, diced

2 10 ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, defrosted

1 64 ounce jar pre-made tomato sauce

1 pound lasagna noodles

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Sautee the garlic for two minutes, then add the eggplant and stir. Cover the frying pan and cook until the eggplant is just tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Cover the bottom of a 9x12 inch baking pan with 2 cups of the tomato sauce, then cover the tomato sauce with 4 or 5 uncooked noodles. Cover this with a thin layer of sauce, then add the cooked eggplant and another thin layer of sauce. Add another layer of noodles followed by a thing layer of sauce, then the spinach and another thin layer of sauce. Add the remaining noodles and sauce.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. Noodles are cooked when they can be pierced with a fork.

Makes six servings of eggplant and spinach lasagna. Reprinted with permission from The Compassionate Cook Cookbook.

Nutritional information, per serving: Calories: 347, Calories from Fat: 41; % Daily Value: Total Fat: 4.6g, 7%, Total Carbohydrates: 65.8g, 22%, Dietary Fiber: 9.2g, 37%, Protein: 16.3g, Vitamin A 199%, Vitamin C 83%, Calcium 14%, Iron 32%

AUTUMN SQUASH CASSEROLE

This comes from a long-since-forgotten emailing list.

Ingredients

1 stick of butter, melted

1 onion, chopped

5 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Place the butter, onion, squash and orange juice in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 to 10 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cinnamon and maple syrup. Using a potato masher, mash the ingredients. Mix until smooth and serve warm.

CLASSIC BLUEBERRY PIE

This comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If I ever get to do a road trip, this is one place I've got to stop at.

This recipe starts out, “Few things in life are as wonderful as homemade blueberry pie. It is heaven on earth! I recommend using slightly tart organic blueberries whenever possible.”

Makes one 9-inch double-crusted pie

7 cups (3-1/2 pints) organic blueberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

One top and bottom pie crust, chilled

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Egg wash made with 1 egg and 1 teaspoon water

Coarse raw sugar


Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Sort through the blueberries, removing any stems and leaves. Gently rinse the berries and lay them out on paper towels to air dry.

Combine 3-1/2 cups of the blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, vanilla extract and flour in a medium saucepan. Mix with a spoon. Cook over medium heat until the fruit juices have been released and the mixture has thickened, 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently to keep the mixture from burning. Pour the cooked fruit into a large stainless steel bowl and add the remaining blueberries. Stir with a spoon and set aside until the fruit has cooled to room temperature.

Divide the chilled pie dough into 2 pieces, making one piece slightly larger than the other. Coat your hands with flour and shape the larger piece of dough into a ball. Working on a floured surface, flatten the ball slightly, then roll it into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Fit the rolled dough into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges of the dough to leave a 1-inch overhang around the pan. Roll out the remaining piece of dough 1/8-inch thick and trim it into a 10-inch circle. Set aside. This will be the top crust.

Pour the cooled fruit into the pie shell and dot with butter. Brush the top side of the overhanging dough with a little egg wash. Lift the top crust onto the pie, folding it in half to make it easier to accurately position. Lift the overhanging dough onto the top crust and crimp with your fingers. Mark the crimped edges with a fork, then brush all of the crust with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse raw sugar and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the pie on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife cut 4 slits in the center of the crust. Bake pie for 50 to 55 minutes. The crust will be golden brown and the fruit will be bubbling in the center of the pie. Let cool for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

FRENCH ONION SOUP

My dad used to make French Onion Soup after church on Sundays, so I associate this with the weekend. This version of the recipe comes from About.com's American Food email. It starts off, “French onion soup is one of America's most popular 'restaurant soups,' but with this easy recipe you can make it at home anytime you want. This French onion soup recipe is topped with the traditional Gruyere cheese, but any melting cheese will work.” It makes 8 portions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

4 large yellow onions, cut in large dice

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1 tbsp sherry vinegar

1/4 cup dry sherry wine

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 tsp salt

fresh ground black pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

3 cups high-quality beef broth

3 cups high-quality chicken broth

1 cup water

For the topping:

toasted French bread

8 oz shredded Gruyere cheese, or other Swiss cheese

Preparation:

In a large soup pot, melt the butter over med-low heat. Add the onions and salt; slowly cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden-brown - about 30 minutes.

Add the vinegar and sherry; cook for 5 minutes, and then add the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low for one hour. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into heatproof bowls, or crocks, and top with a piece of toasted bread (cut to fit top of bowl).

Cover with the cheese, and place under a preheated broiler until the cheese melts and begins to brown. Serve hot.

DEEP DISH LOW-CARB PIZZA

This recipe comes from Laura Dolson, About.com's Low Carb diets guide. Laura writes, “I know this egg-based crust is going to sound strange, but I urge you to trust me and try this. I've tried a whole lot of low-carb pizza crusts over the years, and this is really the best one. No, it isn't like regular, but it's really good. Based on some of the comments, I'm now realizing that some people are expecting a crisp crust, or a thin crust. This crust is neither crisp nor thin. However, you can make it thinner by using fewer eggs and less cream cheese.” Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients:

6 eggs

6 oz cream cheese (3/4 package) at room temperature

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoon oregano or other Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

pinches of black and/or cayenne pepper

1 cup (or a little more) shredded Italian cheeses, at least half of which is a hard cheese (Parmesan, Assagio)

Preparation:

Heat the oven to 350° F.

Be sure the cream cheese is at about room temperature. Using a regular blender, food processor, or (my preferred) stick blender, mix the egg and cream cheese until well blended. Add the salt and spices and blend again.

Spread cheese in bottom of well-buttered 9X13 pan. I often use an Italian blend such as Trader Joe's Quattro Formaggio. Pour egg mixture over the cheese, and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is browning.

Remove from oven, add pizza toppings, and bake until done - about another 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Information: Each serving has 1.5 grams effective carbohydrate plus 11 grams protein, and 179 calories.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Weekday Meals

Another weekday – and we still have to eat. Here are some recipes to kick-start your ideas for meals. Enjoy!

LOW-CARB NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE

This comes from Laura Dolson, About.com's Low Carb Diets expert. She writes, “This low-carb no-bake cheesecake is easy to make, and you can top it in many different ways. (The crust does require a few minutes in the oven, but you can also serve it crustless; see note below.) The easiest toppinjg is to spread a jar of sugar-free jam over it. This would add about 2 grams of carb per serving to the basic cheesecake. Other options are to top with fresh fruit in season, strawberry topping, or simply cook frozen berries with sweetener to taste until thickened. The cheesecake pictured here was made in this way with frozen blackberries. The crust is my easy almond pie crust.” (The almond pie crust follows.) Yields 8 servings.

This can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

one almond pie crust

10 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon juice

zero-carb sugar substitute equal to 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)

1 cup heavy cream

Preparation

Bake the almond pie crust, either in a deep-dish pie pan or springform pan (if using a pie pan, you don't need to spread the crust to the rim of the pan).

Combine cream cheese, vanilla, lemon juice, and sugar substitute very well. If you are using an electric mixer, fluff it up for a minute or two.

In a second bowl (if you have only one bowl for a stand mixer, just transfer the cream cheese and use the mixer again for this step), whip the cream to soft peaks - you actually want it slightly less beaten than you would for a dessert topping.

Mix about a third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Then gently mix another third in, and then the rest.

Spread cream cheese mixture into crust. Smooth off and chill for at least 2-3 hours. Cover with topping and serve.

Crustless option: Chill cream cheese mixture in bowl, then serve in individual dishes with topping.

Lower-calorie options: Use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese (add an extra gram or two of carb), and/or nix the crust.

Nutritional Information: With crust, without topping: Each of 8 servings has 3.5 grams effective carbohydrate plus 2 grams fiber (6 grams total carbohydrate), 7 grams protein, and 370 calories. Without crust or topping: 2 grams carbohydrate (no fiber), 3 grams protein, and 230 calories.

LOW-CARB ALMOND PIE CRUST

This is also from Laura Dolson, who writes, “This is a very easy pie crust to make...This works best for a 9" pie pan. If you have an 8" one, the crust will be a little thicker, or you can cut back on the ingredients a bit.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups almond meal or almond flour

3 tablespoons melted butter

Artificial sweetener equal to 3 tablespoons sugar

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 F. Melt the butter (if the pie pan is microwave safe, melt the butter in it) and mix the ingredients up in the pan and pat into place with your fingertips.

Bake for about 10 minutes until the crust is beginning to brown. After 8 minutes, check every minute or so, because once it starts to brown it goes quickly.

Nutritional Information: The whole pie shell has 11 grams effective carbohydrate plus 17 grams fiber and 30 grams protein.

AUTUMN SQUASH CASSEROLE

Ingredients

1 stick of butter, melted

1 onion, chopped

5 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Place the butter, onion, squash and orange juice in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 to 10 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cinnamon and maple syrup. Using a potato masher, mash the ingredients. Mix until smooth and serve warm.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, APPLE, ONION AU GRATIN

Cooking spray

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 pinch cinnamon

1 butternut squash - peeled, seeded and sliced

4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced

1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9- x 11-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray.

Place flour, salt, and cinnamon into a large plastic bag. Add squash, apples, and onions; shake until lightly dusted.

In glass dish, layer 1/2 of squash, apples, and sweet onion. Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock over the top, then sprinkle 1/2 of cheese. Layer with remaining squash, apple, and onions. Pour remaining chicken stock over the top, and cover with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Take out and sprinkle with bacon crumbles and remaining cheese. Return, uncovered, to oven; bake for another 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

VEGAN PUMPKIN RISOTTO

A vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto - pumpkin! Why not? Pumpkin adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving7 entree, or anytime. This Italian risotto recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cups arborio (risotto) rice

1 cup white wine

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp margarine

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Sautee the onion in olive oil over medium heat for three to five minutes, or until soft. Add the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Slowly add the wine. Start to add the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the moisture to cook off before adding the next 1/2 cup. Stir frequently.

Add remaining ingredients, stirring well, and cook for just a few minutes, until heated through.

PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE

This came from one of the long-since-forgotten emailing lists that I was on. The person who posted this, who signed herself as Amy Marie, had added that it was from the Farm Journal Cookbook. Makes 12 servings.

1 - 18 1/2 oz pkg spice cake mix

1 (1 lb) can pumpkin

2 tsp baking soda

2 eggs

1/3 cup water

Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and flour two - 9-inch round layer cake pans. Combine the cake mix, pumpkin , baking soda, eggs, and water in a large mixer bowl. Beat as directed on the cake mix package. Spread in the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. Turn out of pans and onto a wire rack to cool completely. Spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers, then frost the sides and top of the cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream together 1/2 cup butter or regular margarine, 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, and 1 tsp vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add a one pound box of confectioners' sugar. Beat well after each addition. If the mixture is too thick to spread, add a very small amount of milk.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Yummy Friday Recipes

Is there anything better than Friday, with the weekend ahead? A three-day weekend, of course! With Labor Day on Monday, most of us in the U.S. feel like it's the end of summer. Here are some recipes to get you through the weekend. Enjoy!

PLUM AND ROSEMARY JAM

This comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If you aren't on their emailing list, you really should sign up. And if you're ever in Seattle, stop by. I know that if I'm ever on a road trip that way, I soooo plan to stop in!

The recipe starts off, “Savory jams often take a backseat to their sweet counterparts, but they add an unexpected thrum of flavor to everyday dishes. For an easy appetizer, spread this Plum & Rosemary Jam on a toasted wedge of our Pizza Bianca or layer it on our Seeded Sardinian Flatbread with your favorite cheese. As a topping for a juicy lamb burger or roasted pork sandwich, this jam is a game-changer. If using Italian plums instead of red plums, be sure to use less sugar to accommodate the sweetness of the fruit.” Makes 1/2 cup.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon pure olive oil

1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped red onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground coriander seed

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 1/2 cups pitted plums, medium dice

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, onion, ginger and coriander. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid browning.

Add the vinegar, brown sugar and plums and cook for 20 to 25 minutes over low heat to reduce the moisture from the plums. During the last 5 minutes of cooking time, stir the rosemary into the plum mixture.

Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool to room temperature. Transfer jam to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 10 days.

PUMPKIN SPICE WHOOPIE PIES

From Food.com. Prep time: 30 minutes, total time: 45 minutes, Yield: 12-18 sandwiched cookies

The person who wrote this for Food.com wrote, "Whoopie Pies are big sandwiched cookie. These are a hit with kids and adults alike. I prefer mine frozen!"

Ingredients

Cookies

1 cup pumpkin

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 package spice cake mix (2 layer size)

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

Marshmallow Spice filling

1/2 cup butter

1 (8 ounce) packages softened cream cheese

2 cups powdered sugar

3 1/2 ounces marshmallow cream ( half of a 7 oz jar)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

Cookies: Beat pumpkin and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.

Add cake mix, eggs and milk and beat on low speed until combined, then on medium speed for one minute.

Cover cookie sheets with parchment or oiled foil.

Drop large mounds of dough 3 inches apart on cookie sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Filling: Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, marshmallow cream, vanilla and cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat until well combined. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until cookies are ready to be filled.

When cookies are cool, spoon filling on bottom of cookies and sandwich together.

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 1 (1549 g); Servings Per Recipe: 1; Amount Per Serving % Daily Value: Calories 477.2; Calories from Fat 250 52%; Amount Per Serving % Daily Value: Total Fat 27.7g 42%; Saturated Fat 15.0g 75%; Cholesterol 93.9mg 31%; Sugars 40.2 g; Sodium 444.8mg 18%; Total Carbohydrate 54.1g 18%; Dietary Fiber 0.7g 2%; Sugars 40.2 g 161%; Protein 4.3g 8%

AUTUMN SQUASH CASSEROLE

Ingredients

1 stick of butter, melted

1 onion, chopped

5 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Place the butter, onion, squash and orange juice in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 to 10 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cinnamon and maple syrup. Using a potato masher, mash the ingredients. Mix until smooth and serve warm.

CLASSIC BLUEBERRY PIE

Another recipe from Macrina Bakery. The recipe starts out, “Few things in life are as wonderful as homemade blueberry pie. It is heaven on earth! I recommend using slightly tart organic blueberries whenever possible.”

Makes one 9-inch double-crusted pie

7 cups (3-1/2 pints) organic blueberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

One top and bottom pie crust, chilled

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Egg wash made with 1 egg and 1 teaspoon water

Coarse raw sugar


Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Sort through the blueberries, removing any stems and leaves. Gently rinse the berries and lay them out on paper towels to air dry.

Combine 3-1/2 cups of the blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, vanilla extract and flour in a medium saucepan. Mix with a spoon. Cook over medium heat until the fruit juices have been released and the mixture has thickened, 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently to keep the mixture from burning. Pour the cooked fruit into a large stainless steel bowl and add the remaining blueberries. Stir with a spoon and set aside until the fruit has cooled to room temperature.

Divide the chilled pie dough into 2 pieces, making one piece slightly larger than the other. Coat your hands with flour and shape the larger piece of dough into a ball. Working on a floured surface, flatten the ball slightly, then roll it into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Fit the rolled dough into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges of the dough to leave a 1-inch overhang around the pan. Roll out the remaining piece of dough 1/8-inch thick and trim it into a 10-inch circle. Set aside. This will be the top crust.

Pour the cooled fruit into the pie shell and dot with butter. Brush the top side of the overhanging dough with a little egg wash. Lift the top crust onto the pie, folding it in half to make it easier to accurately position. Lift the overhanging dough onto the top crust and crimp with your fingers. Mark the crimped edges with a fork, then brush all of the crust with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse raw sugar and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the pie on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife cut 4 slits in the center of the crust. Bake pie for 50 to 55 minutes. The crust will be golden brown and the fruit will be bubbling in the center of the pie. Let cool for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

RASPBERRY-LEMONADE SORBET

From the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 73. The recipe starts off, “ Extra-lemony and not too sweet, this is an easy sorbet to whip up year-round with frozen raspberries. Try the recipe with blueberries, blackberries, or cherries as well.” Makes one quart.

5 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup lemon juice

Purée raspberries in blender or food processor until no whole fruit remains. Press purée through fine sieve, and discard seeds. (You should have 2 cups.)

Stir 1/2 cup water into sugar in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Stir sugar mixture into raspberry purée.

Chill mixture in refrigerator until cold, then churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Transfer to 1-quart container, and freeze.

nutritional information Per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 141; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 35 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 1 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 29 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

FIESTA SLAW

Makes 10 servings. Find online here.

Ingredients

5 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

3 Tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tsp. canned chipotle chilies, rinsed, drained and chopped

1 Tbsp. honey

1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin

1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips

12 oz. jicama, peeled, cut into thin strips

1/3 cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper



Directions

Puree first 5 ingredients in a blender or food processor until dressing is smooth.

Place peppers, jicama and cilantro in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to mix and coat well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until the vegetables soften a little but remain crunchy. (About 4 hours.)

Serve at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 42; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 42 mg; Fat: under 1 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetable

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fall Recipes - Pumpkin, Squash Recipes

I love autumn for many reasons, one of which is the wonderful food. Whether you call it fall or autumn, pumpkins and different kinds of squash seem to be on everyone's plates.

Most of the following recipes were from different emailing lists, most of which have since disappeared. I'm not sure exactly who came up with these recipes, although I'm sure that the Vegan Pumpkin Risoto came from a vegetarian list, possibly Vegetarian Times.

Either way, check these out and enjoy!

Autumn Squash Casserole

Ingredients

1 stick of butter, melted

1 onion, chopped

5 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Place the butter, onion, squash and orange juice in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 to 10 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cinnamon and maple syrup. Using a potato masher, mash the ingredients. Mix until smooth and serve warm.

Butternut Squash, Apple, Onion Au Gratin

Cooking spray

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 pinch cinnamon

1 butternut squash - peeled, seeded and sliced

4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced

1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9- x 11-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray.

Place flour, salt, and cinnamon into a large plastic bag. Add squash, apples, and onions; shake until lightly dusted.

In glass dish, layer 1/2 of squash, apples, and sweet onion. Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock over the top, then sprinkle 1/2 of cheese. Layer with remaining squash, apple, and onions. Pour remaining chicken stock over the top, and cover with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Take out and sprinkle with bacon crumbles and remaining cheese. Return, uncovered, to oven; bake for another 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Prep: 20 min

Cooking: 10 min

Yields: 36 mini pies

Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten

1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

6 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

NUTRITION FACTS

Amount Per Serving 36 mini pies:

Serving Size 1/36 of recipe:

Calories 130, Total Fat 6g, Dietary Fiber 0g,

Pumpkin Smoothie

Prep: 4 min

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin, chilled

1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk, chilled

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1 small sliced banana

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

2 dozen ice cubes (optional)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

PLACE pumpkin, evaporated milk, orange juice, banana and sugar in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Pour over ice. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

NUTRITION FACTS

Amount Per Serving 6 servings: Serving Size 1/6 of recipe: Calories 150, Total Fat 1.5g, Dietary Fiber 3g

Pumpkin Mousse

Inspired by Martinique’s tropical cuisine, mildly spicy whipped pumpkin can stand alone as a dessert or accompany seafood as an exotic side dish.

Prep Time: 1 hours, 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 15-oz can pumpkin puree

1 cup plus 2 cups chilled heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ounces white chocolate, shaved

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, stir together the pumpkin, 1 cup heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Chill for at least 1 hour before preparing the mousse.

Whip the remaining 2 cups chilled cream into peaks. Gently stir 1/2 cup of the chilled pumpkin mixture into the whipped cream. Once the 1/2 cup of pumpkin is almost fully incorporated into the cream, fold in the remaining pumpkin. Serve chilled with white chocolate shavings as a garnish.

Makes 8 servings.

Vegan Pumpkin Risotto

A vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto - pumpkin! Why not? Pumpkin adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving7 entree, or anytime. This Italian risotto recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.

Ingredients:

1 onion. diced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cups arborio (risotto) rice

1 cup white wine

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp margarine

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Sautee the onion in olive oil over medium heat for three to five minutes, or until soft. Add the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Slowly add the wine. Start to add the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the moisture to cook off before adding the next 1/2 cup. Stir frequently.

Add remaining ingredients, stirring well, and cook for just a few minutes, until heated through.

Old-Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies

This one is from Very Best Baking Kitchen

Prep: 10 min

Cooking: 18 min

Cooling time: 2 min cooling

Yields: 36 cookies

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened

1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze (recipe follows)

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

FOR GLAZE:

COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.


Tips from Very Best Baking Kitchen

Note:For a variation add 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts to the recipe.NUTRITION FACTS

Amount Per Serving 36 cookies

Serving Size 1/36 of recipe

Calories 120, Total Fat 3g, Dietary Fiber .5g

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

1 2/3 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 Tbls pumpkin pie spice

1 cup sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 granny smith apple, peeled and finely chopped

3 Tbls sugar

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine pumpkin, butter, and eggs, and add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in chopped apple, and spooon into greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from pans immediately, and cool on wire racks.

Makes 2 dozen