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7 Pumpkin Recipes to Ring in the Fall Season

7 Pumpkin Recipes to Ring in the Fall Season

pumpkin recipes
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA from Pexels

In case it's not clear by now, fall is synonymous with pumpkins(1). Come autumn, the colorful gourd makes its way into our kitchens and infuses everything we eat (or drink) with its sweet, earthy flavor - be it soups, pies, or lattes. So, to usher in the new season and its cozy vibes, we rounded up seven delicious pumpkin recipes that'll warm you up from the inside out and make you forget all about summer (and its juicy produce).

1. Red Pepper & Pumpkin Soup

Instead of your typical pumpkin-only soup, this recipe adds sauteed red pepper to the mix, making the dish all the more appropriate for chilly fall nights. Serve it with a slice of toasted sourdough bread for maximum cozy vibes.

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the red pepper, garlic, paprika, and pumpkin and sauté for 5 minutes until the pumpkin turns soft.

2. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the pumpkin-red pepper mixture to a food processor. Start blitzing on low while adding the heavy cream and vegetable stock half a cup at a time. Blitz the mixture until all the pumpkin and peppers are pureed. If the soup is too thick for you, add more stock or heavy cream (one tablespoon at a time).

3. Return the soup to the pan and cook for another 3 minutes over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

2. Cheddar Pumpkin Grilled Cheese

Pumpkin isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of grilled cheese. But this autumnal take on the classic proves that the gourd: a) pairs excellent with cheddar and b) can be a kick in the palette throughout fall.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin
  • 1/3 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices of sourdough bread
  • 8 tsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp dried chives
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Add the chives and 4 tablespoons of warm water to a cup and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water using a small sieve, separating the chives from the water.

2. Transfer to a large bowl and add all the remaining ingredients. Toss to combine. Set aside.

3. Preheat the oven to 450oF. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread one teaspoon of butter on four bread slices, lay them with the butter side facing down, and divide the pumpkin mixture between them.

4. Butter the remaining bread slices and top with the butter side up.

5. Bake the grilled cheese for 6 minutes, flip, and bake for another 6 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately.

3. Pumpkin Sausage Pizza

Adding pumpkin to your pizza may be well beyond your comfort zone. But this recipe proves the gourd deserves a place on your dough - especially if it's paired with sausage and roasted in advance. If you want to push your pizza boundaries, even more, you could also experiment with the sauce and try something new.

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces of ready-made pizza dough
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 3/4 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup textured soy protein (TSP) sausage bits
  • 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (plus one for brushing the dough0
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Add the sausage bits and 2 cups of warm water to a bowl and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, strain the water with a sieve and slightly squeeze the sausage to remove excess liquid. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375oF, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, toss the pumpkin with the olive oil and salt, and roast for 15 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. Flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough until you form a 12-inch circle. Then, brush the dough with the remaining olive oil.

4. Pour the sauce on top and spread it across with the back of a spoon.

5. Season with thyme and top with the shredded cheese, pumpkin, and sausage bits.

6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown.

4. Pumpkin Carbonara

It's a mystery why pumpkin isn't such a popular choice for pasta dishes since the gourd (especially when pureed) can make your creations creamy AF. Still, it's never too late to experiment with this unique pasta ingredient and give your spaghetti the creaminess they deserve.

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Add the bacon bits and 1 cup of warm water to a bowl and soak for 15 minutes. Drain the bacon with a sieve and lightly squeeze to remove excess liquid. Set aside.

2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, making sure you reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Heat the olive oil and sauté the bacon until slightly browned in a small skillet. Remove from the heat and set aside.

4. Mix the pumpkin puree, egg yolks, and cheese in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper.

5. Then, toss the pasta with the pumpkin mixture, adding the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce. Stir in the bacon and serve immediately.

5. Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Chicken chili is in a league of its own. But adding a hint of pumpkin to the mix can beef up the dish even more and make it perfect for chilly fall nights. This version also melts in a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Add the chicken and bell peppers to a bowl with 5 cups of warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water with a sieve and slightly squeeze the foods to remove excess water. Set aside.

2. Pour the olive oil into a pot and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken-bell pepper mixture, the onion, and the garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.

3. Add the broth, pumpkin, tomato sauce, jalapeño peppers, and seasonings. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Add the cream cheese and stir until it's melted. Let cool for a while and serve.

6. Pumpkin Spice Latte

If there's one drink that epitomizes fall, it's the famous pumpkin spice latte (PSL). The seasonal brew combines the warm flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves with pumpkin's earthy notes and coffee's pungent taste. On occasion, you can top it with whipped cream and maple syrup. Talk about next-level indulgence!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oat milk
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Directions:

1. Pour the milk into a small pot and warm over low heat until it's almost simmering. Note that it shouldn't reach a boiling point.

2. Pour the coffee into a mason jar and add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and spices. Mix well to combine.

3. Forth the warm milk until foamy with a frother and pour it into the coffee jar.

4. (Optional) Top with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.

7. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Filling

Give your cinnamon rolls an autumnal makeover by adding not one, but two favorite fall mainstays, i.e., pumpkin & apple. Topped with vanilla frosting, the dessert is the tastiest way to start your chilly weekend mornings.

Ingredients:

For the pumpkin cinnamon roll dough

  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 egg

For the apple filling

  • 1 1/2 cups freeze dried apples
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. First, make the apple filling. Add the apples to a bowl with 3 cups of warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, drain the water and squeeze gently to remove excess liquid. Transfer to a skillet and add the remaining apple filling ingredients. Turn the heat on to medium-low and cook until the apple is fork-tender. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool and thicken.

2. Then, make the pumpkin cinnamon roll dough. Warm the milk and add to a bowl along with the maple syrup. Stir in the yeast, whisk well, and leave to sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

3. Mix flour, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.

4. Add the sugar and butter to a third bowl and stir until combined. Stir in the yeast mixture and mix vigorously (perhaps on a stand mixer).

5. Add the egg and pumpkin puree and continue mixing.

6. Slowly spoon in the flour mixture and work the dough for 5 minutes until you form a pliable dough.

7. Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2 hours.

8. Flour a work surface and roll the dough into a large rectangle (12 x 18 inches). Brush the dough with melted butter and spread the apple filling evenly from side to side.

9. Roll the dough inwardly and cut lengthwise into 2-inch slices. Transfer them to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with the swirl side up and bake in a preheated oven (350oF) for 25 minutes. Top with vanilla frosting, and enjoy!

Which are your favorite pumpkin recipes? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

  1. https://secondharvestetn.org/blog-post/why-fall-is-pumpkin-season-and-why-were-ok-with-it/
  2. https://www.archanaskitchen.com/roasted-red-pepper-and-pumpkin-soup-recipe
  3. https://dizzybusyandhungry.com/cheddar-pumpkin-grilled-cheese-sandwiches/
  4. http://www.italianfoodforever.com/2013/10/pumpkin-sausage-sage-pizza-paired-with-moretti-beer/#mv-creation-916-jtr
  5. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a33984426/pumpkin-carbonara-recipe/
  6. https://www.staysnatched.com/pumpkin-chicken-chili/
  7. https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/homemade-pumpkin-spice-latte/
  8. https://twocupsflour.com/apple-pie-pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/
10 Apple Recipes That'll Make Your Kitchen Smell Like Fall

10 Apple Recipes That'll Make Your Kitchen Smell Like Fall

apple recipes
Photo by Josh Kobayashi from Pexels

Coping with the end of summer isn't easy. There's always one more BBQ dish, raspberry treat, or refreshing drink that you want to try. But, if there's a reason to get excited about the first frost is all the amazing autumn produce that Mother Earth Products has to offer. And the best of them all? Apples! The juicy fruit is chockful of nutrients and can be part of several dishes, from bread to stews. So, if you want to ring in the autumn solstice differently this year, these ten apple recipes will let fall into your kitchen.

Savory

1. Bratwurst with Sauerkraut & Apples

With an ample amount of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a little bit of apple, this recipe pays homage to the German Oktoberfest. However, it skips the cheese and lard the OG version calls for. So, your stomach can rest easy.

Ingredients:

  • 7 bratwurst sausages, uncooked
  • 1 cups dried onions
  • 3 cups sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 ½ cup freeze dried apples
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or beer
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1 tsp dry ground mustard
  • 1 tsp dried garlic (granulated)

Directions:

  1. Add the onion and apples to a bowl along with 4 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess water and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over low heat and add the bratwurst links. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until brown. Set aside.
  3. Add the onion and apples to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the spices (salt, caraway seeds, mustard, and garlic) and cook for another minute or two.
  4. Add the sauerkraut, broth (or beer), sugar, and bratwurst. Make sure the mixture covers the links. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  5. Serve with boiled potatoes, rolls, and spicy mustard for a complete meal.

2. Gruyere Apple Tarts

There's beauty in simplicity, and this apple recipe is no exception. Sautéed apples and onion are piled onto a bed of melted Gruyere cheese and complemented by various spices, making each bite even more enticing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup freeze dried apples
  • 1/3 cup dried onions
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ¼ tsp ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom

Directions:

  1. Pour 2 cups of water to a bowl and soak the apples and onions for 15 minutes. Remove from water and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400oF and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and the apples for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the spices and cook for another minute or so. Set aside.
  4. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it 4 rectangles, 6 ½- by 5- inch each. Make sure you leave about half-an-inch space around each tart. Transfer them to the pan.
  5. Divide the apple-onion mixture between the 4 tarts and top with the Gruyere cheese and remaining butter. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

3. Apple & Beet (root) Slaw

Picnic season may have come to an end, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy all the tasty treats it has to offer. This apple-beet slaw is the perfect way to "dress" your sandwiches or complement your dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups beets, cooked and grated
  • 2/3 cup freeze dried apples
  • 1 cup red or white cabbage, grated
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 1 ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Soak the apples in a bowl with warm water for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, remove from water and set aside.
  2. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and toss well until everything is combined.
  3. Serve with main dishes (steak, burgers, hot dogs) or as part of a sandwich.

4. Parsnip & Apple Soup

If there's a surefire way to get rid of your summer-is-over blues, it's this hearty soup. Combining apple's sweetness with parsnip's nutty flavor, this dish is perfect for when you want to add flavor to your chilly nights.

Ingredients:

  • 3 parsnips, peeled and finely chopped
  • ½ cup freeze dried apples
  • 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried onions
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 3tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Add the onion to a bowl along with one cup of warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, lower the heat to low, add the onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the potato, garlic, parsnip, and apples and sauté for another 5 minutes or until they wilt.
  3. Pour the broth, cover with the lid, and let the soup simmer until the ingredients are fork-tender. It'll take 25-30 minutes.
  4. Then, stir in the coconut milk and spices and boil for another 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  5. Once cooled, use an immersion blender to puree the ingredients to your desired consistency—season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve with croutons on top and a slice of warm bread.

5. Cheesy Apple Muffins

Many would argue that cheese and apples don't belong in the same breath. But, this apple recipe begs to differ. Marrying apples with cheddar cheese and thyme, these muffins are a far cry from your regular go-tos and give an end to the usual "What should I have for breakfast?" problem.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup freeze dried apples
  • ¾ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp dried thyme

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, add one cup of warm water and soak the apples for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, line a muffin tin with liners and preheat the oven to 370oF.
  3. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and whisk well. Stir in the apples, thyme, and shredded cheese.
  4. In a separate bowl, add the milk and egg and beat well until combined.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well.
  6. Spoon the batter into each cup, filling ¾ of the way.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown.
  8. Enjoy as breakfast or serve instead of bread rolls for lunch and dinner.

Sweet

6. Apple Chocolate Bark

Apple and chocolate is a seriously under-utilized combo, but this recipe sets the record straight. Chockful of nuts and seeds, it's also rich in fiber and omegas, so you'll secretly know your little one is munching on something healthy for once.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
  • ½ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup freeze dried apples
  • ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Fill a pot halfway with water and boil the water over low heat. Set a heatproof bowl on top and add the chocolate in it. Stir occasionally as the chocolate starts to melt. Remove the bowl from heat once two-thirds of the chocolate have melted. Let it cool for a while.
  3. Stir in the almonds, sunflower seeds, apples, and maple syrup (optional) and spread the mixture onto the baking sheet. Refrigerate the bark for half an hour and break into pieces before serving.

7. Baked Apple Donuts

Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, donuts are a hit with kids. This version, however, is a tad healthier than the store bought kind, since it skips frying. You can now let them go for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup freeze dried apples
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • ¼ cup kefir

Directions:

  1. Add the apples to a bowl with warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375oF and grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
  3. Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix. Combine all the wet ingredients into a separate bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet one cup at a time. Remember to stir gently.
  4. Transfer the batter to a Ziplock bag and snip one end off. Pour the batter in each donut cavity, filling three-quarters of the way.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven, let cool, and sprinkle with coarse sugar and cinnamon.

8. Apple Cake

Fall is synonymous with baking, and this apple recipe makes perfect use of the season's #1 fruit. Plus, it's pretty easy to make, so you'll get to enjoy all the flavors without slaving away in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup freeze dried apples
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup buttermilk or kefir
  • ½ cup olive oil

Directions:

  1. Soak the apples in a bowl full of warm water for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, remove, and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350oF and grease a round baking tin with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a bowl, add all the dry ingredients and mix. In a separate bowl, add all the wet ingredients and mix once again. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix gently until combined.
  4. Transfer the batter to the baking tin and bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Drizzle with coarse sugar or glaze and serve with coffee or tea.

9. Apple Ricotta Waffles

We all know how important it is to start your day with some fiber and protein – and this recipe makes sure you do just that. Packed with apple and ricotta, these waffles are wholesome as they are tasty.

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • ½ cup buttermilk or kefir
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup freeze dried apples
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Pour one cup of warm water to a bowl and add the apples. Soak them for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, preheat the waffle iron.
  3. Combine all the wet ingredients to a bowl and then stir in the wet ingredients one at a time. Lastly, fold in the apples.
  4. Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray and pour a cupful of the batter. Cook until both sides turn golden brown. Continue to cook in batches until there's no batter left.

10. Spiced Apple Fritters

Super quick, easy, and delicious, this apple recipe is just what you need when your mini-me is craving for something sweet, and you'd rather stay away from chocolate. For more than just a snack, serve them with a honey yogurt sauce and a cup of warm apple cider.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup freeze dried apples
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Add the apples to a bowl along with 2 cups of warm water and soak for 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Fill one-third of a pot with canola oil and heat over medium heat.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the egg, cider, and apples. The batter will be slightly runny and sticky.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter to the hot oil and fry until golden brown (2-3 minutes on each side).
  5. Remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with a paper towel.

Do you have any go-to apple recipes? We'd love to hear all about them in the comments down below!

References:

  1. https://www.theendlessmeal.com/bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-apples-onion/
  2. http://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/recipes/a37374/savory-gruyere-apple-tarts-recipe-clv0911/
  3. https://runningonrealfood.com/raw-beet-apple-slaw/
  4. https://recipesfromapantry.com/coconut-parsnip-and-apple-soup/?fref=gc&dti=814499965327016
  5. https://veggiedesserts.com/apple-cheese-muffins-thyme/
  6. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/dark-chocolate-bark-roasted-almonds-and-seeds
  7. https://thecakeblog.com/2012/10/recipe-fresh-apple-donuts.html
  8. https://www.sweetestmenu.com/cinnamon-apple-cake/
  9. http://www.fridaycakenight.com/2015/10/apple-cinnamon-ricotta-waffles
  10. https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a23390937/pie-spiced-apple-fritters-recipe/
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