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Holiday Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving calls for a proper feast. While the first sighting of a pumpkin inspires some to plan Halloween costumes or jump ahead to gift-giving lists, autumn has me thinking about turkey, stuffing, and every dish that makes the feast delicious. Now that Thanksgiving is a little over a week away, I finally can share the holiday cranberry sauce recipe that will be on my table this year. Homemade cranberry sauce is a holiday essential that is simple to prepare and adds vibrancy with its ruby tone and bright flavor. In this recipe, tart cranberries are made irresistible with the addition of brown sugar, Cointreau, and a touch of balsamic vinegar…
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Vanilla Cider Punch
The first crush of grapes is the sign that wine making is about to begin. Whether done by modern techniques or the ancient method of grape stomping, which a few wineries still use, the skin of the grape often is broken in the midst of rituals and blessings. Cider may have humbler beginnings, but I look forward to the first crush of apples with the same excitement. Since the cider has been flowing for a while, enjoy this punch as an alternative to the hot, cinnamon-infused variety you may have been enjoying since the season began. Serve it chilled and enjoy the warmth that comes from aromatic vanilla, molasses, and…
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Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Homemade candy is more satisfying than store-bought confections with a long list of additives. Crafted in my kitchen, this brittle recipe is loaded with pumpkin seeds and has a depth of flavor that takes it beyond a traditional sugar and nut mixture. Maybe best of all, it is aerated so that it is easy to chew. If you are intimidated by candy recipes, rest assured that I once was too. For many years, my only experience was an adventure in taffy making with my father that ended with small bits of toffee colored sugar stuck to our ceiling. I can safely say that preparation is key to avoiding such a…
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Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkins collapse into roasted sweetness after spending some time in the oven. I created this soup to celebrate the moment when their edges caramelize, and their skin is so tender that the weight of a knife is enough pressure for piercing. Certainly use this roasted pumpkin soup as an appetizer, but consider making it a meal with my recommendations at the end. Unlike similar soups which are spiced with cinnamon or made sweet with apples, pumpkin carries this savory dish. At the end of the cooking process, a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper adds a pleasing spiciness that doesn’t overpower the base flavor. We often think of black…
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Pumpkin Season
October has been heavy with heat and rain. I have wondered if it will ever burst forth more goldenrod and cinnamon than gray. Sometimes it seems too weak to break away from summer’s tight grip, at other times too sluggish to progress toward winter. So many of us crave sun-ripened berries. Saltwater is enough to justify a getaway. It’s so easy that there isn’t even a dance. Summer months show up, and we find ourselves dizzied by its offerings. As for October, he has a bit of a challenge. You can’t sink your teeth into acorn squash like you do with a ripe tomato. Sure, we can still find ripe…
