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pumpkin quinoa white bean chili
pumpkin maple pancakes
Bourbon Laced Pumpkin Pie with Walnut Crumble Topping
There are few things I look forward to each year more than the month of November. With its arrival comes two of my most favorite days meant especially for eating great food and celebrating: my birthday and Thanksgiving.
I generally get a full week to stuff myself by extending the two occasions–which are usually only separated by a few days– into one massive foodfest. This Sunday, I will be celebrating my 30th year of life… and I am pretty darned thrilled about it. I’m usually a fan of birthdays, but I’m not one to want to go “all out”. But, this year is extra special for me as I have been looking forward to turning 30 since I was about 10 years old. I always thought I would have my shit pretty much together by then and would officially be an adult. Funny how your perspective on age can change when 30 smacks you right in the face. It’s not so far away anymore! Plus, I’m pretty sure I’ve officially been an adult for a while now–for a couple of years, anyways. And, as far as having everything together… ehh, I may have a little more work to do, but I’m not complaining. Life is very good and I feel super lucky to be living it. I have a great job I adore, a loving family, and amazing friends. I also have loyal readers like you that make me love what I do every single day that much more. And for all that I have, I am extra grateful.
I am starting my birthday/Thanksgiving bonanza tonight with this pumpkin pie. Bourbon makes it all the better, and I highly recommend serving it with a big dollop of sweetened whipped coconut cream. I’ll be toasting myself into the next decade of my life this evening with a hot mug of nog and a cold slice of pie.
Cheers!
Chili Garlic Pumpkin Hummus
Around my circle of friends and family, it’s no secret that I am a complete junkie for some chili garlic sauce. I put it on everything. Anything. Sometimes I eat it straight from a teeny tiny spoon. I have absolutely no shame when it comes to this addictive condiment.
Whatever I put chili garlic sauce on only becomes that much better. It’s sort of like salt… except spicy, and garlicky. Two of my favorite tastes. Works in this example too. Pumpkin, during Autumn months, pretty much makes everything–including hummus–better. So, it only makes sense that adding a little chili garlic sauce would have to make that already better hummus, even better. Ya know?
Plus, it’s orange, so serving with purple cauliflower makes for a show stopping Halloween party tray addition.
The key to making this dip’s texture smooth and creamy and not so much like pumpkin pie filling is to blend it in your food processor (or blender if you prefer) for a long time. At least 5 minutes, and I’d shoot for 7 to be safe. Also, be sure to start with just a little water and add as needed, since some varieties of canned pumpkin seem to have more liquid than others.
Super Soft Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies
These lovelies are somewhere in between cookies and cakes… and some may say they even have a little muffin action going on! Not overly pumpkiny, these soft and scrumptious cookies are a perfect snack with hot chocolate on a brisk autumn night.
Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread
Let the pumpkin mayhem begin on MV.
I admit, I created this recipe purely because of a selfish craving I was having for something sticky sweet and pumpkiny. I was going to try and pass it off as a treat my kids would enjoy for breakfast, but I became pretty possessive over it once it came out of the oven. The kids still got some, but I ended up having more than my fair share. :\
I’m not usually one to fall head over heels for a simple quick loaf, but the spicy cinnamon trail that runs through this sweet pumpkin bread is enough to make my heart sing a different tune.
It’s even more delectable with a slather of your favorite vegan cream cheese on top!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
About a week or so ago, one of my most favorite-ist readers left me a comment.. or a dare… or a desperate request for some gluten free-egg free-casein free-soy free pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Pumpkin Nog
Undeniably, nog is one of my most favorite things about winter. And even though I appreciate the prepackaged vegan nogs that are available this time of year, I find them somewhat lacking in flavor and in texture. So, I opt to make my own… and keep the other stuff around for a dire emergency.
Yes, I do like nog that much.
Here’s a simple pumpkin nog recipe that satisfies my most intense winter night cravings. Delicious with or without booze. :)
Pumpkin, Black Walnut & Apple Muffins
These muffins encapsulate some of my favorite flavors of the fall season: pumpkin, apple, and the deliciously rich black walnut. They are flavorful, moist, and oh so pumpkin-y.
Enjoy with a steamy pumpkin latte and soak in that Autumn feelin’.
Pumpkin Alfredo
Out of my crazy cat lady-like obsession with pumpkin (and, who am I kidding? all things orange) during the Autumn months, came this gem of a simple dinner. This pasta/pumpkin combo may not sound too appealing for some folks , but each and every person I served this stuff to absolutely loved it.
Pumpkin. Alfredo.
It is utterly delicious.
Pumpkin Apple Ginger Soup
This is by far the best “convenient” soup I have ever made. The second I tasted it, I knew I would be devouring the entire pot. I have been on a canned pumpkin binge ever since I made this pumpkin chili recipe from GlueandGlitter.com. That particular recipe inspired me to combine everything under the sun with canned pumpkin and heat it all up in one pot….several different times.
I am especially fond of the recipe I share with you today. It has a great flavor with the apples, ginger and garlic, and the pumpkin acts as the perfect base for it all.
This soup is hearty, tasty, and low in fat. It also takes no time to prepare and is very filling, especially if you opt for the frozen veggies as I did. Using fresh grated ginger is a plus… but since we are already starting with the canned pumpkin… there’s no need to be picky.