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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!

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Pineapple Walnut Muffins

I’ve been on a major muffin kick lately; during the warmer months I truly appreciate having portable and easy snacks around. Makes life just a wee bit easier. I’ve also been raiding my pantry trying to use up some of the goodies I’ve had tucked away, and today I found a can of pineapples and a ton of walnuts. Perfect for muffin makin’!

These guys are moist, spongy, and laced with the tropical tang of pineapples and the earthy crunch of walnuts.

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Apricot Nut Roll Cookies

Every single year, for as far back as I can remember, my mother makes a rugelach type cookie which she (and what I presume every member of her extended family) calls simply a “nut roll”. I haven’t had her rugelach in quite some time because it has all kinds of things in it that I just don’t do; but every year around this time, I start to crave it like nobody’s business.

So, starting in Autumn I begin to make a bunch of cookies of this “rugelach” type… pretty much all the way until January (when I start cursing winter and planning my move to the tropics). This version is not overly sweet and they are kinda big. You could share one… if you were really desperate to be a nice person. But this recipe makes quite a few cookies, so there’s no need to get all crazy…

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Walnut Sage Fettuccine

This is a delicious pasta recipe that takes very little time to prepare. Walnuts and sage dominate the flavor of the creamy sauce, and  walnut pieces provide some texture; turning a few simple ingredients into a hearty meal.

Walnut Sage Fettuccine

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup walnuts chopped finely, plus 1 cup coarsely crushed walnuts
  • 12 oz silken tofu, extra firm
  • 1 cube vegetable bouillon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling onto pasta
  • 1/3 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 1 package fettuccine noodles, gluten free or regular

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions.

In food processor, combine 1 cup finely chopped walnuts, 12 oz silken tofu, 1 cube vegetable bouillon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/3 cup almond milk, sea salt, and sage leaves. Puree until smooth. Sauce will appear liquidy.

Drain pasta, (if using gluten-free pasta, rinse with cold water) and while still in colander, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss pasta with sauce and half of the amount of the larger crushed walnuts. Place into serving dishes and top with the remaining  crushed walnuts.

Serve hot.

Banana Walnut Cookies

banana walnut cookies

Banana anything is always great in my book, and these cookies are certainly no exception.  Soft and chewy and authentically banana flavored…I am pretty sure you could win many people over with these.  They couldn’t be easier, and chances are, you will have most ( if not all) of the ingredients on hand.

I didn’t add any spices to these, but you can. These cookies are like tiny little banana breads, just a tad chewier.  And, I prefer my banana bread boring and banana-y. But if you like a little spice.. add away!

They really remind me a lot of these “mini” banana nut muffins I would get as a kid.  Except these taste waaay better… of course.

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