Pumpkin Gingerbread

This pumpkin gingerbread is a delicious breakfast treat served warm with a smear of cream cheese and a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the spices, salt, baking soda, baking powder and flours.
3. In a second large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, applesauce, molasses, eggs, vanilla, water, and pumpkin until smooth and well blended. Add the flour mix to the wet ingredients and blend well, then pour the batter evenly into the loaf pans.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, being careful not to over-bake. Let cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

Serving Suggestion

Pumpkin bread is a delicious breakfast treat served warm with a smear of cream cheese and a drizzle of honey.

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Gingerbread is already a celebration of spices and deep, sweet molasses, and when you make it into a cupcake and add delicious cinnamon frosting, gingerbread becomes even more celebratory. The creamy frosting is a perfect foil for the dense, rich cupcakes.

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup hot coffee or black tea

Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare a 12 cupcake pan with paper liners, and butter the top of the pan as well. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, then the molasses and honey. Beat until smooth.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the pastry and unbleached flours, soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, clove and black pepper. Stir to mix, then beat into the butter mixture. Pour in the hot coffee or tea and stir to mix well.
3. Portion into the 12 cupcake tins and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out dry.
4. For frosting, cream the butter and cream cheese, scraping down and beating until smooth. Add the cinnamon and powdered sugar and beat until smooth, drizzle in the vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread or pipe a 2 tablespoon portion of frosting on each cupcake.

Maple and Dried Fruit Stuffed Baked Apples

Baked apples are one of those old-fashioned desserts that should not be forgotten. Simply core whole apples and fill the cavities with crunchy nuts and chewy fruit, then baste them with cider and maple syrup for a timeless delicious treat.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 4 medium dried figs, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sliced, almonds
• 2 tablespoons pecan pieces, chopped
• 6 large apples
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 equal pieces
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the sliced almonds in a small sauté pan over medium heat and toss, moving constantly over the heat until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes, cool and chop. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dried fruit and nuts. Cut off the tops of the apples with a paring knife, to make a little lid like on a Jack-O-Lantern. Set the apple tops aside. Remove the cores of the apples without cutting through the bottom using a small melon baller or paring knife. If using a paring knife, cut a circle straight down. Use the tip of the knife to cut the core into pieces, angling across the cylinder to disconnect the pieces from the bottom and pull them out.
2. Place the apples in a baking pan or casserole dish and stuff the cavities with the fruit and nut mixture. Place a piece of butter on top of the mixture.
3. Mix the apple cider and maple syrup together, pour into the bottom of the baking pan and bake the apples, uncovered, basting every 10 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a paring knife, 30 to 40 minutes. Carefully place the reserved apple tops on the apples at 20 minutes.
4. When the apples are tender, transfer them to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer the mixture until it becomes syrupy and reduces to a sauce, about 10 minutes. Serve over the apples.

Authored by Robin Asbell. Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find articles about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop

Eggnog Spiced Sugar Cookies

Total Time: 15 to 25 minutes

Servings: Approximately 2 dozen cookies

If you love eggnog (and even if you don't), the delightful aroma and flavor of cinnamon and nutmeg make these perfect holiday treats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup eggnog

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small mixing bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, mix butter and sugar until creamy, then add egg, vanilla and eggnog; mix well. When liquid mixture is combined, add the flour mixture and stir until well blended.
3. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut with cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Or roll dough into balls and slightly press on to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake approximately 8-12minutes (depending on thickness) or until golden brown on the edges.

Authored by Organic Valley and Simply Organic. Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find articles about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop

Beet Pesto Crostini

Total Time: 35 minutes; 20 minutes active

Servings: 4

Earthy, vibrant beets combine with garlic and crunchy sunflower seeds in this unusual (and vegan) pesto appetizer. Unlike herb pestos, this keeps refrigerated for a few days, tightly covered.

Ingredients

• 3 2-inch beets, about 6 ounces
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 5 tablespoons sunflower seeds, raw
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices baguette, toasted

Preparation

1. Wash the beets, but don't peel them. Place them in a small pot and add water to cover by an inch. Put on high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a vigorous simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, until a paring knife inserted in a beet slips in easily.
2. Drain the beets and rinse with cold water, then trim the tops and slip the skins off under the cold water. Let cool.
3. In a food processor, mince the garlic. Add 1/4 cup of the sunflower seeds and pulse to chop finely. Add the beets and process until finely chopped. Add the olive oil and salt and pulse just to mix, don't puree.
4. To serve, spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the beet mixture on each baguette slice.

Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find articles about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop

Holiday Cheddar Cheese Ball

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2 large balls (20 servings)

This festive holiday cheese spread is quick and simple to make and great for entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Asiago cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. In a food processor, blend cream cheese until slightly fluffy. Add cheddar, Asiago, and garlic, and pulse until lightly blended.
2. Scoop cheese mixture into a small bowl and add the bell pepper, chives, parsley, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Refrigerate mixture until cold, then form into balls.
4. Roll in extra chives, parsley, or diced bell pepper and allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find articles about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Wild Rice Soup with Turkey

Perfect for fall weather, simple to make and a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. For a vegetarian version, substitute seitan for the turkey and vegetable stock for the chicken broth.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cooked wild rice, medium grain
• 1/2 cup carrots, grated
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, slivered
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk or half and half

Preparation

1. In a large saucepan, melt better over medium heat. Saute onion 5-10 minutes, until soft.
2. Add flour and stir, then gradually whisk in stock to prevent lumps.
3. Add wild rice, carrots, turkey, almonds, and salt, and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Add milk or half and half and heat through.

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey Hash

What to do with Thanksgiving meal leftovers? This turkey hash is perfect for any meal of the day. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the turkey or substitute it with veggie leftovers.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1⁄2 cups diced roast turkey
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced red pepper
• 1 cup diced boiled or roasted potatoes
• 1 cup diced cooked butternut squash
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions and peppers for 6-8 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the spices and sauté for another minute. Add the potatoes, squash and turkey. Adjust the heat under the skillet to very hot. Slightly mash the mixture in the skillet and let it brown for several minutes before stirring. Slightly mash the mixture again, and let sit for another few minutes to continue browning thoroughly. Add the water and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook another minute until the water is absorbed. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestion

What a great way to use up your Thanksgiving meal leftovers! Serve the hash with fried eggs and smothered with turkey or mushroom gravy. Not a turkey lover? Make a vegetarian version using just leftover veggies.

Vegan mushroom gravy

This gravy complements vegetarian holiday favorites like garlic mashed potatoes or vegan turkey.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons finely diced onion
• 2 tablespoons finely diced carrots
• 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
• 1/2 cup sliced button mushrooms
• 1 3/4 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 tablespoon tamari
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and add onion, carrots and celery. Sauté until softened, then add the mushrooms and sauté until browned. Add the vegetable stock, tamari, rosemary and thyme and bring to a boil.
2. In a small skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Add the roux to the stock once it begins to boil and whisk until smooth. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until it reaches desired thickness. Serve immediately.

DIY Herb Butters & Spreads

A softened butter mixed with herbs, spices, and other seasonings, compound butters can quickly and effortlessly add flavor to many dishes.

To try your hand, have ready a small bowl of softened butter. Rinse herbs, then shake dry; gently pat with paper towels. Finely chop, then mix into the butter. A mini food processor can speed things along. You can also use the processor to fully blend a small amount of herb into the butter until it turns a lovely shade of green. 

Store your herb butter in a sealed container and refrigerate to use over the next several days. For larger amounts, roll the butter into a log shape with the help of plastic wrap. Over-wrap in foil, label, and freeze.

Try creating compound butters with different flavor combinations, and experiment with a variety of uses, such as the following:

Spread on sandwiches

Try tarragon/chive butter on a chicken sandwich or a cucumber and watercress tea sandwich for a bridal shower, tea party-style.

Finish roasted or grilled salmon or sautéed shrimp

Dill/parsley butter and a squeeze of lemon will complement seafood for your next dinner with friends.

Toss with pasta

Marjoram/basil butter with a grind of black pepper and plenty of Parmesan will make a nice side dish.

Add to rice pilaf

Cilantro/green onion butter plus some tomato sauce or paste can give rice a Southwestern flair.

Rub under the skin of a chicken, then roast

Chicken is less likely to be overwhelmed by sturdier herbs like thyme and rosemary, so try them in a butter, which will keep the chicken moist and add flavor. You’ll also get delicious pan juices for an accompanying sauce.

Finish vegetables

Most vegetables taste great with a dollop of butter, and the already-incorporated herb is a plus.

For toast and pancakes

Compound butters with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are great for brunch.

Finish grilled meat

Add butter with blue cheese or smoked paprika to your next cookout.