Very Easy Pumpkin Fritters
These tasty fritters are a fun fall dessert. This is a great recipe when you have a little cooked pumpkin or winter squash to use up. The recipe only uses a cup of cooked pumpkin or winter squash.
It is a pretty simple recipe. I started with cooked butternut squash puree. I added eggs, flour, baking powder and a few other ingredients, then fried them up in oil, and ended up with a really good fritter. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. I drained them on paper towels and then rolled them in cinnamon sugar while still warm. You could roll them in powdered sugar or dip them in a powdered sugar glaze. I think I might make a maple glaze for the next batch.
Pumpkin Fritters
1 c. cooked, mashed pumpkin or winter squash
2 eggs
2 T. brown sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. flour
oil for frying
cinnamon sugar for rolling- powdered sugar would work, too
In mixing bowl combine all ingredients, except the flour and beat until smooth. Stir in flour. Batter will be thick. Heat oil to 350 degrees.* There should be enough oil in the pan top be at least 1 inch deep- or deeper. To save oil I used a smallish pan and cooked 3-4 fritters at a time. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into hot oil and cook, turning once until golden brown on both sides. This will take about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels then roll in cinnamon sugar while warm. Makes 24-30. Best served warm.
* Fun way to know when your oil has hit 350 degrees. Place an un-popped popcorn kernel in the oil. Popcorn pops at 350 degrees.
Manhattan Clam Chowder
I made this chowder recently and wanted to share the recipe with you. Unlike New England clam chowder, this version contains no dairy and is more tomato/vegetable forward. You can play around with which veggies you add. As to the clam meat. I find frozen clam meat at local Asian grocery stores, for a very reasonable price. You could also use canned clams for both the meat and broth.
I had friends over to try it and they loved the chowder. So here is the recipe. Enjoy!!
Manhattan Clam Chowder
1 medium onion, chopped
3 T. oil
1 qt. clam broth
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3 carrots, sliced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 potatoes, cubed
2 c. corn- fresh or frozen
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 lb. frozen clam meat
2-3 T. fresh chopped parsley
1½ t. dried basil, or 2 T. fresh chopped
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
hot pepper sauce to taste
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
In stock pot, sauté onion in oil until tender Add tomatoes and clam broth together with veggies to the pot. Simmer, covered, for up to an hour, or until veggies are tender. Stir in clams and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste, and serve. Serves 6.
Coconut Pumpkin Bread
This is one of my favorite quick breads. I often make it with butternut or Hubbard squash, instead of the pumpkin. For some reason, squash bread does not sound as fun as pumpkin bread. I like to make several batches at a time, and freeze the extra. Of course, if word gets out that I have freshly baked pumpkin bread, it never makes it to the freezer. Every year I get a lot of requests. Everyone seems to love it.
The recipe called for butter originally. I decided to use coconut oil as a substitute for the butter, to see if it would work out. It was just an experiment, for a friend who can’t eat dairy. She didn’t want to use shortening, which was another option. The bread came out wonderful. Very similar to the original. Can’t honestly say there is any taste difference between this and the original recipe. Maybe a slight taste of coconut, but that could just be because I know there is coconut oil in the bread.
It is a versatile bread. Served plain, it is a great breakfast. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or sweetened fruit and whipped cream or ice cream, it becomes dessert. I often bake smaller loaves for gift giving.
I do find myself adding more spices, sometimes. Play around to find the combination of flavors you like. I often add cloves, allspice or mace.
Coconut Pumpkin Bread
1 ¾ c. flour
1 ½ c. sugar
1 t. baking soda
¾ t. salt
1 t. each cinnamon and nutmeg
½ c. coconut oil, you could use 1 stick of softened butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. pumpkin puree – you can use other winter squash
1/3 c. water
Mix dry ingredients and set aside. Beat together butter and eggs until fluffy. Beat in pumpkin and water until smooth. Stir in dry ingredients until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 60-65 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing from pan and placing on cooling rack. Wrap in plastic, best served the next day. Freezes well. Makes 1 loaf.
As with other quick bread you can make this recipe and bake it in smaller pans for gift-size loaves. Baking temperature is the same. Time will vary, so check after 30 minutes and test for doneness as usual.
Malted Pumpkin Custard
This custard came about because my friend Joe brought me some malted ice cream one day. We started talking about malt. We wondered what malt was exactly and why did we like it so much.
Malt is a sprouted grain, usually barley, that is dried after it has sprouted. It had a unique flavor that is used in baking, beer making and desserts to name a few. For this recipe I used malted milk powder, which also contains some sugar and dairy.
You can also buy diastatic malt, which I use in bread baking and malt syrup. Let’s not forget how good malt vinegar is on fries.
So back to this recipe. I decided to make a custard base, using whole eggs. I like the texture of the final product. Plus, since I was using a fair amount of pumpkin, I liked the eggs for a little added fat in the recipe. The first time I made it, a couple of friends were over. I put it in the ice cream maker while we were having dinner. Both of them loved it. I knew I had to make it again.
I might have used more than a cup of pumpkin with the latest batch. I know it was at least a cup. It doesn’t matter a whole lot in the scheme of things, but the pumpkin flavor was more pronounced in the batch I made last night. I was fine with that.
I used pumpkin this time, but you can just as easily use other winter squash like butternut or Hubbard.
So here is the recipe. I think you’ll like it as much as we did.
Malted Pumpkin Custard
4 eggs
1 c. half and half
¾ c. sugar
1 c. cooked pumpkin puree – you can use other winter squash
½ c. malted milk powder
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. nutmeg
½ t. salt
In medium saucepan combine eggs, half and half and sugar. Whisk ingredients together. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles. Be careful not to scramble the eggs. If the mixture does get lumpy, you can press it through a fine strainer to remove lumps. Let the mixture cool down a little then stir in the remaining ingredients. You can add more or less seasonings according to your taste. When you freeze it, the flavors will be less pronounced. It will taste less sweet, too. Chill mixture several hours or overnight. Freeze using an ice cream maker for best results. Makes about 1 quart.
Spiced Applesauce Cake
This is a favorite recipe of mine. The cake is moist, lightly spiced and very easy to make. I shared it with a friend and he really enjoyed it. The applesauce adds moisture and flavor.
I used olive oil in the recipe, which makes this cake vegan. You can make this recipe with butter instead. The spices work so well together. Sometimes simple is the best. Before someone asks, it is not a misprint, there are no eggs in the recipe. The cake rises just fine without them.
I wish I remembered where this recipe came from. I have a piece of flowered stationery, a little crinkled around the edges, creased from being folded many times, with the recipe written on it. It is not my handwriting. I would love to credit the source of this wonderful recipe.
Spiced Applesauce Cake
2 c. unsweetened applesauce
½ c. butter, coconut oil, olive oil or avocado oil
2 c. sugar
3 c. flour
1 T. baking soda
½ t. salt
1 t. each cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and ginger
¼ t. cloves
1 c. raisins or chopped nuts, I used walnuts
Heat together applesauce and butter until butter melts. Cool down a bit. If using coconut oil, also heat up the applesauce. For other oils, just use room temperature applesauce and mix with the oil. Preheat oven 375 and grease 9×13-inch pan. Stir all ingredients together bake 30-35 minutes. Cool in pan.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
I am a big fan of sweet potatoes. They are so versatile to cook with. For me, just roasting or steaming a sweet potato, and enjoying with salt, butter and a sprinkle of nutmeg is fine. This time of year, I find myself cooking with sweet potatoes all the time.
I was looking for something different to do with sweet potatoes. I didn’t want to just roast or steam them. I ended up shredded them and making sweet potato pancakes. I had duck fat so that is what we used to fry them in.
They were amazing. Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. I am definitely going to make them again. I could see making smaller pancakes and serving as an appetizer. Here is the recipe.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded- you want to end up with 3-4 cups of shredded sweet potatoes- 1 medium /large one would also work
2 eggs
½ c. panko bread crumbs
1 T. parsley flakes
1 t. hot pepper sauce, or to taste
½ t. garlic powder
½ t. onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying- we used duck fat and it was wonderful
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until well mixed. Heat oil or fat in large skillet to 350 degrees.* Spoon batter into skillet in 4-5 pancakes, depending on the size you prefer. Cook until golden on one side- and starting to firm up- about 5 minutes. You might have to cook them in two batches – depending on the size of your pan. Don’t over crowd. They are tricky to turn over. Turn over carefully and cook at least another 5 minutes or until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Makes 4-5
* A little trick to know when your oil is hot enough. Place an un-popped kernel of popcorn in your pan with the oil when you are heating it up. Popcorn pops at 350 degrees. When the popcorn pops – it is time to add the batter.
Sweet potato pancakes cooking
Reuben Dip
Recently I was reminded about this recipe. My niece was asking about it because her husband remembered me making it for Thanksgiving some years ago. It’s funny sometimes how recipes go in and out of rotation. There is always something new to try. I am glad he asked about it. It was always a favorite and I am sure to make it during the holiday season this year.
It’s an easy recipe to put together and very tasty. Always a crowd pleaser. Corned beef, Swiss cheese, cream cheese and a few additional ingredients are combined and baked until bubbly. I did find myself making changes from the original recipe. I added horseradish and some hot sauce. I liked what both ingredients added to the dish. It can be made ahead of time and just warmed up before serving. And, of course, you can tweak it to your own preferences.
Rueben Dip
8 oz. cream cheese, chopped
½ c. sour cream
½ lb. lean corned beef, chopped
¼ c. fine chopped onions, sweet preferred
1 T. horseradish
1 T. ketchup
2 t. spicy mustard
1 t. hot sauce
1 c. chopped Swiss cheese
Mix all ingredients and place in a covered casserole dish. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 30 minutes, stirring about 15 minutes into the cooking. Uncover casserole and bake 5 minutes more. Serve warm with crackers or bread, preferably rye.
Note: You can also heat this dish up in a microwave oven for 7-10 minutes, or until bubbly. If you want it browned on the top just place under broiler (in broiler-safe dish), for a minute or 2.
Busha’s Mushroom Soup
There are many variations of mushroom soup in Eastern European culture. Some have barley, others add sauerkraut. This is my family’s version. Plenty of mushrooms in rich stock, slightly thickened, and made creamy with the addition of sour cream. Ours is served with spaetzle or kluski noodles.
This soup is a tradition in my family. When I was a kid, my Busha would make it every Easter. My Mom made it for Christmas Eve. Now my niece makes it, and we have it the day before Thanksgiving.
It is one of those dishes that brings back so many wonderful childhood memories. I love the rich, earthy flavor of the mushrooms, and the slightly sweet/sour flavor of the broth. It is made with dried mushrooms, usually. I can remember watching my mom get out a big bowl and soaking the mushrooms to get them clean, and to soften them, before starting the soup.
I use dried shiitake mushrooms, but often add fresh mushrooms as well. Sometimes I use other dried mushrooms, too. I like to have a variety of mushrooms in the soup. I use chicken or beef stock. If made with vegetable stock, it could make a great meatless meal.
Busha’s Polish Mushroom Soup
4 qt. Chicken, beef or vegetable stock
5 c. dried mushrooms, about 4 0z. I use Shiitake.*
Water for soaking
½ c. flour
1 pint sour cream
¼ c. balsamic vinegar
2 T. sugar
Spaetzle or kluski noodles, cooked and drained- spaetzle recipe follows
Soak mushrooms in water for 1-2 hours. Lift mushrooms carefully out to leave any sand in the bowl of water. Rinse and drain. Set aside. Bring stock to a boil and add the mushrooms. Simmer, covered for about 1½ hours, or until mushrooms reach desired tenderness. Mushrooms will retain some “chewiness”. In medium bowl whisk sour cream into flour gradually until smooth. Stir in vinegar and sugar until smooth. Add a small amount of the hot soup to the sour cream mixture, whisking until smooth. Continue adding hot soup to the sour cream mixture until sour cream mixture is warm. Add the warm mixture to the pot of soup and stir to combine. Return to simmer and simmer 1 minute, stirring continuously. Place desired amount of kluski into bowls and ladle over the hot soup. Serves12.
Note: You can add a variety of fresh mushrooms to the soup to make it even more special. You might use portabellas; crimini, button or whatever mushrooms are at the store that day. Add in addition to the dry mushrooms; don’t reduce the amount of shiitakes.
*The dried shiitake mushrooms can be found at specialty grocery stores, some larger grocery stores and at Asian markets.
Homemade Spaetzle
3 eggs
1/2 c. half and half or evaporated milk
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. flour
Combine all ingredients and let rest 30 minutes. Drop by small spoonfuls into boiling water. Cook until they float and puff up, about 5 minutes. I use a spaetzle maker, which produces smaller pieces. I only cook them a couple of minutes. Drain and serve with soups, stews, sauces or buttered.You can toss them with a little butter. I sometimes heat butter in a pan and brown them up a little. You can also add some fresh, chopped herbs to the batter.
Apple Galette
If you like apple pie, you will like apple galette. A galette is made by rolling out your crust, adding filling and folding up the edges. No pie pan involved.
I actually find a galette easier to make than pie. You don’t have to try to roll out your dough to fit into the pie pan. Nor does your dough have to be rolled into a perfect circle.
That takes a lot of pressure off, if rolling a perfect circle of dough is not your best talent. I must confess to liking its rustic charm. I make my own crust, but you can used purchased crusts, if you prefer.
You can serve your galette with ice cream, whipped cream or dusted with powdered sugar. You can make it with other fruits, as well. Any fruit pie can become a galette.
Apple Galette
Flaky Pie Crust
2 c. flour
1 t. salt
3/4 c. butter, chilled
1 T. cider vinegar
4-5 T. cold water
Combine flour and salt and cut in butter. Toss in vinegar and water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough holds together. Use a fork to toss the ingredients together and as soon as the mixture holds together stop adding water. Makes 2. Chill well before using.
Filling:
5-6 medium apples- I used Jonathan, Gala and Macintosh
2/3 c. sugar- plus extra for sprinkling
3 T. cornstarch
1 T. cinnamon
1 T. Lemon juice, plus extra for treating the apples
1 t. nutmeg
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
Prepare dough. Roll half the dough into a 10-inch circle- repeat with remaining dough. Keep covered with plastic wrap until ready to use. Peel and core apples and slice thin. Place apples in water with lemon juice added to prevent browning. Drain apple slices well and place in a bowl. Toss with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and seasonings. Place one of the crusts on a baking sheet. Pile half of the prepared apples on the center of the crust. You should have about a 2-inch circle of dough around the edges that is uncovered. Fold edges of the crust up over the apples pressing lightly to hold in place. Sprinkle with a little extra sugar. Repeat with the remaining crust and apples. You will have a little liquid in the bowl from the apple mixture- save that for now. Place the galettes in a preheated 425 degree oven and bake for 15 minutes. Turn down heat to 350 and bake for another 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown. While galettes are baking take the liquid left from the apples and cook in a small saucepan until thickened- it will take a minute or two. This will be used to glaze the galettes. When galettes come out of the oven brush the apples with the thickened glaze. Cool on wire rack. Makes 2.
New Day Cleveland – Spice Mix
It was so much fun to cook on New Day Cleveland yesterday. As always, the whole crew was warm and welcoming. Here is my spot with some recipes, too.
https://fox8.com/on-air/new-day-cleveland/cooking-classes-for-fall
Savory Autumn Spice Blend
1 T. paprika
2 t. ground coriander
2 t. mace
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. ginger
1 t. black pepper
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container in a cool place. Use on meats, in dips, soups, stews and marinades. Toss with veggies before roasting or add to butter and spread on bread or add to hot vegetables.
Note: For a larger batch of the spice blend combine:
3 T. paprika
2 T. ground coriander
2 T. mace
1 T. cinnamon
1 T. ground cumin
1 T. ginger
1 T. black pepper
Autumn Red Sauce
2 T. oil
1 T. butter
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 T. Savory Autumn Spice Blend
2 c. tomato sauce
In saucepan cook onions in oil and butter, over medium heat, until tender. You can brown them a little, if you like. Add the spices and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Do not let garlic burn. Add the tomato sauce and heat to a simmer. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to prevent burning. Add salt if needed. Makes 2 cups.
Autumn Spice Roasted Potatoes
4 lb. potatoes, scrubbed and cut in chunks
1/4 c. olive oil (amount can be reduced)
2 T. savory Autumn Spice blend
salt and pepper to taste
Place potatoes on baking sheet and toss with the oil. Sprinkle with the seasonings and stir to coat evenly. Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 1 hour or until tender, but browned. Type of potato will affect baking times as well as the size of the pieces. Serve with sour cream. Serves 6-8.
Autumn Dip for Veggies
1 (16 oz.) carton of sour cream- you could use Greek yogurt
2-3 teaspoons of the Savory spice Blend
1 t. salt
2 green onions. Trimmed and chopped
Hot sauce to taste
Combine all ingredients and chill until ready to use. Great with veggie tray or on baked potatoes.
