keeps well

How To Make Pumpkin Muffins

Cooking spray or paper muffin liners

all-purpose flour

baking powder

cinnamon

ginger

nutmeg

cloves

salt

unsalted butter,

brown sugar

eggs

pumpkin purée

vanilla extract

Prep the pan and heat the oven to 350°F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, grease or line a 12-well standard muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix the dry ingredients. Place the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine; set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar. Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. (Alternatively, use an electric hand mixer and large bowl.) Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.

Beat in the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined.

Beat in the pumpkin purée and vanilla. Beat in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add the dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

Transfer the batter to the muffin pan. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin wells (they will be about 3/4 full).

Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes. Bake until the muffins are set and a tester inserted into the center one comes out with just a few moist crumbs, 18 to 22 minutes.

Cool the muffins. Let the muffins cool 10 minutes before removing from the pan. If you greased the pan, run a thin knife around each muffin to loosen it from the pan first if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

A moist and tender pumpkin bread that&#x27;s even better than the one from Starbucks. 

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cooking spray

sugar

pumpkin purée (about 2 cups)

vegetable or canola oil

pumpkin pie spice

baking soda

roasted, salted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas)

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray; set aside.

Place the sugar, pumpkin purée, oil, and eggs in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and combined. Add the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and whisk to combine. Add the flour and fold it in with a rubber spatula until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds, then gently press them into the batter to ensure they stick. 

Bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, 65 to 75 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely. 

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

buttermilk

pumpkin purée (I prefer Libby)

Canola oil (or another other neutral oil), for cooking

Place the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and spices in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

Place the buttermilk, pumpkin purée, egg yolks, and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until almost combined, but with a few clumps of flour still remaining. Stir the reserved egg whites into the mixture until just combined. Set the batter aside to rest for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the skillet.

Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a large cast iron skillet or griddle on medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1/4 cup portions of batter to the pan, pressing it out with the bottom of the measuring cup to help it spread out a bit. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the bottoms are golden brown and a bit crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes and continue cooking until set, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes more. (I like to do a small test pancake to adjust the temperature before cooking the remaining batter.) Re-heat the griddle before cooking additional batches of pancakes.

Serve the pumpkin pie pancakes with a heavy dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, a slap of butter, and a pile of whipped cream.

Baked Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal

unsalted butter, divided

steel cut oats

pumpkin

milk

water

vanilla

Heat the oven to 375°F. In a 3-quart (or larger) saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat. (Your burner shouldn&#x27;t be on at full blast, but the butter should melt quickly.) When the butter foams up, stir in the oats and fry them, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until they smell toasted.

Push the oats up against the side of the pan, and drop the second tablespoon of butter in the now clear center of the pan. Dump in the pumpkin puree. Fry it in the butter, only stirring after about a minute. Stir in the sugar and spices and continue frying the puree for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the color darkens slightly and the raw smell disappears. It&#x27;s OK if a few dark brown spots appear as the puree sticks to the pan.

Pour in the milk and whisk everything to combine. Whisk in the water, vanilla and salt. Put a lid on the pan and put it in the oven. Bake for 35 minutes. Take the pan out of the oven, and carefully lift the lid (be cautious as steam will billow out). Stir the oatmeal. It will look quite loose still, but the oats should be al dente and tender. The oatmeal will thicken rapidly as it cools.

Eat immediately with a drizzle of cream or milk and maple syrup, or let cool and then refrigerate. Heat up bowls in the microwave or on the stovetop.

A recipe for pumpkin spice steel-cut oatmeal made in the slow cooker. 

Slow Cooker Creamy Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Cooking spray, olive oil, or coconut oil

steel-cut oats

maple syrup

cinnamon stick

For serving: heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and additional maple syrup (optional)

Coat the bottom and sides of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray, olive oil, or coconut oil.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the oats and stir frequently until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Push the oats up to the side of the pan and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the center of the pan. Add the pumpkin purée to the center of the pan and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Add the ginger, nutmeg, and cloves into the purée and cook, stirring occasionally, until the purée darkens slightly and the raw smell disappears, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker. Add the water, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, vanilla, and salt and stir well to combine.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours. When finished, much of the pumpkin purée will have separated from the oats — don&#x27;t panic! Stir well with a wooden spoon to recombine everything, and remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and finish with a splash of heavy cream, a dusting of ground cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

These hearty muffins are mixed with cornmeal for extra heft and texture, and loaded with thick-cut chunks of ham, sharp cheddar, and a pinch of chives.

Ham and Cheddar Lunch Box Muffins

yellow cornmeal

garlic powder

unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided

cheddar cheese

chives, divided

black pepper

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with papers liners or coat the wells with cooking spray.

Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and 5 tablespoons of the butter in a medium bowl until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Some lumps are fine. Fold in the cheese, all but 1/2 cup of the ham, and 2 tablespoons of the chives.

Spoon the batter into the muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full. Top the muffins with the reserved ham, sprinkle with the remaining chives, and sprinkle with pepper. Top each muffin with 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining melted butter.

Bake until the tops just begin to brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool the muffins in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

(7 ounces) all-purpose flour

(8 ounces) sugar

(4 ounces) canola oil

(8 1/2 ounces) pumpkin purée

sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

cream cheese,

(8 ounces) powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper so there is an overhang on each long side. Coat the parchment paper with baking spray or butter and flour.

Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a medium or large bowl and set aside.

Combine the egg and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Turn the speed down to low and, pouring very slowly, drizzle the oil down the side of the bowl. Add the pumpkin, sour cream, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. (Alternately, this can be done with an electric hand mixer.)

Turn the mixer off. Add the flour mixture and fold in by hand until just combined. Transfer the mixture back to the bowl used for the flour, and set aside.

Rinse out and dry the bowl of the stand mixer and the paddle attachment in order to make the filling. Combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of the pumpkin batter, and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter and smooth it out. Cover filling with remaining batter.Bake the pumpkin bread for 1 hour, or until the center springs back when pressed with your fingertip. (If your finger sinks, bake 10 to 15 minutes longer.) Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then pull the loaf out using the parchment paper “handles” to cool completely.

The pumpkin bread can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three days, or frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Thick cubes of brioche are infused with rich custard packed with warm spices and a double dose of pumpkin, then topped with a brown sugar-pecan streusel.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Unsalted butter

brioche (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces

half-and-half

sugar (optional)

Maple syrup,

pecans

(1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Make the casserole: Generously coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the bread cubes evenly in the dish and set aside.

Place the eggs in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Whisk in the half-and-half, pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Evenly pour the custard over the bread. Use a spoon to push the bread down and stir so all the cubes are soaked through. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven is heating. Meanwhile, make the crumb topping.

Make the crumb topping: Stir the flour, sugar, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the butter and stir until big, slightly floury crumbs form.

Sprinkle the crumb topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered until the casserole is set, puffed, and the top is golden-brown, 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes. Right before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.

A recipe for a lightened-up version of classic broccoli slaw, which can be made ahead and serves a crowd. 

Light & Easy Broccoli Salad

currants

mayonnaise

lemon juice

rice vinegar

kosher salt,

pepper

broccoli (about 1 large head), cut into large florets

red onion (1/2 small onion), finely chopped

almonds,

Place the currants in a small heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the currants and set aside for 5 minutes. Drain off the water. Meanwhile, place the mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and a generous amount of pepper in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Using the shredding disk on a food processor, shred the broccoli stalks and florets. Add to the bowl of dressing. Add the currants, red onion, and almonds and toss to combine. Taste and season with more salt or pepper as needed. Let sit 30 minutes at room temperature or 1 hour in the refrigerator so the flavors can mingle before serving.

A recipe for pasta salad filled with broccoli, feta, and Kalamata olives, which can be made ahead.

Broccoli and Feta Pasta Salad

rotini

olive oil, divided

head broccoli, cut into 1/2-inch florets

red wine vinegar

feta cheese

Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped

Kosher salt

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, place 3 tablespoons of the oil, vinegar, and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl and whisk to combine; set aside. 

Drain the pasta and run briefly under cool water to cool it down. Drain well again. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large, deep sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli and cook until crisp-tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the pasta. 

Crumble the feta cheese into the pasta, add the olives, and gently stir to combine. Add the dressing and toss to combine; Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate until serving or overnight.

Quick Butternut Squash Curry

olive oil

garlic,

Thai red curry paste

butternut squash (about 1 1/4 pounds)

broccoli,

red bell pepper,

(13- coconut milk

white or brown rice,

cilantro,

Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in the curry paste and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the squash, broccoli, and bell pepper and toss to evenly coat in the curry paste. Add the coconut milk and water and stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender and cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and season with salt as needed. Serve over cooked rice with chopped cilantro sprinkled over the top.

Make this thick and silky French stew of eggplant, zucchini, sweet peppers, and ripe summer tomatoes before summer ends.

Easy French Ratatouille

olive oil, divided,

eggplant (1 large), large dice

zucchini squash

yellow onion, diced

thyme

bay leaf

tomatoes (3 to 4 medium), large dice

large bell pepper, large dice

basil

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the eggplant, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons of the oil to the pot. Add the zucchini, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplant.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and bell peppers. Add the reserved eggplant and zucchini and gently stir to combine. 

Bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 1/2 hours. A shorter cooking time will leave the vegetables in larger, more distinct pieces; longer cooking times will break the vegetables down into a silky stew.

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Just before serving, stir in the basil. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve, sprinkling each serving with more basil and drizzling with more olive oil.

How to Make a Very Good Chili

turkey

onion,

red bell pepper, diced

green bell pepper, diced

garlic, minced

amber or brown ale or red wine

chicken, vegetable, or beef broth

tomatoes

(2 16-oz cans) cooked black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans

corn kernels (optional)

To serve: Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocados, chopped scallions, hot sauce, chopped cilantro

Brown the meat. If using meat, warm a teaspoon of oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and brown the meat. Break up ground meat as it browns, leaving pieces as large or small as you like them. If you&#x27;re using chuck roast, make sure all sides of the beef cubes are seared dark brown. Transfer the browned meat from the pot to a clean dish.If you&#x27;re making a vegetarian chili with tofu or other protein, add it along with the beans in Step 6. Reduce the amount of stock and the cooking time by half.

Cook the vegetables. In the same pot used to brown the meat, warm a tablespoon of oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the other vegetables and continue to cook until softened, another 5-8 minutes. Clear a space in the middle of the pan and add the garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir into the vegetables. It&#x27;s normal for a dark sticky crust to start forming on the bottom of the pan.

Add the seasonings. Add the seasonings and 2 teaspoons of salt to the pan. Stir until the vegetables are coated and the spices are fragrant, another 30 seconds.

Deglaze the pan. Pour the beer or wine into the hot pan. Scrape up the dark sticky crust as the liquid bubbles. Continue scraping and stirring until the beer or wine has almost evaporated.

Add the broth and simmer. Add the browned meat back into the pan. Pour in the broth. Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat has is very tender (cubes of chuck roast may take a bit longer). The chili will still look soupy.

Add the tomatoes and beans to the chili. Add the tomatoes, beans, corn (if using), and vegetarian protein (if using) to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and add more seasonings or salt to taste.

Serve with garnishes. Chili is often best the day after it&#x27;s been cooked. It will also keep for up to a week and freezes well for up to three months. Serve with cheese and other garnishes.

How To Make a Fruit Shrub Syrup

fruit, cleaned, peeled, seeded, and chopped (if necessary)

vinegar

Sterilize the container: Wash the canning jar in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Submerge in a pot of warm water to cover by 1 to 2 inches, bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes. For the lid or cap, wash it in hot, soapy water; rinse well; and scald in boiling water.

Add the fruit: Carefully remove the jar from the water using canning jar lifters or tongs and place on the counter. Transfer the prepared fruit in the container.

Add the vinegar: Place the vinegar in a saucepan and heat to just below the boiling point, or at least 190°F. Pour the vinegar over the fruit, leaving at least 1/4-inch headspace in the jar. Wipe the rim with a clean, damp cloth, and cap tightly.

Let it stand: Let the vinegar cool completely and then store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or the refrigerator. Let it stand at least 24 hours and up to 4 weeks until the desired flavor is reached.

Strain it: Strain the fruit from the vinegar through a damp cheesecloth or coffee filter. Do this at least once, or repeat as desired until the vinegar shows no cloudiness. Discard the fruit or save it for another purpose (it&#x27;s often delicious for use in chutneys).

Add the sugar: Place the fruit-infused vinegar and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let cool. Pour into a clean, sterilized container (use the original mason jar or other bottles; see step 1 for sterilization procedure) and cap tightly.

Store: Store the shrub syrup in the refrigerator. Tightly sealed, it can last for up to 6 months. Taste before using to make sure the flavor is still good. Discard immediately if it has mold or any signs of fermentation, such as bubbling, cloudiness, or sliminess.

Serve: To serve, mix 1 tablespoon shrub syrup into a glass of still or sparkling water. Taste and add more syrup, if desired. Shrub syrups may also be used as cocktail mixers, in salad dressings, and more.

This is wholesome comfort food at its finest, with a taste and texture that's equal parts hearty as can be, yet bright and totally nourishing.

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