Pumpkin countdown #4

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes 
Yield: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour




        Happy Halloween everybody. As the final installment of our pumpkin countdown we wanted to give you a sweet treat with no tricks. Our pumpkin cupcakes are full of flavor but not dense like pumpkin bread, we balance sweetness with the classic autumn spices, and top them with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Preset them at your costume party and no one will be disappointed.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups AP flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground clove
1/2 tsp ground allspice
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree

Procedure
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder,salt,  and all the seasonings.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment combine the brown and white sugar. Pour in the melted butter and whisk on medium speed until sugar is fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
3. With the mixer on medium speed add the eggs in one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next . After all the eggs are fully incorporated add the pumpkin and whisk 1 more minutes.
4. Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add in the flour mixture. Whisk until the flour is fully incorporated, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, incorporating any flour left on the edges.
5. Line a 12-well muffin tin with paper liners and divide all the batter evenly among each well. Place on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 12 minutes. Now rotate the pan 180 degrees and cook until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, another 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the cupcake pan from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes until able to handle. Now remove the cupcakes from the pan and allow to cool fully, at least 1 hour, before frosting.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
Yield: 2 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
3/4 cup cream cheese
5 Tbsp butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup pumpkin puree

Procedure
1. Place the cream cheese in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute to soften the cream cheese.
2. Add in the softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time until all is well incorporated. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add in the powdered sugar, whisking until well incorporated and smooth.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and return the mixer to medium speed. Add in the vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin mixing until just combined about 1 minute.


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Pumpkin Countdown #1

The Pumpkin Countdown

      With fall in full swing the leaves are changing to red and gold, hot apple cider is flowing, and pumpkins are abundant. October is unofficially pumpkin month and the same sugar pumpkins you carve can be turned into endless new dishes.

      The RMR chefs are using pumpkin leftovers as the star ingredient in a recipe countdown to Halloween. For the next four days we are posting a recipe using some portion of the pumpkin. First things first though, whenever you carve a pumpkin there is always a pile of seeds and pulp sitting next to the carving. Instead of just throwing that out or adding it to the compost pile why not make a delicious snack. 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Yield: 1 1/2 cup

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

      Pumpkin seeds are an addictive snack for anytime of the day and are a great addition to any Halloween treat table. The seasoning can be changed for any occasion or palate from simple salted, spiced, or even sweet.We like them with a little kick so here is the recipe for Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, interior of 1 medium sized pumpkin

1 Tbsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

Procedure

1. The important step in this recipe is to prepare the seeds for roasting. After removing them from the pumpkin place the seeds and attached flesh into a colander. Wash the seeds and separate out all of the pulp, it is important to remove as much as you can so you are only left with seeds. 

2. Lay the seeds out on paper towel to dry, then pour them into a bowl. Add the seasonings to the bowl and toss to coat all the seeds evenly.

3. Lay out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 45 minutes until dried and light golden brown.

      Another basic usage for pumpkin is turning it into puree. Pumpkin puree is used in almost every baking preparation calling for pumpkin and many savory dishes too. Pumpkin puree is an expensive product though and can be easily produce at home, so why not?

Pumpkin Puree                                                 Yield: 2 cups                                                                               Prep time: 10 minutes                                                                Cook time: 45 minutes

      This is as simple as cooking the pumpkin and creating the correct texture, since it can be used in savory or sweet dishes though the seasoning is adjusted accordingly. On top of additions to larger dishes pumpkin puree can be served as a side dish to stand on its own instead of a vegetable or starch component.

Ingredients

1 medium or 2 small sugar pumpkins

1 tsp veg oil

(1 tsp salt or 1 tsp sugar)

Procedure

1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Half the sugar pumpkin and remove the seeds, saving them for a snack later. Once cleaned rub the inside flesh and outside skin with a little vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.

3.Place the pumpkins flesh side down on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 45 minutes or until the flesh is tender. 

4. Remove the pumpkins from the oven and allow to cool. Once they can be handled scoop out the flesh with a spoon and place in either a blender or food processor. Add the 1 tsp of oil and if making a sweet puree add sugar and if making a savory add the salt. 

5. Blend until smooth and seasonings are incorporated.  

Chef's Note

      When serving the Pumpkin puree as a side dish you can flavor it to fit any dish or style of the meal. It can be sweetened with warming spices of cinnamon or nutmeg or add some fresh herbs for earthy notes like sage and thyme. 

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