Savory Sundays: Pumpkin Alfredo

I have decided to try something exciting and new! Venturing from my deep roots in butter and sugar, I wanted to try a hand or two at savory dishes. I would like to introduce you to a new series aptly named "Savory Sundays" to share my love (and recipes) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Each Sunday I will try to present you with a tried-and-true or original recipe to add some flavor to spice up this lazy day.
I like to cook almost as much as I like to bake. If baking didn't have the sugar-laden advantage, cooking might have stood a fair chance. I prefer to cook primarily with whole foods, meaning I try to stick with fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains as much as possible. I rarely buy processed foods, so you are unlikely to find many cans or boxes in my home (or in any of these recipes).

What I cook is largely dictated by my stomach. Lately, my stomach has been craving the comforting flavors of fall. I have already churned out a few squash desserts (like this pumpkin bread pudding and butternut squash custard), but my squash cravings have yet to be sated. And so I decided it was time to bring those squash flavors to the dinner table.

This pumpkin alfredo is an autumnal twist on a traditional alfredo sauce. The puree adds a subtle hint of pumpkin to the alfredo sauce--faint enough to be noticeable, but not enough to remotely feel as if you are eating a pumpkin pie. Pumpkin and cream are an excellent match (as you well know) and cream-based sauces are no exception. If you are feeling a bit unsure about this combination, just remember that you are adding a secret serving of vegetables to your favorite pasta. And everyone likes secret vegetables.

Click to read more ...

Apple Tart with Almond Cream

I recently had a weekend of back-to-back dinner parties with friends. As everyone knows my favorite meal of the day is dessert, it was no question as to what I would bring. I had a few apples on hand and, after a bit of recipe searching, this tart was born.
Both a blessing and a curse, I have high standards with myself when it comes to dinner parties. I just can't seem to bake something simple or something that doesn't involve spending 4 continuous hours in the kitchen. I tend to go out of my way to make something complex or decadent, like the pumpkin bread pudding I brought for Thanksgiving. I can't help myself. The wanna-be pastry chef in me aims to impress.
This apple tart with almond cream is a traditional French tart, also known as a Normandy Apple Tart or, as the French would say, Tarte aux Pommes à la Normande. The almond cream is rich and dominant. The apricot glaze keeps the almond flavor in check and provides a good flavor contrast. And the apples? Well, they are there to look pretty. The flavor of the apples are present, don't get me wrong, but they are subdued in light of the almond and apricot. This tart is really something to experience, with the multiple flavors and textures mixing and mingling in your mouth.

Click to read more ...

Banana Nut Bread

Since I lack any and all self control around baked goods, I figure the least I can do for myself (and my waistline) is to bake healthier. Perhaps you have already noticed this in my recipes. I generally substitute applesauce and plain yogurt for butter and oil (in fact, I haven't used oil for months!). I use whole wheat flour in place of all purpose. And, I even cut down the amount of sugar in my recipes purely in the name of health! (Or, more honestly, because I don't like my foods too sweet).
Using whole wheat flour is definitely the most noticeable change. Whole wheat flour gives baked goods this fantastic texture and more diverse taste. My cakes and breads are also thicker and denser, meaning some of the "lightness" of the baked goods has been sacrificed. Though, I think this is made up in the good feelings I get knowing I'm eating some quality whole grains.
I can't even think of a negative effect by substituting applesauce and plain yogurt for butter and oil. There is not a noticeable loss in taste or texture, as far as I have been able to tell. Often I find my cakes and breads so moist I have to worry about them molding before they get completely devoured (I have shed tears over baked goods taken in their prime more than once). Isn't that the kind of "problem" a good baker should have? Unless I want something to be dark and decadent, making these simple substitutions is perfect for your everyday baking.
This banana nut bread is the healthiest loaf of banana bread ever conceived (or close to it). It is jam packed with bananas and almonds, lacks butter and oil, and uses maple syrup in place of sugar. It is tender and moist and absolutely everything you look for in a good banana bread. And it is good for you. I don't think anyone can argue with that.

Click to read more ...