Pumpkin Rolls

When rainy autumn weather begins taking its toll and darkness descends earlier than I anticipate, I like to wrap myself in blankets, wear ridiculously fuzzy socks, and marvel at how long my evenings suddenly feel. Time passes slowly after the sun sets and my eyes grow tired when the clock strikes ten. Somehow, despite my sleepiness and couch potato tendencies, I can't get myself to crawl into bed until after midnight.

Old habits die hard, it seems.

On the few occasions when I flip on the television or indulge in a few moments on Pinterest, I can't help but notice that holiday advertisements and Thanksgiving pies are already trying to sneak up on us. Even though I can avert my eyes in mild distaste at their early arrival, these thoughts of family togetherness and comfort food have managed to weasel their way into my subconscious thoughts.

It was only after I made these pumpkin rolls for the second time in a week (the first batch disappeared sooner than I would have liked) that I realized how lovely they would be graced upon a Thanksgiving table surrounded by family and friends. I wanted to shake my finger at myself for falling prey to commercialism so early in the season, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Perhaps I just miss the feeling of home.

These pumpkin rolls, however, are remarkable in their own right. They are neither sweet nor savory, but fall squarely in between, toeing the line with the skill of a tightrope walker. While I often make a recipe more than once to play around with ingredients or give it a few minor adjustments (as recipe developers will do), this time I followed the recipe exactly the second time I made these rolls. There was nothing I wanted to change about them, no minor detail that needed to be altered. It was a rare and beautiful moment, as if I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure in my kitchen.

I am so excited to share this recipe with you.

Pumpkin Rolls are perfect to share with friends and family over holiday dinners or enjoyed on a simple Sunday evening at home with loved ones. The rolls are lightly spiced and lightly sweetened, which allows them to fall to the savory or sweet side depending on your mood. I have enjoyed these rolls spread with maple cream cheese, drizzled with melted chocolate, prepared with a simple butter spread, and soaked in mashed potatoes and gravy. The pumpkin flavor is present, but mild, which makes them a good choice for pumpkin lovers and skeptical fathers alike.

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Apple Cinnamon Scones

The world looks different through a rain splattered window. With heavy clouds hanging low in the sky, the colors appear muted. The bright tones and highlights of a sunny day are subdued as the world takes on various shades of gray. The droplets of water clinging to the glass each hold a tiny world, of homes and life and trees, giving a new perspective on the view outside the window. As the droplets gather speed cascading down the window, they are replaced by newly fallen rain and the cycle continues.

Rainy days gift moments of peace.

Scones remind me of rainy mornings, overcast skies, and the hesitant light just before the sun rises. When I worked as a baker, the first item I made each morning were scones. The world was quiet, still asleep in bed, as the scents of baking swirled out of the oven. In my mind, scones have become inseparable from those early mornings. When the world is quiet from a sprinkling of rain or heavy clouds prolong the darkness of the morning, I feel drawn to the kitchen, drawn to the flour, butter, and heavy cream.

Scones and tea are simple pleasures on a dreary day.

With most of the recipes I conjure up in the kitchen, I start with a vision, but as soon as the baking process begins, the vision changes as I reach for ingredients and it morphs into a new one altogether. These scones didn't end up quite as I had planned, but I think it was for the better. Caramelized apples on the stove, the wafting scents of cinnamon and spice, and the feel of dough beneath my fingers accompanied the sound of raindrops against the window.

I wouldn't want to have it any other way.

Apple Cinnamon Scones are soft and fragrant. The apples are caramelized in a bit of sugar before they are added to the batter, which gives them a bright flavor after baking. A sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar on top of the scones provides just the right touch of sweetness. Though these scones may certainly be enjoyed any day of the year, the warmth of the cinnamon and the scent of apples caramelizing on the stove are traditionally autumn.

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Pumpkin Waffles

Waffles and pancakes have the power to heal. There is something about the thick batter and maple syrup that breathes life into bent shoulders and cures the woes of the soul. This past week has not been the best of weeks for me. There have been books, a career-defining exam, and a homemade stack of flashcards ever growing in height. There has been a car accident, a sore neck, and bent metal (but thankfully no real injuries). There have been insurance companies, a battered ego, and frustration trying to find new forms of transportation.

When the world hands me trouble and strife, I make waffles.

I wish I could say I always handle myself with grace under pressure and kindness under stress, but it isn't always the case. I often become selfish and inconsiderate during these moments, putting my own problems and worried emotions above others. In a way, it's a form of self-preservation; a coping mechanism to hold myself together enough to make it through a taxing afternoon. Even so, it doesn't excuse my behavior.

I want to apologize to my boyfriend for yelling at him when he was only trying to help me study for my exam (I was just frustrated with myself, not you). I'm sorry I haven't been very pleasant this past week.

Last Sunday I set aside time to make waffles—a brunch for two was on the menu. I needed a little comfort food to cure the aches of my week, fall spices to bring warmth back into my disposition, and pumpkin to remind me of the changing leaves outside my window. Even though waffles will never truly solve our problems, they can help us find a new perspective with which to approach them.

Waffles and pancakes have the power to heal. They just need to be given the chance.

Pumpkin Waffles have a bright flavor and a seasonal draw. The waffle batter is thick, with plenty of cinnamon and spice to keep the flavors warm. When the waffles cook up, the inside sets almost like a pumpkin pie, while the outside stays crisp. The waffles may need to cook a little longer to achieve this texture, but a few extra minutes on the clock are worth the final product. These waffles are a lovely addition to an autumn brunch.

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