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.

Click to read more ...

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.

Click to read more ...

Pumpkin Espresso Bread

I am beginning to feel like a bit of a hypocrite. After spending the majority of the summer in a heat induced stupor, I was ready for fall. I was ready to embrace wearing pants and drinking hot beverages, going outside without breaking into a sweat, and sleeping under the bed covers instead of on top of them. I often whined about the heat of summer to anyone who would listen until I couldn't find anyone to listen to my grievances anymore. I secretly wished for snow and cold winds as I sat in front of an industrial fan.

And now, on the first real day of fall weather, I must eat my words.

This morning was genuinely cold. In the middle of the night, I had pulled the covers up to the tip of my nose, trapping the heat under the blankets. When my alarm went off with a loud beep, I snaked a hand out to turn it off and immediately brought it back into the warmth of the blankets. The shock of chilled air was unexpected. I groaned audibly, wanting to stay beneath the covers forever, dreading the moment when I would have to leave the sanctuary of my bed. After a few minutes of indulging myself, I finally pulled off the covers and crawled out of bed.

Breakfast has an uncanny ability to lure me out from the land of dreams.

Even though my body may not be ready for the shock of crisp air, my taste buds are more than ready for autumn to arrive. I'm looking forward to roasting freshly picked apples in the oven with a little brown sugar. I'm looking forward to devouring warm rice pudding, sprinkled with a little cinnamon and nutmeg. Most of all, I'm looking forward to eating anything and everything with pumpkin (so much, in fact, that I jumped the gun and started stocking my cupboards with cans of pumpkin early this year).

After making most of this Pumpkin Espresso Bread disappear in less than a day, I feel like beginning autumn baking early was an excellent decision.

Pumpkin Espresso Bread is the quintessential loaf of autumn. With the flavors of my favorite coffee house drink in mind, I infused espresso into pumpkin bread batter and topped the loaf with a brown sugar espresso crumble before baking. In the oven, half of the crumble soaks into the top of the bread while the other half stays sweet and crunchy on top. The pumpkin bread is incredibly moist, with a tender crumb, and strong flavors. I would be surprised if this lasted more than a day in your house.

Click to read more ...