Pumpkin Time

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Yes, it's that time of year already. Time to unpack the sweaters, buy scented candles, and of course, figure out some new and exciting ways to cook with pumpkin. Here’s a collection of some of my favorite seasonal recipes. To read the original post, and get the ingredient amounts, just click on the recipe title, and away you go, Enjoy! 

	Best Pumpkin Pie Ever The name says it all. And, you know you can't just make a claim like that on the Internet, unless it's true.
	Holiday Pumpkin Bread It's like banana bread, only with pumpkin. By the way, and you didn't hear this from me, but this is great served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
	Pumpkin Scones If you think scones are dry, crumbly, and boring, then you've never made these.
	Pumpkin Cheesecake I used to think that there was no way to improve on the classic New York style cheesecake, but this has me reconsidering that notion.
	Pumpkin Pancakes 10 years from now, your family will still be talking about the time you made pumpkin pancakes for breakfast.

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Pastrami-Spiced Duck Breast "Reuben" – Prepare to Open Face

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Sandwiches

I first tasted pastrami-spiced, smoked duck breast about 15 years ago, and ever since I’ve wondered how it would be used in a classic Reuben sandwich. I never got around to actually trying it, but this is close, and I’m going to say, way, way better.

This was one of the more delicious and interesting duck breast preparations I’ve had in a very long time. The pastrami spices are perfect with the duck meat, and the crisp, cheesy rye was a worthy base.  The quick slaw and mustard dressing helped balance the richness, and like I said in the video, the final results were stunning.

The key here, as it is with any duck breast recipe, is to not overcooked meat. I like to go about five or six minutes on the skin side, until nice and crusty, and then turn it over and continue until the breast springs back under your touch. Obviously, the cooking times I mention in the video will depend on how large the breasts are. Mine were about 5 ounces, which I found to be the perfect size for this.

If you’re using a thermometer, you’ll want to shoot for about 135–140 internal temperature. This will give you gorgeous, pink, juicy meat, that will rival the finest steak. If you can get past the idea of eating a sandwich with a fork and knife, I really hope you give this amazing pastrami-spiced duck breast Reuben a try soon.  Enjoy!

Ingredients for two portions:

2 duck breast, boneless, skin-on (mine were 5-oz each)

For the rub:

1 tbsp olive oil or more as needed

1 tbsp ground black pepper

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp dry mustard

pinch cayenne

For the Reuben:

2 slices rye bread

1/4 cup grated Swiss cheese

1 tablespoon reserved duck fat

2 cups chopped Green cabbage

2-3 tablespoons Russian or Thousand Islands dressing

2 tablespoons mustard dressing (see recipe below)

Mustard dressing:

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 cup sherry vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

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Next Up: Duck Breast Reuben

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Bananas Foster – America’s Favorite Flaming Dessert

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Dessert

When you think show-stopping, special occasion desserts, you usually don’t think “simple and fast,” but that’s the case with Bananas Foster. This delicious New Orleans classic only has a few ingredients, and takes just minutes to make. Except for the folks that burn their houses down, everybody loves this recipe.

Speaking of which, the best way to avoid that kind of thing is to make sure you have the flame turned off when you add the banana liqueur and the rum. Once in, you have a chance to stand back a little, and you should be fine to flambé. By the way, if you’re using an electric stove, simply use a long fireplace lighter to ignite.

As I mention in the video, try to find the largest bananas you can for this. We definitely want them to get nice and tender in the rum sauce, but we don’t want them falling apart. Along the same lines, only cook the bananas for about 30 to 60 seconds per side before adding the booze.

That may not seem like much, but by the time the sauce comes together, they’ll be perfect. Another great tip, especially for larger groups, is to scoop the ice cream ahead of time, and keep your bowls in the freezer. You want to spoon over bananas Foster piping hot, and don’t want it cooling down while you’re scooping ice cream for six people.

Of course, in New Orleans they prepare this tableside, which can be a challenge at home, so you’ll have to settle for turning down the lights, and gathering all your guests around the stove to watch the show. I hope you give this great American desert to try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for two portions:

2 bananas, peeled, cut in four pieces each

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 ounce Banana liqueur (mine was 17% alcohol)

2 ounces rum

2 pinches cinnamon

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

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Next Up: Bananas Foster

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Celery Root Puree – Come for the Flavor, Stay for the Low Carbs

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Vegetables

As promised, here’s the celery root purée seen underneath our recently posted crispy pork belly video. To be honest, I’m not a huge root vegetable guy, but celeriac, as it’s called in certain parts, is something I really enjoy. Plus, I’m a sucker for ugly produce.

I joked in the video that celery root tastes like celery, if celery actually tasted good, and for the most part this is true. The flavor is quite mild and pleasant, and the texture is somewhat similar to mashed potatoes. Considering this stuff is only about 5% starch, somewhat similar it’s pretty good.

This simple puree is a very versatile side dish, but the tasty root will also work sliced thin and layered in a gratin, either with or without the aforementioned potatoes. I hope you give this great fall and winter vegetable a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 6 portions:

1 large celery root, about 1 pound

1 lemon

salt to taste

2 tbsp butter

1/3 cup cream or milk, or as needed to adjust texture

cayenne to taste

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Re-Purposing Post Porch Pumpkin

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I always get a few e-mails this time year asking what can be done with freshly harvested pumpkin seeds, so I thought I'd post this spiced pumpkin seeds video from my friends at Allrecipes.com. You may have a couple decorative pumpkins in front of your house right now, and instead of just tossing them into the compost, why not go full-foodie and make a crunchy, seasonal snack? You can get the full recipe here. Enjoy!

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