Creamy Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate Glaze

It's mid-November, and I know many of us have been playing with pumpkin for a couple of months now, so I understand if you're feeling a little squashed out. It happens. And I blame Starbucks. But, I'm popping in quickly to say how yum this pie is I made the other day. It's got a creamy, cream cheesy filling, with those warming spices we all love this time of year. The chocolate cookie crust is so easy, even a novice baker could do it. No rolling of pie dough with this recipe! There is a rich chocolate glaze poured over top, which really does make the pie even more fantastic. With a dollop of whipped cream, this is a tasty addition to any winter supper or Thanksgiving for my American pals.

Get Seasonal: One Pot Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

This is a sponsored post. I was compensated financially by Barilla Canada, but all the opinions are my own.  

Everyone loves macaroni and cheese. It’s classic comfort food at its best, and because World Pasta Day is October 25th, I thought I would switch it up my favourite mac and cheese with seasonal pumpkin and sustainable split red lentils. Don’t worry - the end result is still bowls of delicious mac and cheese goodness with the bonus points for added nutrition. Another pasta event happening in October is the Barilla Pasta World Championships in Milan, Italy from October 23rd -25th. This year’s edition is the seventh annual competition, and it’s exciting because for the second time ever, a Canadian chef is competing. Chef Angela Villalta from Toronto is representing Canada, and I’m sending her all sorts of winning vibes.

Stuff I've Been Meaning to Tell You

Oh my gosh you guys.  How in the world is it Mid-November?  I feel like since I've been back from Montréal I've had either been sitting at the computer or standing in the kitchen.  It's all cookbook, all the time now, and guess what?  I'm already on the 100th page of my manuscript.  Holy cow.  It took awhile to figure out what the hell I'm doing, but I've managed to find my rhythm and figure out a system that seems to be working well.  I'll write for a couple of days in a row, then bake for a couple of days in a row.  And breathe, and take breaks and get plenty of sleep.  And drink lots of tea.  I'm so excited with what I've written so far.  Goosebumps, I tell you.  So yes, it's busy as all heck, and my tiny kitchen is feeling it.  Some days I'm amazed that I'm birthing a cookbook out of such a small space, with no dishwasher and about 3 feet of counter space.  God bless these organizational skills o' mine.  And the quiet chaos.  

Whipped Pumpkin Spiced Butter and Popovers

"In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible."  ~ E.G. Speare

I've been meaning to tell you about this whipped pumpkin butter all week.  Seriously.  But either something else came up or I got sidetracked with outdoor activities like cleaning eaves (yuck) and raking leaves (stop already) and putting my garden to bed (yes Mom, I emptied the rain barrels and drained the garden hose) or good friends from out of town came to visit so we stayed out a bit too late drinking wine and eating pasta.  And then some days I just didn't feel like turning my computer on. You get those too?  That's when all I want is a blanket and the remote and chocolate.  Always chocolate.  But here I am on a quiet Saturday night in mid-October, with a mug of tea (white tea with sage and cinnamon) and my undivided attention aimed at telling you all about this luscious spread you'll soon want to slather on every single carbohydrate in your house.   

Make Your Own: Pumpkin Spice Latté

"The wild November comes at last." ~ R.H. Stoddard

I have a treat for you, just in time for the weekend.  This beverage is like a warm, liquid hug, and maybe, just maybe it's just what you need right now.  November can be tricky.  All of the pretty leaves are gone, and those moody skies can be a bit much.  I myself love a moody sky; shades of blue grey melancholy that seem to stretch on forever.  I want to read mysteries and snuggle deep into flannel sheets.  I want hot buttered toast with honey and my hands wrapped around mugs of delicious things to drink.  I want slippers and sweaters and slumber so deep.  It won't be long until the first flurries fly.  I can smell it in the air tonight.  I pull on my boots, wrap my scarf twice around my neck, fit my fingers into gloves.  November may be wild, but I'm ready for whatever comes my way. 

 

Salted Pumpkin Panna Cotta & A Side of Mashed

It's the eve of Thanksgiving weekend in Canada...turkeys are being purchased, pumpkin pies are being prepped, there are line ups at the grocery stores and gas stations.  I love this weekend.  The weather is still great, there's very little crazy like there is at Christmas, and all you have to do is be thankful.  Bonus points for crashing through all of the fallen leaves like you're five years old again.  This weekend also means spending time with your family and friends, and eating your way into a food coma.  Or maybe it's a smaller gathering this year - just you and your honey bun, or grandma or cat.  My latest article in Culinaire is all about the intimate Thanksgiving dinner for two, and guys, I made Cornish hen for the first time, so you really should check it out.  Deelicious doesn't describe.  There is also a recipe for this dreamy panna cotta, if you want to omit the pie.  So simple and smooth, plus you can make it in advance.  Ding ding ding!  And lastly, I gussied up some mashed potatoes with kale and squash.  There may be no going back to regular mashed spuds after devouring these.  Read the article in its entirety here.  Happy Thanksgiving, and take care out there.  xoxo Renée

Fall Favourites

Hi everyone!  I hope wherever you are right now you are enjoying these November days.  Currently, there's a raging blizzard outside my window so it feels like the dead of winter here in Saskatchewan, though technically still fall on the calender.  No recipe today, but as it's a three day weekend I'm hoping to start my Christmas baking - so keep your eyes peeled for something sweet coming your way soon.  There's still plenty to inspire you though, as I'm happy to share some stuff I've been loving lately.  So get cozy, brew some tea and have a most wonderful weekend. 

xoxo Renee

Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns with Maple Chai Buttermilk Glaze

I hope you aren't experiencing pumpkin overload....I know, I know, it's everywhere right now, but believe me when I tell you that these buns are pretty amazing.  So amazing, that yes, I kinda sorta devoted a Sunday to them, but with the first bite, I knew it was worth it.  And look at them, all gooey in their glorious glaze.  I know you want one.  As we enter into the eating holiday season (holy man tell me where 2012 went, please) these buns are good to have around, to feed loved ones at brunch or a late night snack, or let's be honest, any time is cinnamon bun time.  When I first told my mom I was making pumpkin cinnamon buns, she was like, why can't you just make regular cinnamon buns?  That's my mom.  Always asking the hard-hitting questions.  My response of wanting to try something new seemed to suffice.  I've never put pumpkin into a yeast product before and you know what?  It was worth it.  The dough is incredibly soft and lovely and easy to work with, all of the pumpkin-y spices are hanging out and having fun.  The glaze; oh boy, the glaze kinda blows my mind.  And who would have thought of steeping Chai in buttermilk?  Crazy? Crazy good!  So let's do this already!

Give Thanks: Maple Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll

Everyday I give thanks.  For little and big things, like the butter on my bread.  The wet nose of a fat grey cat.  The voice of my mom, reassuring and kind.  The squeaks and squeals of my wee nieces, when I walk in the room.  The fit and feel of a sexy dress.  The sky above and the ground below and everything in between.  My hands and legs and knees and shoulders, who work so hard and are finally telling me to slow down.  Coffee, with cream and honey (I can't quit you).  A friend, cancer free.  Warmth of wool, wrapped around my feet.  Arms of my handsome man, wrapped around me.  It's these things that make my life full - though hardly perfect.  There are concerns and complaints that bounce around too.  Sometimes I don't know how to deal.  Sometimes I just bake a cake and do the dishes.  Sometimes I just pick up the orange cat and dance.