Monday, October 19, 2009

Pumpkin Cheesecake


I had made this once before and it was as yummy as I remember. It has all the wonderful fall flavors mixed with cheesecake, wonderful! I leave all the nuts out because I am not a fan! Serve with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce!

Ingredients:

For the gingersnap crust:
1/4 lb. gingersnaps (about 20 small cookies)
1/3 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 lb. cream cheese, at room temperature
3 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree

For the topping:
1/2 cup pecan halves
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 Tbs. granulated sugar

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9-inch spring form pan. To make the crust, in a food processor, combine the gingersnaps and pecans and process until crumbly. Add the brown sugar and melted butter and pulse for a few seconds to blend. Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared pan. Use your fingers to pat the mixture into the bottom and evenly all the way up the sides of the pan. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

To make the filling, in a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and cloves. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Using a rubber spatula, occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the brown sugar mixture, beating until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the pumpkin puree, beating until smooth. Using the rubber spatula, scrape the batter into the chilled crust and smooth the top. Bake the cheesecake until set or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To make the topping, set aside 10 pecan halves and coarsely chop the rest. In a small fry pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add all of the pecans, sprinkle with the granulated sugar and cook, stirring, until the sugar melts and the nuts are toasted and caramel coated. Transfer the nut mixture to a plate and let cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cheesecake and arrange the halves evenly around the perimeter. Serves 10 to 12.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/pumpkin-cheesecake.html

Caramel Apple Cider


Have you ever had one of those caramel apple pops? This drink was like one of those melted into yummy goodness! So easy to make, and you could easily adjust it to suit your tastes.


1 jug of Apple Cider
4 packets of Spiced Apple Cider
1 cup of Caramel syrup (purchase by hot cocoa)

Heat and serve. If you really want to go crazy, add whip cream and caramel drizzled on top.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Pumpkin Quick Bread

This bread is amazing. I love to eat it for days on end. I warm it up in the microwave and add butter and honey. I also like it plain. It is better than the mix at Williams Sonoma, and cheaper too!

Yield:
2 loaves

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
1 cup oil
3 eggs
2/3 cup water
2 cups pumpkin (or one, 15-ounce can)
1 cup chopped nuts, optional
3 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs. Stir in water and pumpkin (and nuts if using).
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients, whisking to mix well. Add to creamed mixture and beat until smooth.
3. Pour into two greased and floured 8x4-inch loaf pans. (You may use a different size pan, such as 9x5-inch, but loaves won't be as tall.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 90 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove to wire racks and cover with a cloth until cool.