Tags Posts tagged with "Let’s Eat"

Let’s Eat

Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash

By Heidi Sutton

An ancient wheat grain that has origins in Mesopotamia, farro is a fabulous, low calorie source of fiber, helps with heart health, blood sugar management and aids digestion. The cooked farro in the following salad recipes makes it a complete meal, adding a wholesome, nutty flavor.

Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash

Recipe courtesy of California Table Grape Commission

Warm Farro Salad with Grapes and Delicata Squash

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

3 pounds delicata squash cut lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices

3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided

1 teaspoon coarse salt divided

1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups farro

2 cups water

3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 1/2 cups halved California grapes

1/2 cup chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 425 F. On sheet pan, toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cayenne pepper. Spread into single layer and roast 10-15 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Turn squash and roast 10-15 minutes, or until browned and tender.

While squash is cooking, combine farro, water and remaining salt. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook until farro is tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain leftover water and transfer to large bowl. Add squash, remaining olive oil, remaining pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, grapes and parsley and toss well.

Note: Acorn or butternut squash may be substituted for delicata squash.

Cold Farro Salad with Pears and Raisins

Recipe courtesy of Elyse Sutton

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup farro

2 chopped pears

1/4 cup golden raisins

2 thinly sliced celery stalks

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or goat cheese

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the farro as directed. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl to cool. Add pears, raisins, celery stalks, parsley, cheese, olive oil and apple cider vinegar and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. 

High Energy Salad Bowl

Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates

High Energy Salad Bowl

YIELD: Makes 1 serving

INGREDIENTS: 

2 1/2 oz (about 2 cups) fresh chopped kale or baby spinach

1/4 medium orange, sliced

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1/3 cup steamed asparagus spears cut into 2-inch pieces, chilled

1/4 cup cooked farro, chilled

1/4 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved, or blueberries

2 tablespoons slivered almonds or pecans, toasted

2 tablespoons raspberry vinaigrette

DIRECTIONS:

In serving bowl place kale or spinach. Arrange orange slices, cottage cheese, asparagus, farro, cherries or blueberries and almonds or pecans on top. Just before serving, drizzle with vinaigrette.

Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash

By Heidi Sutton

While pumpkin is the most celebrated squash in the fall, my favorite is acorn squash. Sweet and savory, it is rich in antioxidants including Vitamin A and C, low in calories, and can be stored for up to three months. The classic way is to cut it in half, clean out the seeds, add a dollop of butter and a splash of maple syrup or some brown sugar to the center and a pinch of salt on the outside and bake at 350 F until soft, but for the more adventurous cooks, the following recipes for this delectable squash can be a fun addition to your fall repertoire.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Crispy Sage

Recipe courtesy of Laurie McNamara of Simply Scratch

Roasted Acorn Squash with Crispy Sage

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 acorn squash

1 tablespoon extra light olive oil

2 pinches kosher salt

4 tablespoons butter, unsalted

12 fresh sage leaves

Black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400º F. Halve both of the acorn squash and scoop out the seeds. Turn the squash cut-side-down and slice into 3/4-inch pieces. Toss the sliced acorn squash with the olive oil and a couple pinches of kosher salt. 

Arrange on a rimmed, aluminum sheet pan and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and tender. (No need to flip.) Meanwhile, add the 4 tablespoons of butter into a pan over medium heat. Slowly melt and brown the butter until it reaches a deep golden color. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Once the butter is golden, throw in the chopped fresh sage and cook until crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Arrange the roasted acorn squash slices onto a platter and drizzle with the brown butter and crispy sage. Season with black pepper and serve immediately.

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad

Recipe courtesy of American Pecan Council

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

Squash:

1 acorn squash

1  tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Dressing:

1/2 cup raw pecan pieces

1/4 cup olive or pecan oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Salad:

3-4 handfuls baby spinach

1 1/2 cups cooked farro

1 medium shallot, thinly sliced

1 ounce crumbled goat cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 425° F.

To create base, slice small part of one side of squash. Trim ends from squash, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out sides. Place cut-side down and cut squash into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on sheet tray and toss with olive or pecan oil and salt. Roast until squash and peels are tender, 30-40 minutes.

While squash is roasting, heat small skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast, shaking pan, until nuts are fragrant. Transfer 1/3 cup of pecans to bowl and reserve remaining pecans for topping. Add oil, vinegar, maple syrup and salt while nuts are still warm. Stir vigorously and set aside.

In large bowl, combine spinach, farro, shallot, half the squash and half the dressing. Toss to combine then lay remaining squash on top of salad. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with goat cheese and remaining toasted pecans before serving.

Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash

Recipe courtesy of Kristy Hegner of Chocolate Slopes

Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 acorn squash

1 1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage, divided

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and pepper

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, finely chopped

2 cups chopped kale

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup dry quinoa

1/2 cup cheese, Mozzarella

1/2 cup cheese, Parmesan – divided

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400° F. Cover a baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Cut each acorn squash in half, along with each side of the squash to allow them to lay flat. Place each half on the baking pan open side facing up.

Lightly coat insides of squash with about 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of the rubbed sage, salt and pepper over squash. Roast squash for 50 to 60 minutes or until squash is cooked thoroughly.

Cook quinoa according to directions. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic, onions and red pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes). Add kale and sauté until tender. Stir in cooked quinoa, Mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese to skillet.

Fill each squash half with quinoa vegetable mix. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.

DID YOU KNOW? The seeds from an acorn squash seeds roast up beautifully and are especially flavorful. Acorn squash seeds are smaller than pumpkin seeds and the outer shell is not nearly as fibrous. When you roast the tender seeds with olive oil, they get wonderfully fragrant and crispy.

Honey Devil's Food Cake

By Heidi Sutton

It’s time to get spooky sweet with some Halloween treats like this decadent and delicious Devil’s Food Cake, a Star Wars inspired hot cocoa and a Monster Smoothie.

Honey Devil’s Food Cake

Recipe courtesy of National Honey Board

Honey Devil’s Food Cake

YIELD: Makes 10 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, divided

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups honey, divided

½ cup 2 percent low-fat milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

1 cup just-boiled water

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Milk chocolate shavings, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add 1½ cups honey, milk, oil, eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla; beat 2 minutes. Gradually beat in hot water. Divide batter between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until sides pull away slightly from pan and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Turn onto wire racks and cool completely.

To make the frosting, combine remaining cocoa powder, honey and vanilla, and cream in a medium bowl. Beat until thick and fluffy. Spread frosting evenly over sides and top of one cake layer. Place second cake layer on top. Spread remaining frosting over sides and top. Garnish with milk chocolate shavings.

Yoda Hot Cocoa

Recipe courtesy of Deb Thompson

Yoda Hot Cocoa

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

Green sprinkles

4 cups milk, any type including lactose free

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 ounces white chocolate chips

2 drops green food coloring

whipped cream

8 candy eyes, divided

DIRECTIONS:

Dip the rim of the glass in water. Pour green sprinkles onto a plate or into a bowl and dip the edge of the wet glass in sprinkles, coating it in green. In a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, mix together milk, vanilla, food coloring and white chocolate. Cook, stirring often, until the white chocolate comes to a simmer and is melted. Do not let boil. Remove from heat, pour hot chocolate into prepared mugs, top with whipped cream, sprinkles and two candy eyes

Monster Smoothies

Monster Smoothies

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

8 ounces milk, 2%

1 (5.3-ounce) container yogurt, low-fat pineapple Greek

1/2 cup 100% pasteurized apple cider

6 spinach leaves

1 medium frozen banana

1 pear, cored

1 avocado, pitted and peeled

DIRECTIONS:

In a blender, combine milk, Greek yogurt, apple cider, spinach, banana, pear, and avocado. Blend until smooth.

 

Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn

By Heidi Sutton

Pumpkin pie spice has gone from an occasional ingredient used primarily in Thanksgiving pies to becoming the unofficial flavor of autumn. While you can buy the pre-made stuff from the grocery store, it’s super easy—and more cost-effective—to whisk up a batch of pumpkin pie spice at home. Then try these recipes for delicious Pumpkin Swirl Brownies or a Pumpkin Coffee Cake to celebrate the bountiful fall harvest, courtesy of Sarah Bates of The Chef Next Door or some Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn for your next movie night, courtesy of Popcorn.org.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend

INGREDIENTS:

3 tbsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. ground ginger

2 tsp. nutmeg

1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves

DIRECTIONS:

Whisk together cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in a small bowl until well combined. Store in a small jar.

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies

Pumpkin Swirl Brownie

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

For the Brownies

2 sticks butter, unsalted, room temperature

1 1/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pumpkin Swirl

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add in the vanilla. In a small bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer in a few additions, until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

In a medium bowl beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and pumpkin pie spice and mix until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin batter onto the brownie batter in the pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the pumpkin batter into the brownie batter using a figure-eight pattern.

Bake the brownies for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

For the topping:

4 tablespoons butter, unsalted – melted

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the cake:

3/4 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup yogurt, plain Greek

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray an 8-inch square pan with non-stick cooking spray.

To make the topping, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Stir in the flour and set aside.

To make the cake, in a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, oil, yogurt and eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving

Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn

Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

12 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn

3 cups chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips

1 tablespoon light olive oil

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup toffee bits

1 teaspoon flaked sea salt, crushed

DIRECTIONS:

Line large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

In microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate, olive oil and pumpkin pie spice; microwave on medium 2-3 minutes, or until melted and smooth, stirring after each minute. 

Pour melted white chocolate mixture over popcorn; add toffee bits and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spreading to edges of pan; sprinkle sea salt over top. 

Let cool; refrigerate 1-2 hours, or until set. Break into chunks for serving.

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

By Heidi Sutton

As the weather gets cooler, it’s a great opportunity to add pumpkin to your favorite comfort dishes. Not only is pumpkin delicious, it is also rich in beta-carotene, fiber and potassium. 

Hearty and made with comfort in mind, this mac and cheese contains whole wheat pasta shells, cheddar and reduced-fat cream cheese for a wholesome take on a dinnertime classic. Great for snacking or sharing at your fall festivities, pair this pumpkin spice Greek yogurt dip with apples, graham crackers or whatever you wish to dip. 

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe by Rachel Gurk of Rachel Cooks

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups milk, whole

1 (15-ounce) can plain pumpkin puree

12 ounces beer, IPA recommended

1 cup chicken stock or chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder

1 pound whole wheat pasta shells

8 ounces cheese, grated sharp Cheddar

4 ounces cream cheese, reduced-fat

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring milk, pumpkin, beer, chicken stock, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne to a good simmer (do not boil).

Reduce heat to medium and add pasta. Cook, stirring frequently, for 12 to 14 minutes or until al dente. Make sure to stir frequently so pasta cooks evenly and does not burn.

Reduce heat to low and add Cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Serve immediately.

Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip

Recipe by Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl

Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups yogurt, nonfat or whole vanilla Greek

1 cup pure pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Apple slices and graham crackers, optional for dipping

DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Pour into a bowl and serve with sliced fruit, graham crackers or anything else you desire, to dip.

Orange Cranberry Scones

By Heidi Sutton

Wake up the family with the delicious smell of scones baking in the oven.

Blueberry-Pecan Scones

YIELD: Makes 10 scones

INGREDIENTS: 

1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons grated lemon rind

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

2 cups all-purpose

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Cooking spray

1 large egg white, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gently fold in blueberries and pecans. Add milk mixture, stirring just until moist (dough will be sticky).

Turn dough out onto a floured surface; pat dough into an 8-inch circle. Cut dough into 10 wedges, and place the dough wedges on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush egg white over dough wedges; sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake scones at 375° for 18 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Orange-Cranberry Scones

Orange Cranberry Scones

YIELD: Makes 6 scones

INGREDIENTS: 

Scones:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons cold butter

2 large eggs

1/2 cup cold heavy cream

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

DIRECTIONS:

To prepare scones: Heat oven to 425° F. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in eggs, one at a time, then milk, cranberries and orange peel.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until firm. Pat dough into 8-inch round, about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into six wedges; carefully separate wedges and place on parchment-lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake about 15 minutes until lightly golden and crusty.

For glaze: In small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and orange juice. Drizzle slightly cooled scones with glaze.

Apple Raisin Strudel

By Heidi Sutton

From apple strudel to an easy apple galette to bourbon grilled apples, these delicious desserts for fall will have you ready for sweater weather!

Apple Raisin Strudel

Recipe courtesy of Envy Apples

Apple Raisin Strudel

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

3 large tart apples

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup chopped pecans or pistachios

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup ground almonds or almond flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

6 sheets filo pastry dough

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup chopped pistachios + 1 tbsp sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Peel and core the apples and slice thinly. In a large bowl combine apple slices, raisins, pecans, pumpkin pie spice, ground almonds and cornstarch and toss together. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a cooking tray with baking paper. Lay out the first sheet of filo on a clean counter top and brush with melted butter. Top with another layer of filo, continue with remaining sheets, buttering in between. Arrange the apple slices on the filo pastry in a neat log down the center of the longest side, leaving about 2 inches open at each end. 

Carefully fold each end in and roll the pastry up to encase the filling and form a log. Place on the prepared tray with the seam underneath. Brush the pastry all over with the butter and sprinkle with pistachios and sugar. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden. 

Easy Apple Galette

Recipe courtesy of Jazz Apples

Easy Apple Galette

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 11-inch pie crust, at room temperature

2 tbsp light brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 large apples cored and thinly sliced

Juice from 1/2 lemon

1 egg white

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. *If you don’t have parchment paper just make sure you spray your baking sheet In a medium bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir to coat apples. Arrange apple slices on top of dough, try making a circle pattern. Leave a 1 in – 1.5 in border around the edge. Fold the edges towards the center. Repeat until all edges are folded towards the apple slices. Whisk egg white in a small bowl; brush over the crust edges. Bake for approximately 40 minutes so the edges are golden brown and the apples are soft. 

Bourbon Grilled Apples

Recipe courtesy of Envy Apples

Bourbon Grilled Apples

INGREDIENTS: 

6 medium to large apples

2 cups bourbon

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups ricotta cheese

Cinnamon

Granola

DIRECTIONS:

Slice apples into rounds and remove the core. Marinate the rings in the bourbon for 5 minutes. Place rings on the grill until desired tenderness. Remove from grill, sprinkle with sugar and broil until golden brown. Plate rings, add ricotta, then top with cinnamon and granola.

Roasted Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup

By Heidi Sutton

If your garden is still spitting out tomatoes and peppers, try the following recipes for stuffed peppers for breakfast and tomato and bell pepper soup for lunch or dinner .

Stuffed Breakfast Peppers

Recipe courtesy of Amber Gray

Stuffed Breakfast Peppers

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 large green bell peppers seeded, cut in half lengthwise

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 sweet onion diced

1/2 medium tomato seeded, chopped

3 slices bacon or breakfast sausage, cooked, chopped

1 cup chopped kale or spinach, tough stems removed

4 large eggs

2 tablespoons 1% milk

1/2 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup salsa or tomato sauce

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange pepper halves in 13×9-inch baking dish. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat; add onion and cook 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, bacon and kale or spinach, and cook 2-3 minutes. Spoon vegetables into pepper halves. Whisk eggs and milk in small bowl until well blended. Pour evenly over vegetable mixture in pepper halves. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven, top peppers with cheese and return to oven. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Top each pepper with 2 tablespoons salsa or tomato sauce.

Roasted Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup

Recipe courtesy of Tracy Shaw

Roasted Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

4 bell peppers

2 lbs tomatoes cherry or other

5 garlic cloves

1 yellow onion – peeled and cut in half

2 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the bell peppers in half and clean out the seeds and membrane. Spray baking sheets with olive oil. Place the pepper halves, tomatoes, onion, and garlic cloves on prepared baking sheets. Roast for 20-30 minutes, until the skin is dark on the peppers and have collapsed. The skin on the tomatoes will soften and begin to burst. Allow the peppers to cool and remove the skin. Place all the vegetables and the juices from the tomato pan into a stock pot or dutch oven. Add in the chicken broth, salt and pepper. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. *If you don’t have an immersion blender, use a regular blender. Heat and serve.

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

By Heidi Sutton

The weather is starting to cool down and what better way to warm up than with a comforting homemade bread? 

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

Recipe courtesy of Envy Apples

Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

If you are looking for the perfect apple breakfast or dessert then you should try this apple pull apart bread. This version is gluten free, with less fat and calories than most of the other versions.

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

Dough

3 cups gluten free bread flour

1 1/4 cup whole milk or milk of choice

2 1/4 teaspoon rapid yeast 1 packet

1/4 cup water

3 teaspoons xanthan or guar gum 

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons softened coconut oil

Olive oil spray

Filling

2 large apples cut into bite-size pieces

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Glaze (optional)

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons water

DIRECTIONS:

Heat ¼ cup of water to 100 degrees. Add yeast and set aside about 30 minutes until foaming. Mix all dry ingredients for the dough. Combine yeast, coconut oil and milk. Vigorously mix ingredients by hand for 10 minutes or stand mixer for 5 minutes to help activate gum. Cover bowl and let dough rest for 10 minutes.

Wash and dice apples. *peel if desired. Set aside until needed. Lightly spray a sheet of parchment paper the size of a baking sheet. Place dough on the parchment paper. Spray dough with olive oil spray. With greased hands, gently press out dough to form a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over dough. Slice dough into 5-6 equal rows lengthwise (right to left) and 3-4 equal columns width wise (top to bottom).

Spray a 9 x 5 inch bread pan with olive oil spray. Carefully move a dough square into bread pan, filling the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with apple bites. Make another layer. Take squares of dough and make another later. Sprinkle with apple bites. Continue until you have used all (or most of) the dough and as much apple pieces as you would like. *Don’t over stuff though, the dough will need to rise. Cover with plastic and allow bread to rest for 20 minutes.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until top turns golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to sit in the pan to steam another 10 minutes. 

Make glaze by mixing powdered sugar and water until desired consistency. Drizzle over bread before serving. 

Healthier Pumpkin Banana Bread

Recipe courtesy of Cookin’ Savvy

Healthier Pumpkin Banana Bread

This recipe is sure to become a staple in your household this fall! Full of comforting, good-for-you ingredients and delicious fall flavors, serve warm and smother with nut butter for a tasty snack or breakfast! It’s also freezer-friendly so you can pull out individual servings to reheat as needed for the future. Sprinkle some nuts and dark chocolate chips on top, and the whole family is sure to love it.

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

Nonstick cooking spray

2 ripe bananas,mashed,

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup Greek yogurt,plain or vanilla

2 eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, plus additional, for topping

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or nuts of choice, plus additional, for topping

pumpkin spice granola, for topping

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, whisk mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, eggs and applesauce. Set aside. 

In medium bowl, use large spoon to stir flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon. Add flour mixture to banana and pumpkin mixture; whisk until just moist. Stir in dark chocolate chips and walnuts, if desired. 

Pour batter into loaf pan. Sprinkle granola and additional chocolate chips and walnuts on top, if desired. Bake 50-60 minutes, or until knife inserted comes out clean.

Apple Shortcake Squares

By Heidi Sutton

Apple picking season begins as early as the end of August at orchards on Long Island and continues through the end of October. Pie may be the first thing that comes to mind for an apple-infused dessert, but the versatility of this fleshy fruit means a world of sweets is at your fingertips. 

These Apple Shortcake Squares offer a tasty twist on traditional treats, whether you’re sharing with neighbors after a backyard barbecue or savoring an evening at home with your nearest and dearest while Baklava Bliss, a classic Greek dessert with an apple twist, will have you going back for seconds!

Apple Shortcake Squares

Recipe courtesy of Envy Apples

Apple Shortcake Squares

YIELD: Makes 12 squares

INGREDIENTS: 

5 large apples

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water

1/2 cup softened butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2cups self rising flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

DIRECTIONS:

Pre-heat the oven to 365 degrees F. Lightly grease the bottom of a 10 inch baking pan and also grease up the sides. Then line the pan with parchment paper both bottom and sides. Peel, core and dice apples into even pieces. Combine apple pieces in a saucepan with the ¼ cup sugar, vanilla and lemon zest and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until just tender.

Combine the first measure of cornstarch and water and stir in the apples, continue stirring until thickened and syrupy, set aside to cool. Using an electric beater, cream the butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until creamy and pale. Add the egg and beat well. 

Sift over the flour and cinnamon and fold all together to create a soft dough. Divide the mixture in half and wrap in plastic wrap then chill in fridge for 30 minutes.

Press one half of the shortcake dough into the base of the greased pan, using the back of a spoon or damp finger tips to spread out evenly. Spoon over the cooled apple mixture. Using the remaining dough, break into small bite sized pieces and place the pieces over the top of the apples.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown, allow to cool before lifting out of pan using the parchment paper sides and cut into portions, dust with powdered sugar.

Baklava Bliss

Recipe courtesy of Envy Apples

Baklava Bliss

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 large apples

1 package of phyllo dough

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon, plus extra for garnish

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup hot water

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Cut apples into thin slices. Cut the phyllo dough into circles twice as large as muffin tin rounds, press dough into cups, and brush with butter. 

Mix walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and then spoon into dough cups until 1/3 full. Layer apple slices in an overlapping pattern like petals within each cup and press into nut mixture so slices remain stable. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. 

Combine honey and hot water until smooth, then immediately drizzle over baklava roses after removing them from the oven. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!