This is the best Pumpkin Bread! Topped with a deliciously rich Coconut Pecan Frosting. Slather the bread with this topping or go it alone. I’m telling you … You won’t be disappointed! I’m just on this pumpkin thing … trying to bring about Fall for some cooler weather.
Both of these recipes, bread and frosting, I’ve had for years for good reason.
Enjoy!
One of my ideas with pumpkin … combine my Pumpkin Pie recipe with my Cheesecake Bars. Pretty easy. And in fact, bars could be made instead of a pie with the very same recipe. I had these leftover gingersnap cookies and used for the crust … Just seemed perfect for this dessert. I’d like to claim originality of this threesome but if you like me do a search … this is a very popular combination. I do admit I keep it simple though … no prebaking the crust and all can be mixed by hand. It’s a quick mix.
A favorite time of year, The Fall. The weather begins to cool, a must in this part of the country, a new school year begins, the aroma of pumpkin spices fill my kitchen. Here are a few of my favorite pumpkin and spice recipes. I’m adding many more this year. On the search for all things pumpkin.
Until then….
Pumpkin Parmesan Cream Soup
Pumpkin Cookies
No Bake Pumpkin Pie with Italian Meringue
Spicy Pumpkin Cupcakes
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Pumpkin Parmesan Cream Pasta Sauce
Pumpkin Pie
And this beautiful Pumpkin Torte.
The recipe is simple enough. It’s about finding the right ingredients. Chorizo is plentiful around here but chouriço … not so much. So if I’m putting together this recipe I must be prepared to travel to a neighboring town where there is a Portuguese Bakery that happens to have chouriço as well as traditional Portuguese baked goods. Not so bad because it’s an excuse to load up on some goodies. In a pinch look for Spanish chorizo … It’s the closest to Portuguese chouriço. Now that we have that cleared up let’s not forget linguica. Choose your favorite linguica, mild or hot, heavy on paprika or not. Now we’re just about ready to begin. Just a few more ingredients.
Delicious and light! Oh, and did I mention quick and easy! Don’t get me wrong … I love New York Style Cheesecake. And I’ve labored over my New York Style intense recipe & produced what my Grandmother-in-law stated was absolutely one of the best cheesecakes she had ever eaten next to hers. Ha! (Thank you Mrs. Gindes) There’s absolutely room for both recipes in my dessert file. This one is easy to prepare for a last minute dessert. Has an absolutely delicious taste, low in calories and easy change up topping. Take a look at the ingredients and see if this is something you want to give a try.
My kitchen is filled with utensils, special pots and saucepans and other kitchen gadgets … Even some really pricey equipment gifted to me by my children. I treasure them all! But for everyday cooking I seem to choose the same items over and over … I wanted to share them with you. I’ve mentioned many times Goldtouch Bakeware by William Sonoma. I love the clean up of this nonstick ware as well as the even baking, and the attractive look. (I love the look of my banged up copperware but can’t handle burnt on food on my bakeware. So, you won’t be seeing those artsy photos that I, too, love of blackened cookie sheets on my blog.) Check out these and numerous bakeware pieces available in Goldtouch here.
You might recognize the orange of Rachael Ray cookware … My piece is actually a bright blue. It’s just so versatile. I have another wok I use for high temperature stir fry but I love the Rachael Ray wok for one dish meals. It’s just a great size, has a nonstick surface and the heat is distributed well. Take a look on Amazon for the details here. Check out another Rachael Ray wok you may find more to your preference here.
Every kitchen needs mixing bowls and I admit I don’t have these Crate & Barrel beauties. I love Portuguese dishware … So, why wouldn’t I love these! Take a trip to Crate & Barrel here and check it out.
Wooden spoons are a favorite of mine. But that one dish with a lot of cheese or that requires a close swipe to the bottom of the skillet … a wooden spoon doesn’t get it. In this Target display of utensils I have the spoon only. I have purchased two in the past, one from a local speciality store and another at Sur La Tab. Target just has this complete set … and why not! What is really cool about this utensil is the resting back lifting the food covered portion right off your countertop. Give this Target utensil set a look. Or here for Sur La Table.
What is so special about this 3 quart stainless steel saucepan? It has a dripless pour spout with a lid that allows pouring without removing. Perfect for draining so many things; hard boiled eggs, pasta, boiled potatoes and other veggies, on and on. Too, the lid allows steam to escape either through large or small holes OR not. It’s no mess pouring and multi-functional. Take a look here at Bed Bath & Beyond for more details.
Last but not least is my apron. I have ruined many shirts and blouses. This makes better sense … especially because it’s my Kitchen Getaway apron!
My love for Italian and Portuguese food, and being a former cowgirl have collided into this surprising dish. If you think this might be Italian sauce with linguica thrown in … guess again. It’s truly Portuguese in flavor through and through. Would be delicious even without the linguica … so my daughter says. For a real cowgirl dish mix the sauce thoroughly through the cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with a little Jack Cheese … Pepper Jack even.
As far as ingredients go, if your pantry has all you need for Italian spaghetti sauce you are more than half way there. Just a little Santo Domingo Sweet Paprika, and pickling spices to bring out the taste that is so familiar in Portuguese cuisine and you have it made. It’s amazing!
This family favorite can be made just about anytime. The second rising can be delayed by refrigerating over-night (up to 24 hours) for an early morning breakfast addition or a dinner time pleaser. Cinnamon Pecan this time! But another favorite is Turkey Cranberry. Change up this simple recipe to please everyone. This recipe is one you’ll want to add to your favorites. It fills the kitchen with a lovely aroma. And gives the feel of Fall. I bet an apple filling would delight too.
Not really Italian except for the pasta and Parmesan. Made for the little ones who are into ranch dressing … But come to find out, everyone loved this simple pasta dish. We have company and I opted to make this for our little guest. Mom had to see the ingredient list and do a taste test and she approved. The leftovers might even be tastier as the flavors increase.
Not only is this a one dish meal, it’s prepared together, roasted tritip and vegetables. My family … we love a vegetable. This delicious main dish meal is so easy and foolproof. It’s perfect for family and guests. Pop this into the oven … it cooks quickly and is perfect for the summer days that are just too hot for outdoors. 108 degrees here today. Add some asparagus to the red potatoes, red onion and red bells to balance the color. Yes, I was advised this might have just a little too much red going on. You just can’t see the arugula. Five of us had no difficulty eating all of this delicious meal. Give it a try!