Cranberry and Tangerine Fruit Tart with Creme Fraiche

Ingredients

1 recipe Candied Pecans (see below)
1 recipe Creme Fraiche (see below)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup cranberries
1 tangerine or orange, peeled and sectioned
1 tablespoon cold water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
6 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed (about 17x12-inch rectangles)

Directions

1.Prepare Candied Pecans and Creme Fraiche. Cover and store nuts at room temperature; chill Creme Fraiche.
2.For cranberry sauce, in a medium saucepan combine sugar and the 1/2 cup water. Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Add the cranberries. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until the skins pop, stirring occasionally. Stir in the tangerine sections.
3.Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the 1 tablespoon water and the cornstarch. Stir into cranberry mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 1 minute more. Remove from heat; set aside to cool. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. (If desired, this sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.)
4.To make pastry cups, lightly brush twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with some of the melted butter; set aside. Lightly brush a sheet of phyllo with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top of it; brush with melted butter. (Cover remaining phyllo with plastic wrap or slightly damp towel to keep it from drying out.) Cut phyllo stack into twelve 4-inch squares. Place one phyllo square on top of a second square, followed by a third square, setting each at a slight angle to create a star shape. Gently press the 6-layer stack into one of the muffin cups, leaving the points sticking up or drooping slightly. Repeat process with phyllo and butter to form 12 cups total.
5.Bake in a 375 degree F. oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until golden and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack. Carefully remove cups from pan. Store in a dry place up to several hours.
6.To assemble the tarts, spoon about 1 tablespoon of Creme Fraiche into each pastry shell. Spoon 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce on top of creme mixture. Top with Candied Pecans. Makes 12 servings.
7.To make Candied Pecans: Line a baking sheet with foil. Butter the foil; set baking sheet aside. In a small heavy skillet combine 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon butter or margarine. Cook mixture over medium-high heat, shaking the skillet occasionally until sugar begins to melt. Do not stir the mixture. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until sugar is golden brown, stirring the nut mixture occasionally. Remove skillet from the heat. Pour nut mixture onto the foil-lined and buttered baking sheet. Cool completely. Break the nut mixture into small chunks. Store the coated nuts, tightly covered, for up to 1 week. Makes 3/4 cup.
8.To make Creme Fraiche: Up to one week before serving, in a small mixing bowl stir together 1/2 cup whipping cream and 1/2 cup dairy sour cream. Cover with plastic wrap. Let the cream mixture stand at room temperature for 2 to 5 hours or until mixture thickens. When thickened, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
9.About 1 hour before serving, stir 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon finely shredded tangerine or orange peel into the cream mixture. (Try serving this mixture over cut-up fresh fruit for a quick dessert.) Makes 1 cup.

Make-Ahead Tip: Up to 1 week ahead, prepare the Creme Fraiche and Candied Pecans. Store as directed. Up to 2 days ahead, prepare the cranberry sauce; cover and chill. Up to 12 hours ahead, make and bake phyllo cups; cover and store at room temperature

Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes with Coconut Syrup

Pumpkin Pancakes:
2 c. flour

3 T. brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground allspice

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground ginger

¼ tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp. salt

1 can evaporated milk (12 oz.)

1 c. pumpkin puree

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 T. oil

2 T. vinegar

6 oz. butterscotch chips


Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together milk, pumpkin, egg, vanilla, oil and vinegar. Blend until smooth. Stir pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just enough to combine. Stir in butterscotch chips. Pour or scoop batter onto hot griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot with Creamy Coconut Syrup on top!

Creamy Coconut Syrup:

1 (13.5 oz.) can coconut milk

2 T. cornstarch

2 c. light corn syrup

½ c. white sugar

½ c. shredded sweetened coconut


Whisk together the coconut milk and cornstarch in a saucepan until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour in the corn syrup, sugar, and coconut; bring to a boil, stirring continually. As soon as the mixture comes to a rolling boil, remove from heat and allow to cool completely before serving.

Pumpin Curry

Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into small chunks
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (2 pound) sugar pumpkin -- peeled, seeded and cubed
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 pinch ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Season the chicken pieces with poultry seasoning and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken to the skillet; cook and stir until browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.


2. Melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and ginger; cook and stir until onion is transparent. Season with coriander, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook and stir until spices are fragrant. Add pumpkin, cooked chicken, coconut milk and chicken broth. Season with salt to taste. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat. Serve over rice or noodles.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

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 springform 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.

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Ingredients

1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
5 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups heavy whipping cream
8 tablespoons raw sugar or golden brown sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk pumpkin, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar in large bowl. Whisk in egg yolks and vanilla, then spices and salt. Bring cream just to boil in medium saucepan. Gradually whisk hot cream into pumpkin mixture.

Divide mixture among eight 5x1-inch ramekins. Divide ramekins between 2 large roasting pans. Add enough hot water to pans to come halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake until custards are just set in center, about 35 minutes. Chill custards until cold, about 6 hours. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon raw sugar over pumpkin custard in each ramekin. Using kitchen torch, melt sugar until deep amber. (Alternatively, use broiler. Place ramekins on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle tops with brown sugar [not raw sugar] and melt directly under broiler until deep amber.) Refrigerate 15 minutes to allow sugar to harden. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 hour ahead. Keep chilled.

MORE INFO

This recipe can also be made using 3-inch-diameter ramekins with 1 1/4-inch-high sides. Bake for about 50 minutes.

Pumpkin Lasagna

* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 to 6 garlic cloves, chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
* 1 large zucchini, cubed
* 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup red wine
* Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and spices, to taste
* 1 pound ricotta cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 cup shredded romano cheese
* 2 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
* 1 pound cooked lasagna noodles

Directions

In a large heavy skillet, over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in the olive oil until translucent. Add sausage and cook until brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add zucchini and cook for 5 more minutes. Set aside.

In a medium pot combine tomato sauce and red wine and bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste. If desired, add more spices to your liking. (I usually add dry oregano, basil, and parsley). Reduce heat to low, cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a large bowl mixing together the ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheeses. Add eggs, pumpkin puree and salt and pepper, to taste. Mix very well. You might want to add more spices to the filling. (You can add a pinch of cinnamon and it gave it a different flavor.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Build your lasagna in a large (9 by 12-inch) baking dish starting with a layer of sauce, a layer of pasta, a layer of half the sausage and a layer of half the filling. Add another layer of pasta, sauce, the remaining sausage and the filling. Finish with a layer of pasta and a layer of sauce. Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Cocoflan

Ingredients

* 12-cup capacity Bundt pan
* Softened butter, to coat pan
* 1/4 cup cajeta or caramel sauce
*

For the cake:

* 10 tablespoons butter, room temperature
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 egg, room temperature
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/3 cup cocoa powder
* 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
*

For the flan:

* 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
* 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
* 3 eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
*

For garnish:

* 1/4 cup cajeta or caramel sauce
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Put an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

Coat a Bundt pan with a little butter, then coat the bottom with 1/4 cup cajeta and put it in a large roasting pan. (The roasting pan will serve as a water bath during baking.)

For the cake: Add the butter and sugar to a bowl and using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa in a medium bowl. Beat 1/3 of the flour mixture, and 1/2 of the buttermilk into the egg mixture. Repeat, ending with the flour mixture. Blend until well incorporated.

For the flan: In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream cheese, eggs and vanilla. Blend on high for 30 seconds.

Scoop the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spreading evenly. Slowly pour the flan mixture over the cake batter. Cover with foil and add about 1-inch of hot water to the roasting pan.

Carefully slide the pan into the oven, and bake 1 hour, until the surface of the cake is firm to the touch, or an inserted toothpick comes out clean. When cake is done, remove from the water bath and cool completely to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Invert a large, rimmed serving platter over the Bundt pan, grasp tightly together, giggle a little and flip over. Remove the pan and scrape any remaining cajeta from the pan onto the cake, garnish with chopped pecans and serve!

Cook's Notes: The batters may appear to mix when you pour them into the pan, but they completely separate while baking, with the flan ending up on the bottom when it's inverted. I like eating it warm, but traditionally, it is chilled 24 hours before serving.

Flan is a rich, creamy, cooked egg custard. It is often flavored with vanilla and baked in a water bath to retain its delicacy.

Cajeta is a thick and creamy spread or paste made with caramelized sugar and milk. It is used as a desert on its own or as a topping. Also known as "dolce de leche," it is sold in many supermarkets, Latin specialty markets or online. It can be substituted with a thick caramel sauce

I found this recipe on the food network, it is courtesy of Marcela Valladolid. This is a link to a video of her making the Cocoflan, http://www.foodnetwork.com/marcelas-chocoflan/video/index.html.

Peach Cobbler

Ingredients

• 9 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter, chilled
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F ( 205 degrees C).
2. Submerge peaches in boiling water for about 1 minute. The amount of time required to make the skin easy to peel varies with the degree of ripeness: if really ripe, it may take less time. Remove peaches with a slotted spoon, and run cold water on them. Slip off the skin. Cut peaches into wedges, and place in either a deep 10 inch pie plate or a 2 inch deep 2 quart baking dish. Toss peaches with lemon juice and 1/2 cup sugar. Cover with foil.
3. Bake 15 minutes, or until the peaches are hot and bubbly
4. Whisk together flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles small peas. Pour buttermilk over top, and toss with a fork until the mixture clumps together. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough over the peaches. In a small cup, mix 2 teaspoons sugar and nutmeg. Sprinkle over biscuits.
5. Bake until biscuits are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Set dish on wire rack to cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Boneless Buffalo Chicken

Serves 4-6

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

(Cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes)

1/2 cup Buttermilk

1 tsp Salt

3/4 cup Frank's Hot Sauce(however hot you like)

1/4 cup Water

1/4 tsp Sugar

1 Tbl Butter

1 1/2 cup Cornstarch

4 Large Egg Whites

1/2 cup Flour

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

4 cup Vegetable Oil

Blue Cheese Dressing

3/4 cup crumbled Stilton Blue Cheese

3/4 cup Mayonnaise

6 Tbl Sour Cream

1 1/2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 tsp Pepper

1/8 tsp Garlic Powder

Combine the chicken, buttermilk and salt in large Ziploc and refrigerate 30 min to 2 hours. Combine hot sauce, water, sugar, butter, and 2 tsp of the cornstarch in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until thickened, about 5 min.

Whisk the egg whites in a shallow dish until foamy. Stir the flour, baking soda, remaining cornstarch, and 6 Tbl of the hot sauce mixture in a shallow dish until the mixture resembles a course meal. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Coat half of the chicken with the egg whites, then dredge in the cornstarch mixture. Transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven(I used a Wok on my stove) over medium high heat until the oil registers 350 degrees. Fry the chicken until golden brown, about 4 min, turning each piece halfway through cooking. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel lined plate.

Warm the remaining hot sauce over medium-low heat until simmering. Combine the chicken and hot sauce mixture in a large bowl and toss to coat.

Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a food processor and process till smooth, scraping down the sides if necessary. Serve.

Roasted Black Bean and Corn Salsa

2 Anaheim peppers
2 jalapeno peppers
2 Serrano peppers
3 cloves garlic
2 T kosher salt
6 Large tomatoes
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1-2 avocados
1 lime

De-seed peppers and roast on a grill or in large sauce pan until 50% brown/black. For spicier salsa, leave seeds in 1 or both jalapeno peppers. Garlic cloves should also be cooked with peppers. In a food processor mix peppers, garlic, and salt until finely chopped. Set 1 tomato aside. De-seed and cook remaining '[tomatoes until skin begins to peel. Chop tomatoes in food processor long enough for them to still be chunky. Add tomatoes to pepper mixture. Add salt to taste. Mix in 1 can of black beans and 1 can of corn. Dice avocado and squeeze lime juice over the top to keep them a bright green color. Dice the uncooked tomato and add to salsa. Gently stir avocado into salsa. If more spice is desired, an additional uncooked jalapeno can be chopped and added.