Roasted Apple Bourbon Praline Ice Cream

Who has two thumbs and is really excited about the onset of Fall (even though she spent all last weekend at the beach)? This gal!

Overused phrases aside, I've been wanting to make this ice cream for ages but had to wait until the temperature dipped below 80 degrees to justify turning on the oven. #CaliProbs

This week my prayers for cooler weather were answered and I was finally able to roast up a delightful spiced apple concoction to swirl into my boozy bourbon ice cream. Boozy ice creams are the best for a couple of reasons:

1. They have booze in them! 

2. Alcohol doesn't freeze, so adding a bit of booze ensures a luxurious, velvety smooth and easily scoop-able texture to your ice cream (I always add about a tablespoon or so of vodka to my sorbets for this same reason). Just be sparing, lest you wind up with a melty, un-freezable mess on your hands. Less is more.

A smattering of chopped candied pecans rounds out the recipe perfectly. I tend to enjoy my ice creams without a lot of bits and bobs; call me a purist but normally I'm of the belief that ice cream should not need to be chewed. Rather, it should melt languidly in your mouth, you know? But in this case the pecans add a lovely toasted note that I would miss otherwise, and the finished product is the stuff that Fall inspired ice cream dreams are made of.

A little part of me thinks that I should lock up this recipe in a vault, package it and sell it for $11 a pint and build an ice cream empire on the foundation of this Roasted Apple Bourbon Praline Ice Cream - it's that good. But honestly, it's too yummy not to share, so here you go, my friends. Have at it. I suppose my dreams of world domination via ice cream can wait...

makes about 1 quart

Ingredients

for the roasted apple:

1 large or 2 medium sized apples, peeled cored and finely diced

1 Tbsp. bourbon

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground allspice

for the ice cream:

2 cups half and half

1 cup heavy cream

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cinnamon stick

Pinch of salt

5 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

3-4 Tbsp. bourbon

1/4 cup candied pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add diced apple, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in a medium sized bowl and mix to combine. Transfer to a small baking dish and roast for about 45 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring mixture once or twice throughout cooking process. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly, then transfer to a small food processor and puree until smooth but slightly chunky in texture. Set aside.

2. Bring half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick and salt to a simmer in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep for 20 minutes.

3. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a medium sized bowl until pale and fluffy. Gradually whisk warm cream mixture into yolk mixture, then transfer mixture back into saucepan. Heat over medium low heat, stirring often, until custard thickens and temperature reaches about 170 degrees. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick and stir in heavy cream and bourbon. Transfer into a bowl set over an ice bath or place in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill.

4. Freeze in an ice ream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. After about 10 minutes or when ice cream has partially frozen, gradually add roasted apple mixture and candied pecans, little by little, for a swirl effect. Transfer to a container and freeze until solid.

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Roasted Sweet Potato and Ricotta Flatbread with Arugula + Pomegranate

I catered a 1 year old's birthday party recently, but judging by the array of delicacies I prepared this menu was clearly for the adults. There was beef tenderloin on potato crisps with horseradish creme, smoked salmon on potato cakes with meyer lemon and capers, ahi tartare and more! But one dish in particular rose from the underdog ranks to a sweeping victory: my Roasted Sweet Potato and Ricotta Flatbread.

These humble grilled flatbreads adorned with bright, seasonal colors and flavors were gobbled up at an alarmingly faster rate than their fancier counterparts, and I can see why...it was one of those instances where all the ideal flavors and textures are perfectly aligned in one bite; the warm, chewy flatbread accented with char and flecks of fresh thyme. The rich, creamy ricotta balanced by a juicy burst of pomegranate juice. The softness and caramelization of roasted sweet potato challenged by a crisp, peppery note from the arugula. Not to mention those perfect jewel-toned fall colors jumping out at you from the hours d'oeuvres tray- who could resist??

makes 3-4 flatbreads
Ingredients
for the flatbread:
1 pkg. active yeast
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. fresh thyme
3/4 cup water
1 tsp. olive oil

for the toppings:
1 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch dice
1/2 cup ricotta
1 cup arugula
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
salt and pepper

Instructions
1. In the bowl of a food processor combine the yeast, sugar, flour, salt and thyme. Pulse to combine. Add the water in a steady stream until the dough forms into a ball. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
2. Coat a bowl with 1 tsp. olive oil, place dough in bowl and cover with a dishtowel. Leave to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, toss sweet potato with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, spread in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet and roast in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once with a spatula. Set aside.
4. When the dough has doubled in size, punch down and knead lightly into a smooth ball. Cut dough into 3-4 pieces and with a rolling pin roll into 6 inch long roughly shaped rectangles.
5. Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. When grill is hot add flatbreads and cook about 1-2 minutes each side (do not flip until bubbles begin to form on surface). Remove from heat when bread begins to puff.
6. Brush flatbreads with remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Evenly divide ricotta and sweet potato amongst each flatbread, season with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet. Heat in a 400 degree oven for a few minutes until ricotta is warm. Remove from oven and scatter flatbreads with arugula and pomegranate seeds. Cut into squares or slices and serve immediately.

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Pumpkin Pie Truffles

Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of this candy-crazed holiday I present to you a sweet treat that's not only appropriate for Halloween but would also be wonderful to serve at Thanksgiving, which is scarily sneaking up on us...

How adorable would these pumpkin pie truffles look at the dessert table?

I love making truffles because you can pack a whole bunch of flavor into a tiny bite-sized treat. Perfect if you are watching your waistline and don't want to indulge in a whole slice (or 3) of pie, but still want to satisfy that sweet tooth. These truffles contain all the pumpkin pie goodness your heart desires in one little bite- the creamy pumpkin filling, the warm Fall spices, even the graham crackers! They're all in there, enrobed in a decadent coating of chocolate. Mmmmm...

makes about 18 truffles

Ingredients

1/2 cup white chocolate, chopped

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs, plus 1 tbsp

1 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1 tbsp powdered sugar

6 oz chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Melt white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 45 seconds, then in 15 second intervals, until completely melted.

2. In a food processor, combine white chocolate, pumpkin puree, 2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese and powdered sugar. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill mixture for at least 2 hours.

3. Roll the chilled mixture into 1 inch balls, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for about 15 minutes.

4. Melt chocolate in a double boiler. When chocolate has melted, dip truffles into chocolate using a fork or toothpicks and return to baking sheet. Immediately garnish with reserved graham cracker crumbs and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

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Salted Caramel Apple Chips

I'm taking a break from the "pumpkin flavored everything" madness that is October to bring you something different. But fear not, pumpkin fans, I'll be back in a few days with another recipe starring everyone's favorite rotund orange squash. For the time being, feast your eyes on the yummy gorgeousness of these Salted Caramel Apple Chips! 

Baked apple chips are a great healthy snack, but why not let yourself splurge a little and add a bit of salted caramel to the mix? This would be great to set out as an after school snack- and score some serious cool points with the kiddos! Or tuck small portions into treat bags tied with pretty baker's twine to hand out to friends and co-workers....again, racking up the cool points all over the place. 

Ingredients

2 apples

1/4 cup homemade or store bought caramel sauce
1-2 tsp Maldon sea salt

Instructions
1. Heat oven to 225 degrees.
2. Slice apples 1/8 of an inch in thickness using a mandolin slicer and place in a single layer on parchment lined baking sheets.
3. Gently warm caramel in a heatproof bowl in 10 second intervals until softened.
4. Using a pastry brush, brush caramel over the top of one half of each apple slice.
5. Bake in the oven for approximately 2 hours, checking after 1 hour and removing when apple slices begin to brown. Apple slices will begin to crisp up as they cool.
6. Sprinkle lightly with salt before serving.

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Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie

I love starting my day with a protein shake for an instant dose of energy and nutrients, but lately my repertoire has been feeling a little stale. My faithful chocolate protein powder-banana-peanut butter-almond milk combo is getting tired. I needed to shake things up a bit, so imagine my delight when the inspiration struck to create a recipe that combines the health benefits of a protein shake with the flavors of everyone's favorite seasonal coffee drink!

The thing I love most about this Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie is that it contains 50 fewer calories than a tall pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks while packing in far more health benefits. This delicious beverage is not only high in protein, but also a good source of potassium, fiber and omega 3's. And those warming spices are not just there to enhance flavor- cinnamon, nutmeg and fresh ginger are known to boost immunity, aid in digestion, prevent inflammation and reduce fatigue and stress. So drink up!

makes 1 smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 cup sliced frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ground flaxseed

Instructions
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and additional ground cinnamon (optional).

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Vegan Linguine with Chipotle Pumpkin Cream Sauce + Giveaway!

If you have ever purchased a can of chipotles in adobo for a recipe only to use one or two peppers and leave the remainder sitting in the can in the back of your fridge indefinitely, you're not alone- I'm right there with you. The smoked, dried jalapeño peppers pack such a flavorful punch that you'll rarely ever need an entire can for one dish, so the rest sadly often goes to waste. But this conundrum is now solved with an ingenious product I recently discovered called Olo's Chipotle Paste.

Similar to the tubes of tomato paste you may already be familiar with- because who ever uses a whole can of tomato paste in one fell swoop, really- all natural pureed chipotle is packed in a resealable aluminum tube for a practically everlasting shelf life. And the fine paste consistency conveniently allows you to skip the step of seeding and mincing your chipotles, a worthwhile advantage in my opinion. 

I was eager to play around with my new find, so when I came across this recipe from fellow food blogger Stefanie at Sarcastic Cooking I knew I had to recreate it. Her Fall-inspired chipotle pumpkin linguine is unique and and comforting, and you would never know that it's a vegan dish from the looks of it, or the taste! I adapted it only slightly by adding a touch of agave syrup at the end; I think the hint of sweetness is the perfect thing to balance the smoky spice of the chipotle. 

Definitely give this recipe a try- it would be brilliant as a vegetarian main course with fresh sautéed veggies added to it (think zucchini, tomatoes corn or peppers), or wonderful as a side dish alongside pan seared chicken or a roasted pork tenderloin.

Olo Foods was kind enough to send me a tube of their All Natural Chipotle Paste to give away so that you can make this and many other chipotle recipes of your own at home! To enter this giveaway, complete the following steps:

1. Leave a comment below telling me what you would make with Olo's Chipotle Paste!

2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Add me on Facebook. 

I'll announce a winner via Facebook on November 1st. Good luck!

adapted from Sarcastic Cooking
serves 2
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp-1tbsp chipotle paste (or canned chipotle in adobo)
3/4 cup pureed pumpkin
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tsp agave syrup
4  oz dried linguine pasta
2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
Salt, to taste

Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add linguine. Cook until pasta is al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chipotle paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add pumpkin puree and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in almond milk until well incorporated and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few more minutes until sauce is thickened and remove from heat. Add agave and season with salt.
4. Toss pasta with sauce and top with pumpkin seeds and cilantro.

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Greek Yogurt Cheesecake with Apple Streusel Topping

I am utterly and completely in a Fall state of mind- I know, technically I'm a few days early, but as soon as I picked up my Pumpkin Cupcake candles from Bath & Body Works I promptly bid adieu to Summer and started daydreaming about breaking out my chunky riding boots and cozy sweaters...now if only the sunny Santa Barbara weather would cooperate with my wardrobe preferences.

As we transition into this cooler season I find myself looking forward to infusing my dishes with all of the wonderful flavors of Fall. Warm, comforting and full of spices, Autumn recipes are among my all-time favorites to make.

So I'm officially kicking off the season with an irresistible recipe for an apple, caramel and streusel topped cheesecake! But this is not just any cheesecake, people. This one is no-bake (which I love- just set it and forget it!) and features a tangy, fluffy hint of greek yogurt. It's just the thing to lighten up this otherwise decadent dessert.

I came across this recipe in a winter issue of Bon Appetit last year and have made it many times for clients in its original incantation featuring pomegranate syrup. This time, however, I wanted to give it an autumnal makeover, and with the addition of caramelized apples, notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, crunchy baked streusel topping and an indulgent drizzle of caramel sauce, well...let's just say I may or may not be bundled up in a thick knit sweater, snacking on a slice of this cheesecake with a pumpkin candle burning as I type this! Enjoy!

adapted from Bon Appetit
Ingredients

for the crust:

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar

for the filling:

2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
1 1/2 lbs cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

for the apple streusel: 

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
1 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp butter, divided
2 tbsp sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup homemade or store bought caramel sauce

Instructions
1. Coat bottom and sides of pan with nonstick spray. Line bottom with a parchment-paper round. Using your fingertips, mix crust ingredients in a medium bowl until mixture holds together when pinched. Pack onto bottom of pan in an even layer. Chill until firm, at least 1 hour.
2. Place gelatin and 1 1/2 tablespoon cold water in a heatproof bowl. Let stand until softened, 5-10 minutes.
3. Pulse cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until completely smooth.
4. Pour water to a depth of 1/2-inch into a small skillet over medium heat. Place bowl with gelatin in skillet; stir until gelatin dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove bowl from skillet. With processor running, drizzle gelatin into cream cheese mixture; mix until well blended.
5. Pour into prepared crust. Tap pan firmly on the counter to break up any big air bubbles. Smooth top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 6 hours before serving.
6. In a small bowl, stir together apples, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice. Add 1 tablespoon butter to a skillet and melt over medium heat. Add apples and sugar and stir to coat. Sauté until apples begin to caramelize, about 6 minutes. Set aside to cool.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix brown sugar, flour, oats and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a bowl with fingers until coarse lumps form. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread in an even layer. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then crumble mixture.
8. To serve, gently remove cheesecake from springform pan and top with apples, streusel and caramel sauce.

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Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Whiskey Buttercream

These whoopie pies are the perfect sweet treats- full of Fall flavors. I dropped them off at my boyfriend's office and they were literally gone within seconds! The cookies have a wonderfully moist, cake-like consistency and the maple whiskey frosting is so elegant and impresive. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to make! Make the cookie batter first, and while they are baking you can quickly whip up the filling. I opted to sprinkle some crushed candied pecans on top for that extra special touch, but leaving them plain would be just as delicious!

Ingredients
For cookie-cakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tspground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For filling:
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tbsp whiskey
1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions
For cookie-cakes:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
2. Whisk together sugar, oil, pumpkin, egg, and vanilla in a separate large bowl until well combined, then stir in flour mixture. Using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop or tablespoon measure, drop a scant scoop's worth of batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake until springy to the touch, 12 to 18 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.

For filling:
1. While cookie-cakes are baking, beat cream cheese, butter, and salt in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar, whiskey and maple syrup and mix on low speed until smooth.
2. Chill filling until firm enough to hold its shape when spread, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Assemble whoopie pies:
1. Spread 1 heaping tablespoon of filling each on flat side of half the cooled cookie-cakes, then top with other half of cookie-cakes.
2. If necessary, chill whoopie pies just long enough to firm up filling again, about 30 minutes.

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