Flavors we are craving

Okay, I must admit it, today I am CRAVING a pumpkin spice latte.  It's a rainy, somewhat cool day and leaves are slowly floating from the trees to the ground.  It is officially time to bring on the flavors of Fall with pumpkin being at the top of the list.

Here are two of my absolute favorite pumpkin recipes, one savory and one sweet.

photo courtesy of allrecipe.com

Savory:  Pumpkin Curry Soup

ingredients
2 tbs olive oil (or butter)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
salt and pepper
3 cup chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk or 10 oz half & half

to prepare
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the oil over medium high heat. Saute the onion for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and saute for another minute.

Stir in the curry powder, salt and pepper. Cook another minute.

Add broth and pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally, and cook for 15-20 minutes.

Transfer to a food processor or blender (in batches if needed) and puree. Return to the pot and add the evaporated milk. Serve warm with some crusty bread.

photo courtesy of two peas & their pod

Sweet:  Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

ingredients
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mixture of ginger, nutmeg, cloves)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 TBS unsalted butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup chocolate chips (mini or regular)

to prepare
Preheat oven 350 degrees and grease a 9"x5" loaf pan.
Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a bowl, set aside.
Mix together the milk and vanilla in a separate bowl, set aside.
Cream butter and sugars together, about 3-4 minutes.  Add eggs one at a time.  Beat in the pumpkin puree on low until just blended.
Add  to this the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk/vanilla mixture in 2 parts, beating on low speed.  Scrape the bowl down between each addition.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scape batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for about 1 hour, until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.  Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.


Which one do you crave the most?

Lots and lots of Fall goodies coming your way on The Find Auctions this week.  For a sneak peek and for all things Fall, check out our new boards on Pinterest