Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

Keep Fall Fresh with a DIY Pumpkin Spice Mix

Pumpkin spice is basically autumn’s biggest celebrity—move over, sweater weather! When the air turns crisp, it shows up everywhere: lattes, candles, cookies, even dog treats. But instead of grabbing a pre-mixed jar at the store, you can whip up a fresher, more fragrant version at home. Bonus: you get to […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Keep it Simple with Pumpkin Purée

Despite the abundance of pumpkin-flavored foods at every turn, we spend surprisingly little time handling actual pumpkins. After all, as proponents of “homemade is best,” an apple pie starts with apples, a cherry pie starts with cherries. But a pumpkin pie starts with…a can of pumpkin purée? Using prepared pumpkin […]

Cakes, Desserts

Pumpkin Date Cake with Maple Caramel Sauce

Makes 8 to 12 servings This cake is a cross between sticky toffee pudding and a fluffy pumpkin snacking cake. It is lightly spiced, spongy and moist, and best when bathed in maple caramel sauce. Leftover sauce should be refrigerated and lightly heated before serving. Substitute about 2 teaspoons of […]

Desserts

Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

Makes 6 servings This recipe combines the classic crème brûlée with the popular pumpkin spice flavor we all know and love (especially in lattes!). Don’t let its reputation as a high-end dessert fool you—crème brûlée is actually not too difficult to make! In fact, baking and pastry students learn to […]