From the Pumpkin Patch to the Apple Festival on a crisp October day in Vancouver - what a great way to spend a Sunday.Although I adore summer with its farmers' markets full of wonderful local fruit, I can't help looking forward to this fantastic time of year, and all the delicious dishes I can make from our personal harvest of pumpkins and apples.
If you're off to the pumpkin patch too this year (even if it's the 'patch' at your local grocer's) pick up an extra pumpkin or two and try making some simple but fabulous Roasted Pumpkin Salad.
De-shell and de-seed your pumpkin. Chop it into thick pieces. Roast your pumpkin pieces off with olive oil and a little salt & pepper for about 20 minutes, and then allow them to cool. Next, just bind your pumpkin chunks gently with fresh spinach, balsamic, olive oil and a bit of sugar. Top off with some crumbled goats' cheese and lemon zest - and presto! You have a healthy but wonderful dish to enjoy on its own, or alongside grilled chicken. And it's so simple - you can carve a few Jack O'Lanterns while you're at it!
Now that you've had such a healthy main dish, you deserve a little indulgence. And this recipe from Epicurious for a Pumpkin Creme Brulee will certainly provide that! (But don't panic about the 20 egg yolks - this recipe makes creme brulee for 14 people so you can always cut it back).
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Creme-Brulee-15534
Enjoy your pumpkins and maybe your visit to the Patch. But don't forget your boots!
Richard
