Many weeks ago, at dinner, I asked the kids’ what kind of pie they would like for Thanksgiving dessert. My teenager began with I don’t know… then was quickly interrupted by his younger brother, Michael who chuckled, then blurted out, I want pumpkin pie (for those of you new here, Michael, 12, has a twin, Ely, they both have the neurological disorder autism with moderate expressive language.). We all looked at each other, shocked. Then Ely chimed in, with perfect eye contact, to say I want apple pie cake. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I know it doesn’t sound like anything much, but for us, these moments are a big deal. You see, Michael and Ely don’t usually take part in group conversation, so to help with this we prompt speech or sound out the first letter of the word in conversation. It was another glimmer of hope that we are getting through, we are breaking through, more so every day (we, as in my husband and me. I could never manage it all without him.).
Pumpkin Pecan Muffins (gluten free, grain free, soy free, vegan)
Before I dive into Thanksgiving recipes here, I had to share this pumpkin pecan muffin recipe with you. In prior years this recipe may have been with fresh roasted pumpkins that I would have happily scooped out and used during the season, then froze plenty more for the rest of the year; not so this year with life going full speed ahead with IEP’s, health insurance appeals, new treatments on our journey, and me trying to get my adrenals back in shape (they fell way low right under my stressed-out nose) but all THAT wasn’t going to sway me from making these delectable muffins or Thanksgiving (got so much in store for you this year!).
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Cake (gluten free, grain free, dairy free, soy free, vegan)
The past few weeks have been pretty much about recipe testing without the use of grains, now that we are giving a grain-free diet a try, in addition to gluten, dairy, soy and some other foods free. It’s like starting all over again, reminding me of all the recipe testing in hopes to replace all the pantry staples we have clung on to, eight years ago.
Grain Free Pumpkin Butter Waffles with Maple Cinnamon Glaze
Even though we are all well past pumpkin, I’m boldly (gasp) reprising its role despite all the gingerbread and eggnog in the air.
My love of waffles is obvious – gingerbread, pumpkin spice, vanilla bacon, (posted so long ago using my iPhone 4 (yes, really) to which the photos don’t do any justice), and savory cornbread ones with fried chicken (another vintage recipe), it’s no wonder I’m inspired to try new waffle recipes.
Pumpkin Sweet Potato Pie with Maple
Thanksgiving is almost here! You didn’t think I forgot about the most important part, did you? Never. I’m usually thinking about pies before anything else. Gosh, do I have a major crush on pie as you can tell looking through my dessert recipes. If you love pie as much as I do and have a soft spot for pumpkin, in particular, then goodness is this going to make you squeal with delight.
Homemade Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin butter has been my go-to the past week … post run breakfast sandwich with almond butter and pears (as seen here), stirred into oatmeal with some pecans, mixed into coconut yogurt with chia seeds, or shmeared along with jelly or sliced apples for the kids school lunches. By Friday, I realized I’ve made this six times since last year and haven’t shared it with you yet.
Chocolate Fudge Bats + Pumpkin Spice Brownie Milkshake
I’ve been thinking about chocolate.
Not chocolate bar chocolate, more like chunk-of-fudge chocolate to dig my teeth into. Not something easily attained, as you know, when gluten, dairy, and soy free. So when I saw this fudge recipe last week on Alisa’s Go Dairy Free blog I thought this just may be what my fudge tooth is looking for.
Pumpkin Alfredo Chicken Skillet Pasta
As much as Target and Pinterest remind me that fall season has been here for two weeks now, I need to actually see piles of those charming pumpkins before I get into the fall season. Only then do I start thinking about hearty, comforting foods and oh yes, the scent of pumpkin spice in the air. It’s been too long.
Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
I find Thanksgiving day always seems to get a bit tense in the last hour before getting everything on the table. Timing all the dishes to come out at once, last minute prep, and everyone coming into the kitchen asking the age old question “Is it ready yet?” or poking their fingers in the pies, hoping to get a sneak-preview taste. Spotted!
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
With all there is to do when planning and preparing a Thanksgiving meal, it can be a daunting, stressful experience for some. I get it. My next adapted recipe from the Williams Sonoma catalog is an easy, no bake cheesecake.
Because when you do go to the town bakery, or the health food store looking for something delicious that’s gluten free, dairy free, AND soy free … well there usually isn’t anything. And then add egg free or vegan to the mix, and your chances of finding a tasty prepared dessert are slim to none. And if there is a cake or pie, it usually costs a small fortune. Some rural areas don’t even know what gluten free is – I’ve gone through that before when looking for a treat at a grocery store! Yes, really.