Vermont Magazine Fall 2019 | Page 78

Fall’s Finest Flavor W Advice from baking experts on the very best pumpkin recipes hen the heat of summer fi nally fades, we look forward to the crisp feeling of cool fall eve- nings. Th e chill in the air means baking season is beginning in earnest. Lower temperatures are as good a reason as any to start our ovens and fi ll our kitchens with the scent of melted butter, sugar, and spices. But there’s an even more compelling reason why bakers await autumn so eagerly: pumpkin. Of all the ingredients that fi ll the farmers market in late September and onwards, pumpkin is one of the iconic harbingers of the season. Earthy and fl avorful, pumpkin can shine equally in sweet and savory recipes. It’s robust enough to partner with a slew of fragrant spices, like the now-classic “pumpkin spice blend” of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Over at King Arthur Flour, our test kitchens are busier than ever in the fall. Every surface is dusted with fl our, cutting boards are covered in scraps of pie dough, and tins of sugar stand at the ready. As the holidays approach, our phones ring off the hook: customers call and message us nonstop with their baking queries and dilemmas. 80 76 VERMONT VERMONT magazine Magazine FALL 2019 We love answering every question, whether it’s about making a fl akier pie crust or troubleshooting a molasses cookie recipe. Guiding bakers in the kitchen by off ering tips and gently providing expertise to bolster their confi dence is one of our greatest joys—and our mission. But our favorite question of all? Recipe inspiration! Everyone wants to make the perfect pumpkin recipe for fall, and we’re happy to weigh in. Our classic pumpkin pie—spicy and rich with a lusciously smooth fi lling—is a perennial favorite in our kitchens. Harvest pumpkin scones come together in a snap, and freeze beautifully so you can pull them out and bake them at a moment’s notice for warm breakfasts on cold days. For an easy and quick breakfast, our pumpkin pancakes are on heavy rotation; we add pumpkin to a basic batter for a seasonal twist that adds both fl avor and a beautiful golden color. With so many options, it’s impossible to go wrong. Pick any pumpkin recipe and get ready to savor a taste of the season, from scratch.