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“Pumpkin Palooza: Unleashing the Magic of Halloween Delights!

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Unleash the Magic of Pumpkins this Halloween with Angela's Captivating Tips!

Halloween Pumpkins

Angela joined Ginger and Nuts this week and unveiled her most enchanting ‘Top Tips’ to charm your way into an epic Halloween celebration.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerising world of pumpkins and discover a smorgasbord of irresistible treats. 

From the timeless indulgence of Classic Pumpkin Pie to the delightful allure of Spiced Pumpkin Muffins and the irresistible crunch of Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, prepare to be spellbound by the possibilities awaiting you!

LISTEN TO ANGELA’S TOP TIPS

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    ANGELAS TOP TIPS Ginger and Nuts


ANGELA'S CLASSIC PUMPKIN PIE

Angela's Classic Pumpkin Pie
Angela's Classic Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:
(For the busy bees: You can use ready-made shortcrust pastry)

For the pastry:

  • 200g of premium quality plain flour
  • 1 tsp of aromatic ground cinnamon
  • 125g of luscious butter
  • 2 tbsp of delicate icing sugar

For the delectable filling:

  • 180g (6oz) of fine caster sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp of warming ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp of zesty ground ginger
  • ½ tsp of harmonious mixed spice
  • 3 eggs, as fresh as morning dew
  • 450g of tenderly cooked and sieved pumpkin flesh
  • 200ml of velvety double cream

For the indulgent topping:

  • 200ml of heavenly double cream
  • 1 perfectly zestful orange

Method:

  1. Prepare for bliss as you preheat the oven to gas mark 7, 220°C, or fan 200°C.
  2. Begin your culinary masterpiece by blending the flour and cinnamon, creating an aromatic symphony of flavours.
  3. Gracefully rub in the butter and stir in the icing sugar, creating a symphony of smoothness. Add just enough water (about 7 tsp) to create a beautifully stiff dough, ready to be transformed by your touch.
  4. Roll out the pastry with a flourish, crafting it into a size large enough to grace a deep 23cm x 23cm x 5cm pie dish. Pinch the edges of the pastry as if adding an elegant finishing touch. Allow it to chill for 15 minutes, gaining in anticipation.
  5.  Line the pastry with a protective layer of foil and lovingly fill it with the baking beans. Bake blind for 8 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and blossom. Remove the foil and beans, then return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, delicately toasting the edges.
  6. Let your creative spirit take flight as the oven temperature diminishes to a cosy gas mark 3, 150°C or fan 130°C. Combine the pumpkin with the other divine filling ingredients in a heavenly bowl, stirring until all the flavours harmonise perfectly. Pour this exquisite mixture into the awaiting pastry case, then let it bake gracefully in the oven for approximately 1 hour or until the filling is temptingly set. Please leave it to cool, teasing your senses with its captivating aroma.
  7. When pure delight arrives, whip the cream until it reaches the pinnacle of thickness. Like an artist with a brush, delicately spoon it onto the pie, creating small clouds of creamy perfection. Finally, scatter the enchanting orange zest over the pie, bringing a vibrant colour tantalising the eyes and taste buds.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of this irresistible classic pumpkin pie, allowing each bite to transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss. Bon appétit!

ANGELA'S SPICED PUMPKIN MUFFINS

Angela's Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
Angela's Spiced Pumpkin Muffins

Makes 12 Delicious Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 225g of premium quality plain flour
  • 2 tsp of baking powder
  • 1 tbsp of fragrant ground ginger, perfectly balanced with 1 teaspoon of aromatic ground cinnamon
  • 100g of fine caster sugar
  • 50g of soft light brown sugar, lending a delightful moistness
  • 200g of irresistibly smooth pumpkin purée, created by blitzing the pumpkin flesh in a blender for a full minute

Added Goodness:

  • 2 large eggs, providing that essential richness
  • 125g of slightly salted butter, melted to perfection

Instructions:

STEP 1

Indulge your senses by preheating the oven to a delightful 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Prepare a 12-hole muffin tin by lining it with stylish muffin cases. Combine the heavenly trio of flour, baking powder, and a tantalising blend of cinnamon and sugars in a large bowl. Ensure any soft, light brown sugar lumps are lovingly broken up.

STEP 2

Experience pure bliss as you whisk the velvety pumpkin purée and eggs together in a jug. Then, with great anticipation, add this harmonious mixture to the dry ingredients, followed by the melted butter. Using an electric hand whisk, blend these wonderful elements for 1-2 minutes until a state of complete combination is reached.

STEP 3

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as you bake these muffins for 15 minutes, allowing them to turn a luscious golden hue and rise to perfection. Verify their readiness by inserting a skewer, which should emerge flawlessly clean. Gently transfer the muffins to a wire rack, cooling them completely.

Optional Finishing Touches:

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a dusting of icing sugar perfectly infused with a hint of cinnamon or adorn your masterpieces with a smattering of toasted pumpkin seeds.
Storage:

When stored in an airtight container, these magnificent muffins will retain their splendour for up to three days. Savour every moment of their delightful freshness.

Spicy Pumpkin Soup - A Fiery Delight for the Senses!

Spicy Pumpkin Soup
Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Serves approximately 4 people

Serves approximately 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 plump and succulent pumpkin, weighing around 1.5kg to 2 kg – prepared with love and care, its flesh roughly chopped
  • 1 finely chopped onion, adding aromatic depth to every spoonful
  • 2 garlic cloves, perfectly minced for an infusion of rich flavour
  • A tantalising fusion of ground cumin, coriander, ginger, and garam masala – a symphony of spices dancing in harmony
  • For those brave enough to embrace the heat, 1 tsp of chilli flakes adding a fiery kick to the experience. However, should you prefer a more delicate touch, feel free to omit.
  • 900 ml of vegetable stock, the lifeblood that brings the soup to a simmering crescendo
  • 100 ml of double cream or creme freche, poised to add a luscious creaminess to each mouthwatering spoonful
  • A delightful sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, adding a delightful crunch and visual flair, if you so desire. Top it off with a tantalizing swirl of extra cream for an exquisite presentation.

Instructions:

STEP 1:

Prepare for an encounter with pure culinary delight – carefully place the pumpkin flesh into the mighty blades of a food processor. Allow it to dance and whirl for 30 seconds until its texture becomes almost magically smooth. Now, introduce the finely chopped onion, the aromatic garlic, and the magnificent mixture of spices. Whizz again for 30-45 seconds, blending the flavours into a vibrant symphony of taste. Witness this beautiful creation pour into a large pan, like an artist’s masterpiece upon a canvas.

STEP 2:

Prepare for the symphony to reach its climax – pour the warm embrace of vegetable stock over the harmonious blend within the pan, and watch as it awakens to a lively boil. Cover it, allowing the flavours to intertwine and evolve for 15-20 minutes, like a mesmerising ballet upon a simmering stage.

STEP 3:

Prepare to witness the transformation – remove the pan from the heat, and, like a culinary maestro, blend the vibrant mixture until it reaches a state of pure silkiness. Now, return it to the gentle embrace of the heat, allowing it to simmer ever so lightly. With each passing moment, stir in the indulgent cream, allowing it to melt, swirl, and caress the senses. Should the creation overflow with abundance, perform this act with grace and poise, in batches if necessary. Of course, a true artist performs a final taste test to ensure the seasoning is impeccable.

STEP 4:

Prepare to indulge in a sensory symphony – this soup masterpiece is best enjoyed with warm, crusty bread, providing the perfect companion for your culinary journey. As a final touch, sprinkle a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds on top, creating a delightful crunch that tantalises the palate. For those seeking the ultimate sensory experience, add a small swirl of extra cream, like an edible work of art worthy of admiration.

Get ready to be enthralled by this bold and satisfying Spicy Pumpkin Soup – a triumph of flavours that will enchant your taste buds and your heart warmed with every spoonful.

Boldly Delicious Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

  • Succulent pumpkin seeds from 1 large pumpkin
  • 1 tablespoon of premium quality oil
  • A pinch of exquisite salt

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to a satisfyingly warm 180°C.
  2. Immerse your hands in cold water to delicately cleanse and rid the pumpkin seeds of any lingering fibres. It may be meticulous, but the rewards are worth it.
  3. Gently drain the seeds using a refined sieve or colander, thoroughly removing excess moisture with the gentle touch of a paper towel.
  4. Pour your choice of the finest oil – sunflower, vegetable, or a touch of indulgent extra virgin olive oil – onto a tray, ready to enrobe the seeds in a glistening embrace.
  5. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds onto the awaiting baking tray, carefully coating each one in the luxurious oil. Arrange them in a tantalizingly even layer, a perfect canvas for their tanning transformation. Enhance their allure with a sprinkle of salt, elevating their flavour to a new level of decadence.
  6. Transport these golden gems into the preheated oven, where its warmth will embrace them for a mere 10 minutes.
  7. Allow the crunchy delights to cool, inviting you to savour them with an audacious flair. Treat yourself to a captivating cinematic experience, nibbling on these remarkable morsels as you indulge in a thrilling movie. Alternatively, sprinkle these enchanting creations atop your favourite soup, muffins, or pie, transcending your culinary creations into the realm of the extraordinary.

Prepare to be bewitched by the bold and irresistible allure of these toasted pumpkin seeds.

Written by: Kat Y (Ginge)

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