Pumpkin Cake: a soft, fragrant Italian classic, perfect for Thanksgiving or a cozy autumn snack. This delightful cake stays moist and tender for days, thanks to fresh pureed pumpkin. Butter-free and light, it features crushed almonds and a hint of orange zest for an irresistible aroma and flavor.
Pumpkin Cake: a soft, fragrant Italian classic, perfect for Thanksgiving or a cozy autumn snack. This delightful cake stays moist and tender for days, thanks to fresh pureed pumpkin. Butter-free and light, it features crushed almonds and a hint of orange zest for an irresistible aroma and flavor.
7oz / 2 cupsraw pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cubed
¼cupvegetable oil
½cuporange juice, from one orange
3largeeggs, whites and yolks separated
½cupgranulated sugar
2teaspoonsgrated orange zest
1teaspoonvanilla extract
4oz / ¾ cup all-purpose flour
2oz / ¼ cup cup almond flour
1teaspoonbaking powder
¼teaspoonfine sea salt
powdered sugar for dusting
Servings: slices
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 340°F. Prepare a 10-inch nonstick Bundt cake pan by lightly coating it with non-stick vegetable oil spray.
Pumpkin Purée: In a blender purée the cubed raw pumpkin with the vegetable oil and orange juice until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Whip the Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks with a hand-held mixer fitted with a whisk.
Prepare the Yolks: Fit the stand in mixer with a paddle attachment and beat the egg yolks with sugar, grated orange zest, and vanilla until creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Add pumpkin purée to the creamed yolk mixture and stir to combine.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring from the bottom up to keep it light and airy.
Add the Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in 3 batches by hand.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Cool and Decorate: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Recipe Notes
Variations:
Pumpkin and Chocolate Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle the finished cake with a melted dark chocolate glaze.
Pumpkin and Amaretti Cake: Substitute the almond flour with crushed amaretti cookies for a unique Italian flavor twist.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — "MILK AND VINEGAR WHOLE TURKEY BREAST ROAST is a variation on a classic, inspired by Maiale al Latte, a dish from Emilia Romagna featuring pork and milk. Traditionally, the milk is curdled with lemon and spiked with herbs. As the milk caramelizes, it tenderizes the pork, imparting a deep, nutty flavor to the meat. It is a dish that represents comfort and economic sensibility, making it a perfect choice for a Sunday family meal.
My mom adapted the recipe and used a whole turkey breast. It was one of our favorite roasts growing up. She used white vinegar instead of lemon for a less acidic taste. As the caramelized milk reduces, it separates into extremely delicious curds and the sauce it's infused with the vinegar and the herbs. The luscious curds add a delightful texture to the sauce. Each spoonful tells a story of the slow-cooked love. It’s sweet and sour and tender, and what I make at thanksgiving almost every year. We serve it with sautéed mushrooms and lot’s of fresh chopped parsley.
It's a dish that transcends generations, a culinary journey that started in my mom’s kitchen and found a special place on our American Thanksgiving table, reminding us that traditions, when embraced with love, can evolve into something truly extraordinary.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — "MILK AND VINEGAR WHOLE TURKEY BREAST ROAST is a variation on a classic, inspired by Maiale al Latte, a dish from Emilia Romagna featuring pork and milk. Traditionally, the milk is curdled with lemon and spiked with herbs. As the milk caramelizes, it tenderizes the pork, imparting a deep, nutty flavor to the meat. It is a dish that represents comfort and economic sensibility, making it a perfect choice for a Sunday family meal.
My mom adapted the recipe and used a whole turkey breast. It was one of our favorite roasts growing up. She used white vinegar instead of lemon for a less acidic taste. As the caramelized milk reduces, it separates into extremely delicious curds and the sauce it's infused with the vinegar and the herbs. The luscious curds add a delightful texture to the sauce. Each spoonful tells a story of the slow-cooked love. It’s sweet and sour and tender, and what I make at thanksgiving almost every year. We serve it with sautéed mushrooms and lot’s of fresh chopped parsley.
It's a dish that transcends generations, a culinary journey that started in my mom’s kitchen and found a special place on our American Thanksgiving table, reminding us that traditions, when embraced with love, can evolve into something truly extraordinary.
Extra fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper to season, plus one teaspoon white vinegar
chopped italian parsley to garnish
Servings: people
Instructions
Season the boneless turkey breast. Rub the salt and pepper evenly all over the roast. Set it aside. Heat the olive oil in a 10 - x 4-inch-deep Dutch oven or similar pot, large enough to hold the roast. Brown the meat on all sides over medium-low heat; this will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.
In the same pot add the onion and scrape the bottom of the pot. Lower the heat and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and stir. Meanwhile tie all the herbs together with kitchen twine. Place the herb bundle with the onions and stir.
Add the vinegar and cook for a few minutes scraping the bottom and making sure not to burn the onions. Add the Turkey breast back in to the pot.
Slowly pour in the milk and the stock almost to cover the roast. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for about 1 hour and half to two hours. As the roast cooks the milk will start to coagulate.
When the meat is cooked, remove it to a board and let it cool. Remove the twine, wrap the roast in aluminum foil and place it aside.
Return the pot on the stove to a medium heat. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half and thickened. Discard the herb.
Taste and add seasoning if needed and one teaspoon vinegar. Reduce for a few extra minutes.
Cut the breast into 1/4-inch slices and return them to the pot. Slowly heat the meat in the sauce until hot and serve immediately with a lot of chopped parsley.
Recipe Notes
Note: You can make the roast in a Instapot. Follow the recipe until the resting step. Set the Instapot to an hour. Turn off the pressure cooker. Quick-release pressure and proceed with the sauce reduction.
Using tongs, remove the pork to a serving platter. Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Turn on the sauté setting (on the “more” or hot setting, if you have it), and bring the milk to a rolling boil. Let the milk boil until it is reduced by about half and has darkened to a golden caramel color, about 20 minutes.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — If you're searching for a side dish that steals the spotlight, look no further. Allow me to introduce you to my Pear and Brioche Stuffing. It sparks an annual battle for seconds at my Thanksgiving table. This stuffing isn't just ordinary; it's a a perrect blend of flavors and textures. Imagine luscious pears, buttery brioche, sweet sausage, and the rich, nutty essence of chestnuts blending harmoniously. As they bake, these ingredients transform into a savory, eggy bread pudding that elevates your Thanksgiving feast to new heights. Trust me, one batch is never enough. The first time I served this stuffing, it disappeared in the blink of an eye. Since then, I've learned my lesson. Now, I triple the recipe every year.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — If you're searching for a side dish that steals the spotlight, look no further. Allow me to introduce you to my Pear and Brioche Stuffing. It sparks an annual battle for seconds at my Thanksgiving table. This stuffing isn't just ordinary; it's a a perrect blend of flavors and textures. Imagine luscious pears, buttery brioche, sweet sausage, and the rich, nutty essence of chestnuts blending harmoniously. As they bake, these ingredients transform into a savory, eggy bread pudding that elevates your Thanksgiving feast to new heights. Trust me, one batch is never enough. The first time I served this stuffing, it disappeared in the blink of an eye. Since then, I've learned my lesson. Now, I triple the recipe every year.
4tablespoons(½ stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1cupcup yellow onions, finely chopped
1cupcup celery, chopped finely
3mediumripe pears, each peeled, cored and sectioned in 8 pieces
1 lbsweet Italian sausage meat
1 tbspcognac
1cupchestnuts, cooked and peeled
2cupsroom temperature stock (such as vegetable, turkey, or chicken)
2largeeggs, lightly beaten
4tbspfinely chopped mixed herbs, such as fresh sage, thyme and rosemary
Fine sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Servings: people
Instructions
Cut brioche loaf into ¾-inch cubes and place on a lined baking sheet. Allow to dry in a low oven at 220°F or overnight at room temperature. Once dry, you will have about 2 cups total. Transfer bread to very large mixing bowl and raise oven temperature to 350°F.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan. Add the onion, celery and pears and cook until soft, about 8 minutes.
In a medium pan, melt the remaining butter and add the sausage, cooking gently until browned, about 6 minutes. Add the cognac and cook for a few minutes. Combine the contents of both pans into the bowl with the diced brioche and add in the chestnuts and stock. It’s very important to try not to break the pears and brioche. Season with salt to taste and then gently fold in the eggs. Add the herbs, spices and pepper and mix one final time.
Place evenly in a 9-by-13-inch greased baking dish and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up and hot throughout.
Recipe Notes
Can be made 2 days ahead and reheated before serving.
Recipe By Silvia Baldini — Elevate your comfort food game with this vibrant sweet potato soup. This delightful blend of wholesome ingredients makes it a breeze to prepare. Loaded with sweet potatoes, this soup brings a wealth of vitamins and nutrients. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also nourishes your body with every spoonful. Infused with the perfect blend of red curry and ginger, this soup adds a delightful touch of warmth to keep you cozy and satisfied. To tie it all together, I have incorporated coconut milk, giving the soup a luxurious and velvety texture. It's the secret ingredient that elevates this dish to a whole new level of comfort. Warm your soul and treat your taste buds to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Recipe By Silvia Baldini — Elevate your comfort food game with this vibrant sweet potato soup. This delightful blend of wholesome ingredients makes it a breeze to prepare. Loaded with sweet potatoes, this soup brings a wealth of vitamins and nutrients. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also nourishes your body with every spoonful. Infused with the perfect blend of red curry and ginger, this soup adds a delightful touch of warmth to keep you cozy and satisfied. To tie it all together, I have incorporated coconut milk, giving the soup a luxurious and velvety texture. It's the secret ingredient that elevates this dish to a whole new level of comfort. Warm your soul and treat your taste buds to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Heat the oil in a large lidded saucepan, add the onion, the leek and garlic, cover and sweat for 10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
Stir in the ginger and curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add the sweet potatoes, stock and coconut milk. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potato is soft.
Cool sightly before blending until smooth and creamy. You may need to add a little more stock to achieve the right consistently. Season to taste and re-heat gently.
Serve in warmed bowls with a dash of fresh ginger and lime zest on top.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — The only way to cook a large turkey to perfection is to break it down and braise it slowly, until the meat is juicy and flavorful. A long and slow braise leaves the turkey legs moist and tender. The wine, vegetables and herbs cook down with the stock and the turkey juices leaving you with the perfect gravy foundation. Braising is a foolproof, hands-off and simple cooking method. You save time and you will not run the danger of overcooking or undercooking the turkey legs.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — The only way to cook a large turkey to perfection is to break it down and braise it slowly, until the meat is juicy and flavorful. A long and slow braise leaves the turkey legs moist and tender. The wine, vegetables and herbs cook down with the stock and the turkey juices leaving you with the perfect gravy foundation. Braising is a foolproof, hands-off and simple cooking method. You save time and you will not run the danger of overcooking or undercooking the turkey legs.
Preheat the oven at 325°F
Season the turkey legs and wings generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large casserole (4 quarts works well). Brown the legs and wings evenly on all sides. Start the legs skin side down and work your way around. Transfer to a plate.
Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic to the casserole. Cook on medium heat stirring, until evenly browned and caramelized. 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the wine and scrape the brown bits and pieces from bottom of the pan. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and stir. Add the stock and stir.
Place the legs and wings back in casserole into the wine, stock and vegetable mixture. The liquid should cover ¾ of the legs leaving the top skin exposed.
Cover with a lid and transfer into the hot oven. Cook for about 2 hours or until the meat is fork tender and the skin is a deep even brown color.
Remove the legs and wings with a slotted spoon and set aside, keep warm covered with foil.
Strain the liquid into a large bowl. Discard the solids, skim the fat from the liquid. In a medium saucepan melt the butter, add the flour and mix on slow/medium heat until lightly brown.
Slowly add the strained liquid from the braise, whisking constantly until it’s all incorporated. Add a few sprigs of thyme. Bring to a boil, add a splash of red wine then lower to a simmer stirring occasionally and reduce until the gravy is thick and smooth. Adjust for seasoning and discard the thyme.
When ready to serve carve the legs on a board. Place on a serving platter. Warm the gravy and place in a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with the turkey legs and wings.
Recipe Notes
Notes: You can braise the legs and make the gravy a day or two before your meal.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — This buttery, fluffy dish is a favorite at my table. My son has become the master of the corn pudding and makes it every Thanksgiving. It’s a very easy recipe and it works great in summer or as a luscious side dish in fall and winter.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — This buttery, fluffy dish is a favorite at my table. My son has become the master of the corn pudding and makes it every Thanksgiving. It’s a very easy recipe and it works great in summer or as a luscious side dish in fall and winter.
8tablespoons(1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
1mediumyellow onion, finely chopped
1cupwhole milk
1cupcream
4large eggs, lightly beaten
4tablespoonsgranulated sugar
¼teaspoonsweet paprika
1tablespoonfine sea salt
¾tablespoonfresh ground black pepper
5cupsfresh corn kernels cut off the cob, (from about 6 to 8 ears), or 5 cups frozen corn
Servings: people
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the inside of an 7-by-11-inch baking dish.
Melt one tablespoon of butter. Cook the onions until translucent. Set aside.
Melt 7 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Butter the inside of a 7-by-11-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cream. Add the cooked onions with the melted butter, sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, corn kernels. Mix gently until combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Fold a thin kitchen towel in half and place in the bottom of the large baking dish (see Notes). Transfer the dish with the corn into the center of the larger one. Fill the larger dish with hot tap water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the inner one. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top begins to brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Carefully remove from the oven and lift out the inner dish. Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
You can add 1 cup of sharp Cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking for extra flavor.
The kitchen towel will keep the inner baking dish from sliding around as you move it to and from the oven.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I adapted this recipe from an original version by Claudia Roden. I enjoy making this delicious and creamy soup often and my whole family loves it.
Recipe by Silvia Baldini — I adapted this recipe from an original version by Claudia Roden. I enjoy making this delicious and creamy soup often and my whole family loves it.
1largeorange pumpkin, such as Cherokee Bush or Cinderella (about 3 to 3 ½ lb)
2lbYukon Gold potatoes, peeled and roughly cubed
12cups(3 quarts) milk, stock, or water
2tablespoonsgranulated sugaroptional
1/2cupapple cideror apple juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
1cupsour cream (optional)
Servings: people
Instructions
Peel the pumpkin and roughly cut into 1 ½-inch chunks. Toss the cubes in a large pot with the potatoes, milk and sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper, keeping the right balance of salt and sugar. Each pumpkin is different and the taste varies. I like to start with a little of each, taste, and then add more later if necessary.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Add the the apple cider and the nutmeg. Cook, partially covered over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin and potatoes are very soft. Stir from time to time to make sure the milk is not burning at the bottom of the pot.
Remove the pot from the heat and use a potato masher to mash the potato and pumpkin chunks until smooth. Taste and add salt, pepper, and sugar if necessary. Return the pot to low heat until warmed through.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Pass the sour cream around and let guest help themselves to a dollop.
My mother taught me how to use a knife and prep at a young age. I started helping her in the kitchen when I was 5 or 6. I would peel potatoes, carrots and apples for her. I shelled peas and beans, chopped herbs, I stirred sauces and I coated baking pans for her cakes. She was very adamant I should not waste anything. I had to learn to scrape the flesh from the peel of an apple and to squeeze a lemon till the last drop. While I prepped, my mother would cook and bond with me. Those were precious years where I learned mothers have infinite patience, women have been working for no money in the kitchen for years, and a savvy cook must know how to use and finish everything she buys to cook for the family. Zero waste cooking, scrap cooking, frugal gourmet, it’s what thrifty and smart women have done for century. I believe the ability to use all parts of produce, reinvent leftovers, not only reheat them in to a chewy microwave blob, repurpose everyday food scraps into useful ingredients, it’s what separates a real cook from the pretender.
Since we never threw away anythings, stale bread turned in to useful bread crumbs and crunchy crostini; used vanilla pods were saved in glass jars to scent sugar and baking powder; the rendered fat from the pancetta was reserved for frying delicious potatoes; we even kept espresso grounds in an air tight container to get rid of odors and to keep ants away. I believe cooking with scraps is a must not only for the thrifty but also our obligation to our enormously abused planet.
In the next couple of weeks I’ll be sharing some of my favorite frugal tips and recipes here on my blog as well as in an article, soon to be published, in Reader’s Digest. Today, I’m starting with the basic.
Bread Crumbs:
To make my bread crumbs I keep the left overs loafs of breads out on the counter for at least a day. Once the bread is hard and stale I pulverize it in a food processor. If I’m in a rush and I don’t have stale bread I slice fresh bread and bake in the oven at 250F for 10 minutes and then pulverize it. I store the bread crumbs in air tight container for up to two months. I like to add dried herbs to the crumbs, or even grated lemon or orange peel, ground pepper, cayenne pepper or curry powder for a bit of a kick. If I add spices or herbs to the crumbs, I save them in parchment paper for up to one week. Bread crumbs are perfect for breading cutlets, to thicken soups and sauces, to soften meatballs mixes, to line molds and baking pans.
Croutons and Crostini:
I dice the stale bread in 1 inch cubes or for rustic croutons I tear the bread in to thumb size pieces. I toss the croutons with olive oil, salt and pepper. Then I place them on a lined baking tray, and toast them in an oven preheated at 350F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. For an infusion of flavor I add chopped herbs, like rosemary and thyme, chopped garlic, chili pepper flakes, paprika or grated parmesan.
To make crostini, I cut the stale bread, I like to use old baguettes or italian crusty loafs, in to regular slices about 1/2 inch high. I drizzle with olive oil and toast the slices in the oven at 350F until golden brown. Both the crouton and the crostini will keep in an air tight container on the counter for up to two weeks.
Saving energy tip:
If you have an hot oven that’s finished being used and cooling down, put the bread crumbs or the crostini inside overnight. You will use the free heat that you have already payed for and save energy and gas!
Hassleback Potatoes:
Then there is the best ever recipe for hassleback potatoes, a big favorite at my Thanksgiving table. I have attached the recipe below, it’s always a winner.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Peel and halve the potatoes in half. Place them on a chopping board, cut side down. Slice the potatoes one at the time thinly, but be careful not to cut through the potatoes. I place a chopstick along each sides of the potato to prevent the knife going all the way through.
Combine the oil and the melted butter. Place the potatoes cut side down on a lined baking dish in a single layer. Coat the potatoes with the oil and butter mixture using a brush.
Bake for 45 minutes basting frequently with the remaining oil and butter. Combine the crumbs and the grated cheddar cheese.
After 45 minute sprinkle the potatoes with a little salt and the combine crumbs and cheddar cheese. Bake for an extra 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Learn to delegate; on second though, let me add, do start the bubbly, vino, beer, bloody Mary, (that’s for you J.P.) relatively early.
Don’t be shy, give a task to every single one of your guests including all children above 3. If they have limbs, they can be of use. Listen to a type A, don’t be stubborn, give up the control.
Once everyone is at work, you will find yourself with plenty time to enjoy and appreciate the day, your meal, the friends, and most importantly your family, not to mention you might even be able to shower and dress up for a change.
To demonstrate my point I’m delegating to my favorite writers, chefs and bloggers my work; instead of sharing my own recipes and advices, I have collected their articles and posts to help you with all your Turkey day needs.
