Snack Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Pudding

One of the fastest and easiest desserts when you're looking for something sweet in the evening is pudding. (You do have to allow for chill-time though, so you may want to plan ahead on this one.) Pudding is also relatively healthy, without a lot of sugar or fat - it's really just mostly milk. Add some pumpkin puree and you've got yourself a healthy, fall-flavored snack!

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups organic milk
1 TB butter (optional)
4 TB light brown sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3 TB cornstarch
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

•  Combine milk, 3 TB brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and butter (if using) in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until hot to the touch.
• Place cornstarch in a small bowl, pour in 1/2 the hot milk mixture, and whisk vigorously until cornstarch is dissolved.
• Pour mixture back into saucepan, and return to heat. 
• Let mixture come almost to a boil, whisking frequently. Then lower heat to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until it begins to turn thick and shiny (about 5 minutes).
• Remove from heat, and stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
• Pour into individual pudding cups or dessert bowls.  Put in refrigerator and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours. 
• Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired, and serve cold.

Recipe: Golden Rum Molasses Apple Compote

This perfect fall dessert recipe makes a warm, light, end to an autumn evening meal, filled with the fragrances of fall. Apples and spices pair with rum and butter to to bring all the flavors of the season to your plate. Try this one with fresh apples from the farmer's market, or pick them yourself!

Golden Rum Molasses Apple Compote

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp light rum
3 apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp molasses
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp allspice
dash of grated fresh nutmeg
pinch of kosher salt

Directions:

• Put the ingredients in a large saucepan; stir to combine.
• Place saucepan on low heat, set the pan cover on, tipping slightly to allow some steam to escape.
• Simmer very slowly for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring a few times while cooking.
• Serve over rich vanilla ice cream in small dessert bowls or in the bowl with a dollop of whipped cream.