Ingredients

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
1 teaspoon dark molasses or honey
2¹/₂ cups unbleached white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons salt
¹/₂ cup dried cranberries
¹/₂ cup fresh sage, chopped fine
¹/₄ cup walnuts, chopped fine
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pumpkin butter (recipe follows)

Directions

In a small bowl, gently whisk together the yeast, ¹/₄ cup lukewarm water and molasses. Let the mixture stand until frothy, about 7 minutes. In a large mixing bowl combine the flours, salt, cranberries, sage and walnuts. Mix well. Combine the two mixtures and mix well, adding the olive oil in the end. When the dough is well mixed, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 7-8 minutes or until texture is elastic. Place dough in a lightly oiled ceramic bowl, dampen a kitchen towel in warm water and use the towel to cover the bowl. Let dough rise until double in size, usually about 1¹/₂ hours. Punch the dough down and again turn onto lightly floured surface and knead a few minutes. Divide dough into 24 evenly shaped balls and place on lightly greased baking pan. Allow to rise another 20 minutes. Bake rolls for about 20 minutes or until rolls are golden brown in 450° oven that has been preheated for at least an hour.

Pumpkin Butter

Makes ¹/₂ cup

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
¹/₄ cup apple cider
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped fine
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon, freshly grated
1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

Directions

Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and  mix well, heat to a medium heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally until thick. Allow to cool and let set in the refrigerator to set up.

Ingredients

For the tart

1½ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped super fine
1 stick butter, cold and cubed
3 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ cup whole milk

For the filling

2 eggs
1 can (12 ounces evaporated milk)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons fresh cinnamon sticks, freshly grated
1 teaspoon fresh nutmeg, freshly grated
½ teaspoon fresh cloves, ground
½ teaspoon fresh allspice berries, ground
1 pinch (¼ teaspoon) white pepper

Directions

For the tart

In a food processor combine the flour, salt, and sage and mix well. Add the butter cubes into the flour and pulse several times until a coarse meal is formed. Add the maple syrup and pulse a few more times. Then as it is running pour in the milk until a ball is formed, which will be just about instantly. Turn off the machine and form the dough into a disc and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Heat the oven to 375°F. Roll the tart dough out to fill an 8 inch deep dish tart pan (13-14 inches in circumference). Press the dough gently into the tart mold, roll the rolling pin over the top of the mold to cut off excess dough. Place in the refrigerator to chill at least 30 minutes.

Roll the pie dough out large enough to fill a 9-inch deep dish pie or tart pan (about 13-14 inches). Press gently in pan. If using a pie pan, crimp edges. If using a tart pan, roll the rolling pin over the top to cut the excess dough off. Chill the dough-filled pan in the fridge. In the meantime, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until beaten, add the evaporated milk and brown sugar and continue to whisk. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk or stir until totally incorporated and mixed. Add the spices and continue to mix until smooth. At this point taste the mixture and adjust spices to taste preference. Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and pour the filling into the tart dough filling the mold. Place in the oven and bake until the center of the pie is cooked through and does not jiggle loosely, the crust should be golden brown. This process could take up to 50 minutes. When a stick inserted into the center comes out clean, the tart is done. Take out of oven and allow to cool. After at least 7 minutes you can slip the tart through the ring mold. Cool at least 30 minutes before refrigerating to serve chilled. Serve with Nutmeg Cardamom Whipped Cream.

Nut Meg Whipped Cream

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

1½ cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cardamom pod (shells removed, seeds used)

Directions

With a mixer, mix all ingredients until whip cream with soft peaks is formed!

Ingredients

Directions

In the French press or another tea pot, place the tea bag, fresh mint, sage and lemon thyme and sliced lemons. Pour just boiled water over all the ingredients and let steep for about 5-10 minutes. Drizzle in honey and stir and let sit for a few more minutes before serving. Can be served over ice!

Ingredients

Directions

Prepare a piece of cheesecloth by cutting it into a 12 X 12 inch square and set aside. Crumble up all herbs, releasing the oils. Lay the cheese cloth out flat, and pile the ingredients into the center. Tie the pouch with the kitchen twine, and toss it into your bath!

INGREDIENTS

For pie dough

1 sweet pie dough recipe
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon maple syrup

For filling

1½ cup pumpkin, cooked
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 pinch cloves, ground
1 pinch salt
3 eggs, beaten
½ cup heavy cream
Maple Sugar Fried Sage Leaves, fore garnish (recipe follows)

DIRECTIONS

Using sweet pie dough recipe, add chopped sage leaves and maple syrup to dough. Flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Remove dough from refrigerator, and let come to room temperature, about 5 to 10 minutes, so dough rolls out easily.

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 13-inch round. Transfer to a tart shell with removable bottom. Trim edges, and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line crust with foil. Fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake until crust is set, about 17 minutes. Remove foil and beans, and set aside. Maintain oven temperature.

In a large bowl, combine all filling ingredients, and pour into cooled tart shell. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until set. Cool at room temperature. Garnish with maple dried sage leaves.

Maple Fried Sage Leaves

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
6-10 fresh sage leaves

DIRECTIONS

In a small sauté pan over medium-high heat, add butter and maple syrup. Add sage leaves, and fry till crispy. Remove with slotted spoon, and set aside to drain any excess. Garnish tart with fried leaves.

INGREDIENTS

For the pork loin

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 fresh bay leaves, veins stems removed
2 teaspoon juniper berries
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 3-pound pork loin
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon hazelnut oil or olive oil
½ cup chicken broth

For the cherry onion sauce

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar in the raw or light brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped fine
½ cup dried cherries
2 tablespoon high quality balsamic vinegar
2 cups full-bodied, spicy red wine, Cabarnet Franc or Syrah
¼ cup chicken broth (optional)
Salt/pepper

DIRECTIONS

For the pork loin

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a spice grinder, combine rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, juniper berries, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Grind to a medium grind, a little thicker than fine black pepper but not as coarse as cracked. Rub all over pork loin. In a large cast iron heavy bottom skillet over high heat, add butter and oil. Sear pork loin on all sides. Remove from pan, and place in a roasting pan, pouring ½ cup chicken broth on the bottom of the pan. Roast for about 30 minutes or until the center registers about 145-150°F.

In the meantime, place the cast iron pan that you used for the pork on medium high heat, add butter. Cook onions, making sure to stir constantly, until caramelized or about 15 minutes. Add the sugar, sage, dried cherries, vinegar, and wine, stirring and scraping all the bits sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add the broth, and season with salt and pepper. Let boil until mixture reduce by about half, about 5 to 6 minutes. Take off heat.

Serve pork loin with the cherry onion sage sauce on top.

INGREDIENTS

For cocktail

2 sage leaves
1 ounce rye or bourbon
½ ounce sweet vermouth
Dash of angostura bitters
1 pomegranate bourbon dried cherries, for garnish

For the pomegranate bourbon dried cherries

1 cup pomegranate juice
½ cup sugar-in-the-raw
½ cup rye or bourbon
1 cup dried cherries

DIRECTIONS

Rub and crinkle one sage leaf (to release the oils) and rub it around the inside of the martini glass, making sure to get the edges of the glass well. In a large glass filled with ice, add the rye/bourbon, vermouth and bitters, stir well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with one pomegranate bourbon cherry and a sage leaf.

For the pomegranate bourbon dried cherries

In a small saucepan over medium high heat add pomegranate and sugar-in-the-raw. Bring to a boil, making sure to stir until sugar is dissolved, reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes until mixture becomes thick. Take off heat, pour in ½ cup rye or bourbon (the same brand you are using to make the cocktails), stir and add dried cherries. Place in a jar and let sit for at least 2 days in a dark cool place.

INGREDIENTS

1-2 servings of root vegetables of your choice (i.e. parsnips, carrots, celery root, beets) chopped fine
1 small leek, sliced
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Salt
Pepper
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme and rosemary, chopped (1 tablespoon total)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400˚F.

Place all ingredients in the center of a large heavy duty piece of aluminum foil. Fold the aluminum foil edges over like a burrito, then fold each side about a half inch in again and repeat until you have a tight little packet. Place packet on lines baking sheet.

Bake for about 25 minutes, or until veggies are cooked through. Serve.

INGREDIENTS

For the dry rub

1 teaspoon dried chipotle flakes
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon lime zest, grated finely
2 tablespoons coarse salt

For the mango bbq pork

4-5 pounds pork butt, cut into a few large pieces
½ cup mango purée
2 cloves garlic
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
¼ cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
Vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

In a small mixing bowl, mix all of the spices. Rub mixture all over pork butt pieces, and set aside. In the meantime, mix all remaining ingredients in a blender until smooth. These blended ingredients will function as your BBQ sauce.

In a hot and lightly greased cast iron pan over high heat, sear the pork butt pieces on each side until a brown sear is present. Place pork butt pieces and BBQ sauce in a crock pot on low, about 3 to 4 hours. Pull meat apart, and mix with sauce. Serve on party size buns.

INGREDIENTS

For soup

3 pounds winter squash (such as kabocha, acorn, or butternut), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large or 2 medium Spanish onions, chopped (2 cups)
Sea salt or kosher salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 quart vegetable stock, or water
½ cup apple cider or apple juice
Freshly ground black pepper

For bouquet garni

1 small handful celery leaves
3 to 4 fresh sage leaves
One 2-inch piece cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves

For spiced créme fraiche

&frac12 cup créme fraiche or sour cream
Freshly grated nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground cinnamon
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the squash with the oil, season lightly with salt, and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, turning several times, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized, 25 to 30 minutes.

While the squash is roasting, in a heavy, 3 to 5 quart soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and ½ teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Stir in the ginger and garlic, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice and lowering the heat if necessary to keep the vegetables from browning. Pour in the stock or water, and the apple cider or juice, and add the roasted squash.

To make the bouquet garni, bundle the ingredients in a square of cheesecloth and tie it closed with kitchen twine.

Add the bouquet garni to the soup. Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to as low as possible, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Discard the bouquet garni and pass the soup through the fine holes of a food mill (or puree using an immersion blender or working in batches in a hand blender).

In a bowl, combine the créme fraiche with 5 or 6 gratings of nutmeg, several grinds of black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Serve the soup in bowls with a dollop of the spiced créme fraiche, a dash of cinnamon, and a sprinkling of parsley.

Stop and Take Stock.

Making a simple vegetable soup? Take stock of the trimmings, and the other vegetables you have on hand and consider simmering them into a flavorful broth to enhance the flavor and nutrient-content of your soup. In a stockpot, combine 6 cups of any of the following: squash and ginger peels, mushroom stems, cabbage cores, parsley stems, chopped carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, leeks, parsnips, fennel, and garlic (cut a whole heat in half crosswise, and leave the peels on). Add a couple bay leaves, and some fresh thyme, or sage, cover with water, bring to a simmer, skim off any foam that rises, then simmer gently, uncovered, for an hour. Strain and use right away or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

© Recipe Property of Peter Berley