Thursday, November 10, 2011

Apple Cranberry Chutney; One Jar, So Many Options

chut·ney [ chĂștnee ]   
  1. spicy relish: a sweet and spicy relish made from fruit, spices, sugar, and vinegar
*****************

Most people know what to do with things like jams, salsa, mustard and crackers.  However  chutney is one condiment that gets a lot of questions.  Here in America, a chutney isn't used quite as frequently as say a jam, so many people wonder what to do with it.  Chutneys are one of the most versatile products we produce.  They can be used for anything from a sandwich spread to a pairing with cheeses to fantastic dessert.  They are great to have on hand for the holiday season because they can be utilized in any course.  Here are a few recipes using one of our favorites for this time of year, Apple Cranberry Chutney.

Appetizer

This recipe can use any of our chutneys and is incredibly easy to prepare.  Puff Pastry can be found premade in most of your local grocery stores in the freezer section.
Or for Individual servings: Cranberry Brie Bites

Main Dish

A great addition if you are looking for another protein option besides turkey for Thanksgiving.


Side Dishes

Great as a side dish, or use it as a stuffing for acorn squash for a great vegetarian meal (replace chicken stock with a vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)

A classic stuffing recipe with a jar of Apple Cranberry Chutney mixed in creates an entirely new taste profile.

Dessert
The chutney is a great compliment to this recipe that also includes fresh apples and fresh cranberries.

Served warm with scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a great end to any meal!


How do you typically use chutneys?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

If you are looking for something a little different this holiday season, then we have the recipe for you!  For some reason, bread pudding always seems intimidating; all of those ingredients and so many flavors!  It is actually quite simple to prepare and is a great dish to prepare ahead of time and then bake later.  Yes, it does involve a few more ingredients than your average pumpkin pie, but they are almost all kitchen staples.  And the baking part?  That's easy!  You basically mix everything up, spread it in a pan and bake.

So put your fears aside and try this amazing recipe!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Pumpkin_bread_pudding_1
Ingredients

Ingredients for bread pudding:
  • 1, 22-ounce loaf of rustic country white bread
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 1/2 cups half and half
  • 5 eggs
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup Stonewall Kitchen Maple Pumpkin Butter (can substitute roasted/mashed pumpkin or canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 1/2 cup Stonewall Kitchen Pumpkin Caramel Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
Ingredients for whipped topping:

Directions:

Step 1:  Remove crusts from bread and cut into 1" cubes

Step 2:  In a large bowl, combine milk, half and half, eggs, sugars, Stonewall Kitchen Maple Pumpkin Butter and Pumpkin Caramel Sauce, vanilla, salt and spices.  Whisk until combined.

Pumpkin_bread_pudding_2
Steps 1 and 2

Step 3:  Add bread and chocolate chips to the liquid mixture and toss gently.  Pour into a greased 8 cup shallow baking dish.  Let sit for 20-30 minutes.  Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes.  Pudding is done when puffed and golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and looks like the below image.
Pumpkin_bread_pudding_baked
Step 3
Step 4:  While bread pudding is baking, whip cream in a cold mixing bowl with a whisk attachment until soft peaks are about to form.  Whisk in 2 Tablespoons sugar.  Gently fold 3 tablespoons Stonewall Kitchen Pumpkin Caramel Sauce into the cream.


Pumpkin_bread_pudding_last
Step 4
Step 5:  Serve warm, top with whipped cream and enjoy!
Pumpkin_bread_pudding_final image
Enjoy!

What is your favorite non-traditional dessert for the holidays?