Pumpkin bread

This is a sweet bread similar to the recipe we made in cans years ago. While I would not recommend baking this in cans, if you can find a round bread baking tin, fill it a little more than half full and place on center rack to bake.

We reduced the sugar from the original recipe, but reduce it further if desired. Toasted with a little butter is our favorite way to eat it.

Dark Chocolate Brownies

I wanted a really dark chocolate brownie for a dessert idea. I did not have one that would work so I fixed one up.

Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffin

These muffins are a wonderful fall treat. My mom was given this recipe years ago when she spent the day with her cousin Kathy. They made a few muffin recipes and other fun fall treats. This is probably my favorite. Not only do these freeze well, they are also good for a few days after baking and toast nicely.

You can use all purpose flour, but these are also great as a 50/50 mix with AP flour and 50% white whole wheat. We rarely use the full amount of sugar. They are good with or without the steusel. If you chose not to add the streusel, they are even less sweet, which is a nice change sometimes.

If you prefer to make a loaf of bread, pour into a greased and lightly floured pan and bake for about an hour.

Chunky Apple Muffins

I am not exactly sure when I was given this recipe, but I know it is from my mom. These muffins are a great when you went apple picking and picked a lot more apples than you thought.

Chicken Tikka Masala (with dairy free option)

This is a simple recipe that can be made ahead. It is wonderful for company or just a fancier than normal dinner. Use our tikka paste recipe or your favorite blend. One green Serrano chili is not very spicy, but it is needed in this recipe. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili’s and serve dry tikka spice on the side. If the dish is too spicy, add a little cream or yogurt. This is very good served with naan!

To make this dairy free, replace yogurt with full fat coconut milk. Either omit the butter or use your favorite plant based butter if you want to use before grilling.

Muffins

Carol Ragsdale gave me this favorite muffin recipe in South Africa around 23 years ago. It is a great, basic recipe that can be changed in so many ways. Leave plain, add chocolate chips or blueberries, or reduce the milk slightly and make banana muffins. Experiment and see how many combinations you can come up with, but to get you started, check out the options at the end of the recipe.

Beans and Rice

Allan was introduced to Caribbean rice and beans many years ago when a friend brought some extra into work to share. While ours in no where near as good, here is a recipe we often make and enjoy.

While it is tempting to garnish this with cheese or sour cream, it is wonderful as is. Serve next to a simple, but colorful side salad.

Our original recipe did not call for bacon, so if you prefer not to use it, just replace it with 2 Tbl of oil to saute the onions in. Both recipes are great!