Anyway, on to this week's Sweet Melissa Sundays. An appropriately autumnal recipe has been chosen by the wonderful Debbie of Everyday Blessings of the Five Dees. Spiced Pumpkin Cookie Cakes. Doesn't the name just make you want to dive into a big pile of crisp russet leaves?! I'm a huge fan of anything from the squash family - they're so versatile and the flavours develop wonderfully when cooked, especially roasted - so I was looking forward to a sweet application of the regal pumpkin. Us brits use pumpkins in cooking a lot but always in savory rather than sweet items. Our friends across the pond however are a lot keener on pumpkins in tarts, pies, mousse and, in this case, cookies. Well, cookie cakes. I'm not sure what the distinction is but heck, I was willing to give it a go in the name of an SMS adventure!
The one and only problem was the decision to make my own pumpkin puree. As Katie will testify, the cost of canned puree is crazy over here so I decided to roast and puree the flesh myself. This produced a very watery mush that, even after much draining, led to soggy batter and VERY flat cookie cakes! They tasted delicious and I'm considering popping to Waitrose tomorrow to see if I can produce a better result but as you can see, they weren't exactly the most aesthetic babies in my repertoire!!
Do check out the other SMS bakers though as I've had a peek and they look much yummier and less pancake like!!
Rosy xx
Yum!! they look delicious Rosy! I'm so impressed that you made your own puree, that that take guts! (and obviously involves removing guts..chuckle chuckle) I went the wimpy Waitrose way, shame on me... What did you figure out in terms of simulating sunlight? I wanted to tell you that I was having the same problem, so on my trip to the US I picked this up: http://www.amazon.com/Lowel-Digital-Imaging-Tabletop-Fluorescent/dp/B0009K50RO
ReplyDeleteEr, I haven't actually used it yet because I still need to get a transformer, but I imagine there must be something on the market hear in the UK too..
But your pictures look lovely - obviously you've already solved the problem!! x
They look yummy! How cool that you made your own puree. i've created a stockpile of canned pumpkin.
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job and you even made your own pumpkin puree. Very Nice! I had no idea pumpkin was big for cooking savory meals in Britian?! Well, this recipe must have been quite the change of pace for you and I am glad to hear you enjoyed the flavor. =)
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I'm glad that you have improved on your pictures and blogging. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet looking cookies! I loved this recipe too and will make it again! I like the first picture!
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for making your own pumpkin puree and using it to make the cookie cakes! It's such a bummer that canned pumpkin is so expensive for you guys. Your cookie cakes look wonderful and I'm sure they were delicious even if they were a bit flat :)
ReplyDeleteI used fresh pumpkin puree in my notorious pumpkin brownies and I don't think i'll ever attempt it again :(
ReplyDeleteI love your cookies, they look so cute all lined up :D
Katie xox
I give you a 10 for effort! I think I have a fear of making my own pumpkin puree (I've thought about it) because my uncle almost chopped off his thumb cutting up a pumpkin one year. You'll have to post some of those savory recipes!
ReplyDeleteThat's horrifying Karin!!! And I'm definitely going to take care when cutting pumpkins from now on. Stand by for a savory pumpkin recipe! Happens to fit in with the British Food Fortnight... R x
ReplyDeletethey may not be the belles of the ball, but boy, would I devour one right now :)
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