#pumpkin

#pumpkin

Butterscotch pudding gets an autumnal makeover with the addition of pumpkin puree and a fluffy, spiced whipped cream topping. This is my pumpkin-butterscotch custard with spiced whipped cream. It's like the butterscotch pudding of your dreams with autumnal spices. The first thing you want to do is make a caramel. It may smell a little burnt, but that's OK. Add the remaining cream and milk, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

This is a rich and tender Bundt cake that uses a whole can of pumpkin purée. A big bowl of pumpkin batter is split in two, one half flavored with a heavy shower of cocoa powder, the rest left bright orange and spiked with a bit of cinnamon. The end result is a cake so beautiful and lofty, it's hard to imagine it was made entirely by hand, no mixer needed.

Add the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Then pour in the melted butter and stir to combine, making sure the butter is evenly distributed, so all of the crumbs are moist. Grease or spray a 13×9 inch rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the graham cracker mixture into the baking dish and press it down evenly into the pan.

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 3 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt till just mixed. This should still be somewhat firm and not soupy. If too loose, place in fridge till needed. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pumpkin pie spice. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, 3 eggs, 1 1/4 cups sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla.