Pumpkin and chocolate. It's everywhere right now, seriously everywhere and so it should be but isn't it funny how this fruit just takes over the country in the fall! For every pumpkin out there, a recipe exists for something pumpkin based so coming up with a fresh idea can be tough on the brain. I originally tried to make chocolate eclairs with pumpkin cream which turned out to be a tear-jerking fail, they tasted good but looked like a tragedy.
Profiteroles seemed like a sturdier vehicle for the cream but then I spotted pumpkin ice cream for sale at my local Whole Foods Market and let me just state for the record... this stuff is good! I'd loved to have made my own ice cream but my machine took a dive a while back, maybe Mr C will drop one off in December if I'm a good boy.
You could say I cheated a smidgen by buying my filling but I say I was being efficient with my time which I don't have a lot off these days. Sometimes the easier option is the road less frazzled. I redeemed myself by making the choux pastry which is really easy and can be used for boat loads of other recipes, savory and sweet, make a double batch and throw some in the freezer.
Check out these Thyme Gougeres I made, they're a winner at any party and easy to make too. Don't be intimidated by choux but if you do try it, make sure to bake it until its a nice golden color or it'll just collapse when you bring it out of the oven. Choux pastry creates an almost hollow product which is really just full of air so if you don't get that crusty exterior to make it strong, then kitchen rage may ensue...yikes!
I mentioned earlier about the lack of time, this is due in part to my new business venture, called, Toot Sweet Artisan Caramels. I have been working on a line of caramels and caramel sauce for a while now and finally I was able to open my Etsy shop! All of my caramels are handmade with minimal ingredients, using California honey instead of corn syrup giving them a very unique floral taste.
They come in three flavors right now, pistachio/rosemary, salted honey and dark chocolate but more flavors will be making an appearance in the future. I'm also talking to some retailers and hopefully you may see them in a store near you!
