make ahead

Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloins

lemon juice (4 to 6 lemons)

Good olive oil

garlic (6 cloves)

rosemary leaves

thyme leaves

Dijon mustard

Kosher salt

pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)

black pepper

No-Knead Pumpkin Rolls with Brown Sugar Glaze

water

yeast (1 package)

milk

butter

sugar

pumpkin puree

salt

all-pupose flour

brown sugar

cinnamon

ginger

nutmeg

pecans

Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit a few minutes until the yeast is dissolved.

Meanwhile, warm the milk and butter in a small saucepan on the stove top until the butter is melted. Combine this with the sugar in a large heat-proof mixing bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Let the milk mixture cool until it is just warm to the touch - NOT HOT. Then stir in the yeast and the pumpkin. Add the salt and five cups of the flour all at once, stirring until all the flour has been absorbed. Squish it between your hands if you&#x27;re having trouble incorporating the last of the flour. The dough will be sticky, but should come together in a shaggy ball. If it&#x27;s still more the consistency of cookie batter, work in an additional 1/2 cup of flour.

Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-3 hours. During this time, it should double in bulk. At this point, you can punch the dough down and refrigerate it overnight or continue shaping the rolls.

To shape the rolls (either immediately or with the refrigerated dough), sprinkle your work surface with a little flour and dump the dough on top. Pat it down into a rough rectangle and then use a floured rolling pin to roll it into a rectangular shape about a half an inch thick, longer than it is wide. If the dough gets sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the dough&#x27;s surface and on your hands.

Melt the butter in the microwave and stir in the brown sugar and the spices. Spread this over the rectangle of dough, leaving an inch of bare dough at the top. Sprinkle one cup of the toasted pecans over the dough, if using. Starting at the edge closest to you, roll the dough into a cylinder and pinch it closed at the top.

Rub a tablespoon of soft butter into the bottom of two 9x13 baking dishes, two 9-inch cake pans, or a combination. Using a bench cutter or a sharp knife, cut the cylinder into individual rolls 1 - 1 1/2 inches thick. Place them into your baking dishes so they have a little wiggle room on all sides to rise. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise until they fill the pan and look puffy, 30 minutes for already-warm dough and 1 hour for dough that&#x27;s been refrigerated.

About 20 minutes before baking, begin heating the oven to 375°. When the rolls are ready, bake them for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden and starting to look toasted around the edges. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking.

While they are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and butter. When the butter has melted, add the brown sugar and salt. Stir until the brown sugar has melted. Remove from heat and strain into a mixing bowl to remove any sugar clumps. Stir in the powdered sugar. This should form a thick but pourable glaze.

Let the baked rolls cool for about five minutes and then pour the glaze on top. Sprinkle the remaining cup of pecans over the top, if more nuttiness is desired. Eat them immediately. Leftovers will keep for several days and are best reheated for a minute in the microwave.

A moist and tender pumpkin bread that&#x27;s even better than the one from Starbucks. 

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cooking spray

pumpkin purée (about 2 cups)

vegetable or canola oil

eggs

pumpkin pie spice

baking powder

baking soda

all-purpose flour

roasted, salted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas)

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray; set aside.

Place the sugar, pumpkin purée, oil, and eggs in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and combined. Add the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and whisk to combine. Add the flour and fold it in with a rubber spatula until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds, then gently press them into the batter to ensure they stick. 

Bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, 65 to 75 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely. 

A recipe for pumpkin spice steel-cut oatmeal made in the slow cooker. 

Slow Cooker Creamy Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Cooking spray, olive oil, or coconut oil

unsalted butter, divided

steel-cut oats

pumpkin purée

cloves

maple syrup

cinnamon stick

vanilla extract

For serving: heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and additional maple syrup (optional)

Coat the bottom and sides of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray, olive oil, or coconut oil.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the oats and stir frequently until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Push the oats up to the side of the pan and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the center of the pan. Add the pumpkin purée to the center of the pan and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Add the ginger, nutmeg, and cloves into the purée and cook, stirring occasionally, until the purée darkens slightly and the raw smell disappears, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker. Add the water, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, vanilla, and salt and stir well to combine.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours. When finished, much of the pumpkin purée will have separated from the oats — don&#x27;t panic! Stir well with a wooden spoon to recombine everything, and remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and finish with a splash of heavy cream, a dusting of ground cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

These hearty muffins are mixed with cornmeal for extra heft and texture, and loaded with thick-cut chunks of ham, sharp cheddar, and a pinch of chives.

Ham and Cheddar Lunch Box Muffins

yellow cornmeal

garlic powder

buttermilk

unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided

cheddar cheese

chives, divided

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with papers liners or coat the wells with cooking spray.

Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and 5 tablespoons of the butter in a medium bowl until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Some lumps are fine. Fold in the cheese, all but 1/2 cup of the ham, and 2 tablespoons of the chives.

Spoon the batter into the muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full. Top the muffins with the reserved ham, sprinkle with the remaining chives, and sprinkle with pepper. Top each muffin with 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining melted butter.

Bake until the tops just begin to brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool the muffins in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

(7 ounces) all-purpose flour

(8 ounces) sugar

(4 ounces) canola oil

(8 1/2 ounces) pumpkin purée

sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

cream cheese,

unsalted butter,

(8 ounces) powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper so there is an overhang on each long side. Coat the parchment paper with baking spray or butter and flour.

Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a medium or large bowl and set aside.

Combine the egg and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Turn the speed down to low and, pouring very slowly, drizzle the oil down the side of the bowl. Add the pumpkin, sour cream, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. (Alternately, this can be done with an electric hand mixer.)

Turn the mixer off. Add the flour mixture and fold in by hand until just combined. Transfer the mixture back to the bowl used for the flour, and set aside.

Rinse out and dry the bowl of the stand mixer and the paddle attachment in order to make the filling. Combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of the pumpkin batter, and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter and smooth it out. Cover filling with remaining batter.Bake the pumpkin bread for 1 hour, or until the center springs back when pressed with your fingertip. (If your finger sinks, bake 10 to 15 minutes longer.) Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then pull the loaf out using the parchment paper “handles” to cool completely.

The pumpkin bread can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three days, or frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Thick cubes of brioche are infused with rich custard packed with warm spices and a double dose of pumpkin, then topped with a brown sugar-pecan streusel.

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Unsalted butter

brioche (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces

half-and-half

sugar (optional)

Maple syrup,

(1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Make the casserole: Generously coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the bread cubes evenly in the dish and set aside.

Place the eggs in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Whisk in the half-and-half, pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Evenly pour the custard over the bread. Use a spoon to push the bread down and stir so all the cubes are soaked through. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven is heating. Meanwhile, make the crumb topping.

Make the crumb topping: Stir the flour, sugar, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the butter and stir until big, slightly floury crumbs form.

Sprinkle the crumb topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered until the casserole is set, puffed, and the top is golden-brown, 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes. Right before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.

Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Soup

oil, divided

leek,

potato

(16-ounce) bag frozen broccoli, broccoli

low-sodium vegetable broth, low-sodium chicken broth, or water

cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Salt

Crème fraîche, plain yogurt, or lemon wedge,

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 450°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, peel and chop the potato into 1-inch chunks.

Add the broth or water and potato to the pot and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, spread the broccoli out onto 2 baking pans. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over the broccoli, sprinkle with a big pinch of salt and pepper, and roast for 5 minutes. Stir the broccoli and return to the oven for 5 minutes more.

Once the soup is boiling, add the broccoli and return to a boil. Reduce the heat as needed and simmer until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Purée soup with an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve topped with a small dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon, and finish with a grind of fresh pepper.

A recipe for a lightened-up version of classic broccoli slaw, which can be made ahead and serves a crowd. 

Light & Easy Broccoli Salad

currants

mayonnaise

lemon juice

rice vinegar

kosher salt,

pepper

broccoli (about 1 large head), cut into large florets

red onion (1/2 small onion), finely chopped

almonds,

Place the currants in a small heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the currants and set aside for 5 minutes. Drain off the water. Meanwhile, place the mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and a generous amount of pepper in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Using the shredding disk on a food processor, shred the broccoli stalks and florets. Add to the bowl of dressing. Add the currants, red onion, and almonds and toss to combine. Taste and season with more salt or pepper as needed. Let sit 30 minutes at room temperature or 1 hour in the refrigerator so the flavors can mingle before serving.

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo

penne pasta

chicken

heavy cream

garlic, minced/crushed

Parmigiano Reggiano, grated (plus extra for serving)

unsalted butter

broccoli (see Recipe Note)

Prepare chicken breasts as desired. I recommend butterflying and seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and pan-frying in olive oil over medium heat about 8 to 10 minutes or until it&#x27;s no longer pink and juices run clear when sliced. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest before slicing into strips.

Cook pasta until barely al dente. Before draining, save 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Meanwhile, add cream, garlic, and butter to small saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until garlic is soft and fragrant and butter had melted. Do not boil.

Return pasta to pot and turn heat on to medium-high. Add reserved pasta water and sprinkle with half the Parmigiano Reggiano, mixing well. Add sauce and rest of cheese. Continue mixing until well-coated and sauce reduces, about 3 to 5 minutes. Toss in chicken.

To freeze: Place 1 cup of pasta, plus 4 to 6 slices of chicken and 4 to 6 florets of frozen broccoli (or as desired) in flat, freezer- and microwave-safe containers. Freeze up to 1 month.

To reheat: Add about 1 tablespoon of cream, milk, or water. Microwave with lid ajar on high heat for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave for 1 minute more.

A recipe for pasta salad filled with broccoli, feta, and Kalamata olives, which can be made ahead.

Broccoli and Feta Pasta Salad

rotini

olive oil, divided

head broccoli, cut into 1/2-inch florets

red wine vinegar

feta cheese

Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, place 3 tablespoons of the oil, vinegar, and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl and whisk to combine; set aside. 

Drain the pasta and run briefly under cool water to cool it down. Drain well again. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large, deep sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli and cook until crisp-tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the pasta. 

Crumble the feta cheese into the pasta, add the olives, and gently stir to combine. Add the dressing and toss to combine; Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate until serving or overnight.

Tofu and Broccoli Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing

peanut butter

tamari or soy sauce

Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

sesame oil

broccoli slaw (no dressing)

red bell pepper, julienned

tofu

edamame

peanuts

cilantro leaves

Place the peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, water, Sriracha (if using), and sesame oil in a bowl and whisk until smooth; set aside.

Place the broccoli slaw and bell pepper in a large bowl and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, divide the slaw mixture between 4 plates. Top with the baked tofu, peanuts, and cilantro. Drizzle with the peanut sauce.

Make this thick and silky French stew of eggplant, zucchini, sweet peppers, and ripe summer tomatoes before summer ends.

Easy French Ratatouille

olive oil, divided,

eggplant (1 large), large dice

zucchini squash

yellow onion, diced

garlic,

thyme

bay leaf

tomatoes (3 to 4 medium), large dice

large bell pepper, large dice

basil

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the eggplant, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons of the oil to the pot. Add the zucchini, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplant.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and bell peppers. Add the reserved eggplant and zucchini and gently stir to combine. 

Bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 1/2 hours. A shorter cooking time will leave the vegetables in larger, more distinct pieces; longer cooking times will break the vegetables down into a silky stew.

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Just before serving, stir in the basil. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve, sprinkling each serving with more basil and drizzling with more olive oil.

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