Pumpkin Praline Bread

This bread is moist, delicious and with a sweet, nutty praline topping is totally amazing! Fall-perfect - Pumpkin Praline Bread!

Inspired by my Apple Praline Bread, I thought I'd make a pumpkin version of it. After all it's Fall season which means Pumpkin time, too. I also wanted to try a new pumpkin bread recipe. I wasn't sure it was going to work out the first time  I made it but I was pleasantly surprised that it came out well. It was moist and delicious. It was so good that I probably ate half of the loaf (since my hubby is on a grain-free diet and cannot have it - which is not really good for my waist!) while the rest were eaten by the tots.

For this first attempt, I added the nuts only to the Praline topping but, next time, I think I'll add some to the batter as well for that extra crunch in every bite. If you fancy making some pumpkin bread, why not try this one for a change? Have a lovely Fall!

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs (room temp)
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (light or regular)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1/3-1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Praline Topping

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnut

Procedure

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Lightly grease a large loaf pan. You can line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Mix all Praline Topping ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.

Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together to mix. Set aside.

Place all the wet ingredients, including the brown and white sugar, in a mixing bowl. Mix together well. Usually, I lightly beat the eggs first and then add the rest.

Fold in the dry ingredients into the wet one. Make sure that everything is well-incorporated and no flour spots appear. Fold in the nuts (if using).

Pour the  batter into the prepared loaf pan. I suggest using a light colored loaf pan so the bread does not get too dark.

Sprinkle the praline topping onto the batter. Distribute the topping as evenly as you can.

Bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out with only a few crumbs clinging to it.

Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes then remove it by lifting the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing. This will ensure the bread will not break apart.

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Papaya and Raspberry Smoothie

Here's another lovely smoothie that you can do when you find ripe papayas in the grocery. Try blending it with raspberries and you'll come up with not only a healthy beverage but something that your taste buds will love! Try it!

Ingredients

2 cups ripe papaya, chopped
1-2 cups raspberries
1 cup crushed ice
Sugar or honey, to taste

Procedure

Place all the ingredients in the blender, with the ice at the bottom.
Process till smooth. I use my shake/smoothie button for this.

Note: If you wish to have a creamier version, add some milk (1/4 cup or to taste). When I fancy a Papaya Shake instead of a smoothie then I definitely add milk. :-)

 

 Transfer to a glass and enjoy! 

 

 

Yummy Baked Oatmeal

I am always on the lookout for new breakfast dishes so it won't always be the same old, same old fare. Besides, though oatmeal is a staple in our household, the taste can get boring. But not anymore, adding cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to the mix make this baked oatmeal a sure winner and is the current favorite of the two tots!

We first tasted this oatmeal at Good Earth, a cafe in Holland, and we have loved it ever since. I thought I'll try to re-create it and adjust it to our taste. Here it is. Enjoy your breakfast with this very easy and nutritious oatmeal.

Ingredients

2 cups rolled or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
A pinch or two of ground cloves (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup or half a stick of butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

.....and, milk for pouring.

Procedure

Preheat the oven to 350F / 180 C. Mix all the ingredients and pour into a greased 9-inch square baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes.

Take it out of the oven and then let it settle for about 3 mins (only because my family cannot wait longer than this!). Serve warm with milk and dried fruits, if desired. Raisins are particularly perfect for this!



In the summer we enjoy this with fresh berries!

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Filipino (Pinoy) Style Lentil Soup

It's getting really cold now and I miss my favorite Mung Bean dish - Ginisang Munggo - which we often have in the Philippines. When I discovered that lentils have a similar taste and texture to my fave mungo I decided to cook it the same way and I love the result. For this recipe, instead of the usual pork and beef cutlets traditionally added in Ginisang Munggo, I opted for Italian sausages for richer taste and texture. Towards the end of cooking, I added some spinach leaves to pack in extra nutrients!

If you're thinking of one healthy meal to cook for your  family that's full of good flavor without much guilt, you have to try this recipe. My husband particularly loves this and little Sophie eats this with rice!

Just leave out the meat if you want a vegan or vegetarian option. Enjoy this healthy soup (or stew) during the cooler days!





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Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
5-6 crushed garlic cloves
2 medium size onions, chopped
1 lb Italian or your favorite sausage (mild or hot or a combo), cut/chopped diagonally
5 diced roma tomatoes 
2 Tbsp light soy sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups dried lentils
5 cups of water
1 (10 oz) bag of spinach

Procedure

Heat the olive oil in a deep pan. Sauté the garlic and onions until the onions are tender about 3-4 mins.

Add the sausages and cook until brown. Stir in the tomatoes and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper then cook for another 3-4 minutes. In the meantime, rinse the lentils and drain. Add the lentils and water to the sausages and vegetables then bring to a boil.

  

Simmer covered for about an hour or until lentils are tender. Finally, add the spinach and cook just until it's wilted.

Adjust seasoning to your taste. Serve hot on its own or paired with bread or rice.

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Another Lovely Blog Award

 

During the summer, I was surprised to receive "A Lovely Blog Award." Little did I know that a few months later, I will be getting another one. I don't think that I necessarily deserve it, infact, it is humbling to be given such recognition. I am grateful though for the honor so thank you so much Sherin of Kuk's Kitchen for bestowing this on me.

 

I discovered Kuk's Kitchen through Daily Food Buzz. When I visited her site, I fell in love with it because of the many lovely Indian recipes she features there. I love Indian cuisine so this was a wonderful find for me.  Do check out her blog not only for the amazing Asian food she offers but for her lovely photography too!

There are certain rules to follow when you receive the award, such as:   

• Link back to the person who nominated you. (Check!)
• Add "The One Lovely Blog Award" to your post. (Check!)
• Share 7 random things about yourself.
• Pass the award onto 15 nominees and let them know. (I need more than 15 but that's the rule!)

Now for the 7 random things about me: (I must admit I have shared this previously but for those who don't know any of this yet, this is for your benefit!)

1. I grew up in an island called Marinduque, one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines.

2. I am a lawyer by profession but currently a happy stay-at-home mom.

3. I used to work for the Philippine Senate and the Supreme Court.

4. Before I took up law, I was once a TV producer in one of the local networks in Manila.

5. I met my British husband in London while I was studying at Oxford.

6. By God's grace, I have been able to travel and visit over 130 cities in 26 countries.

7. I love to sing as much as I love to cook. Our neighbors in Manila were both my willing and unwilling audience for the longest time!

8. I need to add one more  --- I am a follower of Christ.

Finally, here's my list of noteworthy and truly excellent blogs. I love them all and they serve as my inspiration in making my blog even better.
 

 

1. Once a Mom Always a Cook
2. Walking on Sunshine
3. Sumptuous Spoonfuls
4. Giangis Kitchen
5. The Fountain Avenue Kitchen
6. Knead to Cook
7. From Valerie's Kitchen
8. Pentole e Fornelli
9. The Food Geek Diary
10. Moore or Less Cooking
12. Flour Me with Love
13. Eat Love and be Merry
14. Sherry's Cafe Vita
15. A'lil Country Sugar

Thanks for visiting Manila Spoon!