Fall is one of the most enchanting times of the year. The leaves transform from lime and forest green into beautiful shades of vermillion, golden amber and burnt orange. Fashion changes from shorts and sandals to knitted scarves and boots. Even cuisine takes a journey from fresh salads and crisp fruits to full flavoured soups and desserts filled with hints of dark berries and cinnamon.
Pumpkins, Spice, and Everything Nice
The change in seasons brings about some of the best food, both within the home and at local restaurants. With holiday season just around the corner, it’s a great way to bring the family together for an evening of great food and of course, amazing desserts. If you’re looking for a new recipe this season, try our Festive Pumpkin Cheesecake (below). It’s a great twist on an old tradition, and we’re positive your guests will go crazy for it.
Local Flavours
If cooking a turkey or baking a pie is not really your cup of tea, don’t fret. Alberta is filled with amazing local restaurants that are sure to leave you feeling completely satisfied and without the kitchen cleanup afterwards. One of our favourites is Culina Restaurants & Catering in Edmonton. They have created amazing dishes that incorporate robust flavours.
For brunch, their take on bacon and eggs transforms this simple dish to a new dimension with slow-braised pork and frittata. Accompany that with one of their infamous espressos or lattes, and you are guaranteed to have an amazing afternoon. Entrees take their menu to a whole new level, especially if you’re interested in trying the Brome Lake Duck ‘Marbella’. This dish integrates a number of aromatic flavours with rich figs, olive and caper sauce, and fresh market vegetables.
Embrace Autumn
Fall is such an amazing time of the year; so don’t let it pass you by. There is no better time than now to try a new recipe, dine at a different restaurant, and bring family together for amazing food and great conversations. At AMA, family is our top priority. We are proud to offer our members a 5% discount at Culina on catering and dining, and have given our stamp of approval on this amazing Festive Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe. Check out all of our Dining partners, and enjoy!
Festive Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Crust
¼ cup butter or margarine
1 ¼ cups ginger snaps, crushed
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350F. On the stove, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cookie crumbs until fully combined. Press into a 9” springform pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 10 minutes.
Filling
2 – 8oz pkgs cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
14 oz canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350F. Using a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the remaining ingredients and blend well. Pour over the crust. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until firm. Allow the cheesecake to cool on the counter for a few minutes before setting in the fridge to chill completely before adding any toppings.
Fun Extras
Pumpkin cheesecake can be topped with a good number of things, from whip cream and chocolate shavings, to drizzled chocolate and pecans, to melted caramel with broken up pieces of Turtles. This is where you get to have fun with what you create!
(Source: Alberta Motor Association)