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Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Moussing the Pumpkin & More

There are numerous variations/usages for pumpkin that extend way beyond the carvings on Halloween. In fact, pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins are everywhere, especially in scrumptious fall dessert recipes! First thought is perhaps the ever popular pumpkin pie. What about pumpkin ice cream? Maybe pumpkin cupcakes or spiced pumpkin layer cake? Of course, there is always pumpkin cheesecake. Nope! None of these. Looking ahead, pumpkin is absolutely the perfect addition for tomorrow's celebration! Want chocolate instead? Keep on reading, a day without chocolate is like a day without sunshine!

November 30 is...

National Mousse Day
 


What better mousse than Pumpkin Mousse at this time of year! Before delving into this light as air & perfect for fall recipe, let's examine exactly what encompasses the mousse.


mousse
mo͞os/
noun
  1. 1.
    a sweet or savory dish made as a smooth light mass with whipped cream and beaten eggs, flavored with chocolate, fish, etc., and typically served chilled.

What gives the mousse its lightness? It is not just the fact it is made with whipped cream and beaten eggs (some recipes call for the yolks, others the whites). Actually we can thank the teeny, tiny air bubbles formed from the whipping that gives mousse its signature delicateness. During the 1800s, chocolate mousse was a specialty in French restaurants and is probably the most popular mousse to this day. In the 21st century, it can be found in restaurants and prepared in home kitchens worldwide.

On to the pumpkin mousse...  

Pumpkin or sweet potato are common flavors associated with the holiday recipes. Variations according to taste makes either dish unique and personal.

Basic Pumpkin Mousse
Mousse is also referred to as a mass of tiny bubbles that forms on the top of a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. So, serve your mousse in a champagne glass for a unique presentation!

Even in the wintertime a cool dessert is pleasing to the pallet after a hot meal!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/pumpkin-mousse-111477.aspx
The spicy-sweet flavors of pumpkin pie are whipped to velvety, airy perfection in this five-star treat.

http://icl.coop/kellies-homemade-recipe-pumpkin-mousse-parfait/
Pumpkin Mousse Parfait
The parfait makes The Perfect Snack!  Preparing in mason jars allows you to eat just the amount you want with some left over for later. Just cap it off and store in the fridge!

http://www.recipe.com/pumpkin-mousse-filled-cupcakes/
 Pumpkin Mousse-Filled Cupcakes

The mousse does not have to be served in a cup or glass. Have your cake and eat it too by piping the mousse into a cupcake!

This is the best way to eat sweet potatoes! The praline sauce is a perfect addition and the pecans add just the right crunchiness.

http://bsugarmama.com/sweet-potato-mousse-cups/
 Sweet Potato Mousse Cups
A deconstructed version of sweet potato pie - gingersnap crust, sweet potato pie filling, and marshmallow whipped cream

What about a combo?

http://www.recipelion.com/Thanksgiving-Recipes/No-Fuss-Sweet-Potato-Pumpkin-Mousse
This no-fuss mousse is an easy, decadent and nutritious recipe that can be enjoyed any time!


On to something different...

It is interesting that mousse is not limited to a dessert. As the definition points out, it can be sweet or savory. With that thought in mind, let's shift gears toward the savory.

The answer of what to do with the leftover turkey! If you didn't serve smoked turkey, add a little smoked paprika or black powder seasoning.

Lobster meat, cream and cayenne are chilled in a lobster-shaped mold to make this airy hors d'oeuvre, which can be garnished to create a whimsical appearance.

No way can we leave without chocolate - served in cup, espressoed a bit, baked in a pie, layered in a cake & peaked on top of cupcakes!

This delicate chocolaty mousse melts on your tongue exciting all your senses!

Of course, nothing goes better with chocolate than the flavor of coffee!

This is one of those confounding dishes in which a finished whipped mousse - cold, rich, a perfect balance of density & airiness - is popped into an oven.

The mousse texture in this cake is exactly the same from one layer to the next and the flavor so overpoweringly rich it's hard to finish simply a mere forkfuls.

A rich chocolate cake with a creamy mousse topping, this is a classic cupcake combo for chocolate lovers.


*****

Is your mouth watering yet?
 You have plenty of time to do the shopping necessary, then, get to work and get it made! 


yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!



Next on the Calendar...Bite! Bite! Bite!



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