Tomorrow is Halloween and I’ll let you all in on a little secret: I hate it. I don’t understand adults who still dress up. Like, once you’re older than 12, the novelty is gone. Well...in your college-aged years there are some interesting mixers or bar crawls and those are, in fact, fun. I once slowly jumped across traffic on M Street in Georgetown, as I was dressed as an astronaut, much to everyone’s enjoyment. Doing the robot on the dancefloor was also a hit. Now, I simply look forward to moving the firepit to the driveway and having a nice, seasonal cocktail. I typically mix some apple cider and Diplomatico rum together and call it a day. If you’re gonna have, or go to, a party or simply sit in your driveway like me, these are some tasty snacks that have pumpkin in them and are a transitional nod to my favorite holiday of them all, Thanksgiving.
Deep-fried Pumpkin Treats
Box of frozen puff pastry, thawed
15 oz can of pumpkin purée
Fresh ginger, about a 2-inch piece, flesh grated
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp Chinese 5-spice
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
3/4 cup brown sugar
Frying oil
Cinnamon Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
While the puff pastry thaws, mix together the ginger, spices, and brown sugar into the pumpkin puree in a medium bowl. Reserve. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar. Reserve.
Once the pastry is thawed and unfolded, cut each sheet into 9 equal squares. Spoon a half-tablespoon of the pumpkin mixture into the lower-third of each square. Fold the pastry over the filling and crimp the three sealed sides with a fork. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
While the pastry bites chill, heat about 3 inches of oil in a small pot, over medium heat, to 350 degrees. When the oil reaches temperature, drop a few pastries into the oil and fry until golden, about 5 minutes. Drain briefly and roll in the cinnamon sugar. Place on a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining treats.
Let the pumpkin bites cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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Copyright 2021, Brendan McCann, All Rights Reserved
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