It is almost the end of the year already! November is here, the air is crisp and bright, and I am so excited to eat way too much food at Thanksgiving. The flavors this month are cozy and surprising. The weather here has been a bit all over the place, so the flavors are taking inspiration from that. Some very autumnal, some almost downright summery!
This Month's Flavors
Brisk
Pumpkin Caramel Milk Chocolate Ganache
Starting off this month with a classic – pumpkin! The caramel adds a lovely bitter undertone that helps bring out the vegetal quality. The milk chocolate pairs so well with the pumpkin sweetness, and the spices just elevate the experience.
Leaves
Raspberry Marzipan with Raspberry and Green Tea Ganache
A wonderful recipe from Melissa Coppel, this chocolate is so bright! I wanted to have something to represent the sunny, warm November days and this was the choice. The raspberry is very present – there is raspberry powder in the marzipan which really brings out the acidity, and the puree in the ganache is fruity and earthy with the green tea.
Foggy
Brown Butter, Cinnamon, and Rum White Chocolate Ganache with Cinnamon Toast Crunch
This one is very autumnal, in my opinion. This is like a big warm cinnamon hug! The brown butter adds a nuttiness that pairs so well with the dark rum, and the cinnamon brings spiced rum vibes. The crunchy layer with Cinnamon Toast Crunch adds excellent texture and is just a very fun addition.
Equinox
Cardamom and Orange White Chocolate Ganache
This is maximum citrus time! I wanted to show other sides of our beloved sweet citrus – the bitterness of the peel and pith! So in this ganache, you get the sweet white chocolate, the floral cardamom, and it ends with bitter orange. A very fun take on a familiar flavor!
Dapple
Basil Lemon Caramel
This is for those brisk but sunny days – sharp and reminiscent of summer at the same time. Loaded with lemon juice and zest, this caramel is bright and has almost no bitterness. The fresh basil adds an almost anise note with herbal depth. Delicious!
Crunchy
Coconut Vanilla Caramel with Pecan Praline
Inspired by pecan pie, this one is decadent. The caramel is luscious and very vanilla forward. The praline adds not only great texture but also brings in a nutty bitterness.
#1 Iced Oatmeal Cookies
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A fun take on a classic cookie! The cookie is craggier due to whipping the eggs with the sugar, and the icing just melts into each little nook and cranny.
#2 Maple Walnut Blondies
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Are blondies cookies? Doesn’t matter, these are delicious. So autumnal! The maple syrup is strong but the overall flavor is not overly sweet – the walnuts help balance that out while adding great texture.