As we roll into October, and the Halloween decorations lining the supermarket isles are finally relevant – there is one particular crop which stands out this month. Be it carved with eyes and a toothy grin or pureed into a pumpkin spice latte there is not much that has not been done with this seasonal fruit. Here at the Dineindulge Private Chef office we are all for experimentation and love to keep it fresh when it comes to ingredients – especially those which appear classic but can be reworked to create something completely new.

If you are feeling a little unenthused by this year’s Gourd glut, our private chef development team have a few ideas to pump up the autumn season and add a little luxury to your dinner table with something a little different…

Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip

An aperitif to kick off the festivities, a pumpkin whipped feta dip can be a great dish to keep the hunger at bay at the beginning of an autumn gathering. As quick and simple as it is impressive, this dip is likely to leave the bowl so clean you won’t need to do the washing up!

Spaghetti Squash

Something our development team have been loving in the veg box at the moment is spaghetti squash. A fast-growing trend, renowned for its lightness and versatility, spaghetti squash pairs with all the best toppings of your usual noodles and is a great option to get creative with. Spinach and Artichoke, Bolognese and Chow Mein are some of our go-tos.

Pumpkin Fondue

A popular winter dish in the Savoyard, why not get the ski season started early with a warming cheese Fondue. Classic alpine cheeses will be the best choice for this, grated and roasted into a pumpkin shell. An unusual method for presentation and guaranteed to delight your dinner guests, this idea makes for great use of this commonly disregarded pumpkin layer in a delicious French-inspired fusion. We would pair this with a mineral white wine from Switzerland or the Savoie region and use a little in the recipe too.

Pumpkin Croissant and Butter Pudding

For something a little sweeter, the Croissant and Butter Pudding is a cherished specialty on our Roast and Christmas menus, seeing a British staple taking a new twist. A gooey delight, and irresistibly seasonal, why not add the Croissant and Butter pudding to your own culinary armada with a pumpkin croissant and butter pudding. Drizzle in a little bourbon sauce for a little extra spice.

Pumpkin Old Fashioned

Finally, here’s another twist on an old favourite. A cocktail guaranteed to add an extra glow and round off the evening the right way:

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey

1/2 ounce brandy-based orange liqueur

1/2 ounce maple syrup

2 tablespoons pumpkin purée

1 dash aromatic bitters

Orange peel, or rosemary sprig, for garnish

Method

1. Combine the bourbon, orange liqueur, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Garnish with an orange peel or rosemary sprig. Serve and enjoy.

Thanks for reading our Halloween post. If you have an event coming up or would like to try our in home private chef hire experience, then get started using the below form and browse through our delicious selection of menus…