Me? Cook? Are You Sure?!

Somehow since moving to Turkey I have started to cook. Not all the time of course, but certainly more than before. In case you don't know, this is pretty unusual. Shocking actually. From never cooking to being someone who people ask for recipes is pretty crazy! So, to mark this momentous occasion, I am sharing two of my recent favorites with you!

This first one is a crowd favorite. I have made it at least once a week for the past few months, and it never gets old. Even if you think you might not like it, you should try it out!

Pineapple Salsa

 (serves two)

1 jalapeno

1 bunch cilantro

2 green onions

2-3 cloves garlic

1 tsp sea salt

1 can crushed pineapple

Cut cilantro and onions into small pieces (using scissors like this pair is easiest), chop or press garlic, chop jalapeno (remove the seeds!), and combine in a bowl. Add salt. Drain pineapple and set aside, and pineapple pieces to mixture. Add pineapple juice as needed if salsa is dry. That's it!

*As a side note, did you know you can get a chemical burn from jalapenos? My 10th time making this wonderful salsa I burned the tips of my fingers so severely it lasted more than 24 hours. I had to soak them in pepto bismol! It was HORRIBLE. Moral of the story, wear gloves. 

** Substitute pineapple for tomatoes for a yummy tomato salsa!

Pumpkin Bread and Cinnamon Honey Butter

(Two Loaves)

Bread (altered from here):

3 cups flour

1 tsp ground cloves 

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup butter, softened 

3 eggs

1 can pumpkin (16 oz)

1 cup chopped pecans

Butter:

1 stick butter at room temperature

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 350*, grease pans if not using silicone (my favorite). 

Mix flour, cloves, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

In another bowl mix sugar, half-melted butter, and eggs with a stand mixer or hand mixer until fluffy. 

Add pumpkin. Mix.

In thirds fold in flour/spice mixture, mix well before adding next third.

Add pecans.

Fill 2 medium loaf pans. Bake for about 1 hour. 

Butter: Place room temperature butter in a bowl. Add honey (I softened mine in the microwave) and cinnamon. Use hand mixer to cream. Try to resist eating entire bowl.

*You may want to make 2 bowls of butter. It's pretty amazing.

**If taking this to a party, pre-slice the loaves so you can leave slices at home without people knowing. Then you can eat them for breakfast the next day with coffee. Mmmm.

Let me know if you make these. I promise you won't be disappointed!