Are You Here for The Food?
Pumpkin Pear Bread with Chocolate Chunks (GF & Whole-Grain)
Don't let the "GF & Whole-Grain" part fool you. This pumpkin pear bread is still a rich, flavorful dessert-for-breakfast situation. Serve a slice with a dollop of thick Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup, or a spread of pumpkin butter.
The recipe yields two loaves because if you're going to all the effort of baking, you might as well have a loaf to give, to serve to your holiday guests, or simply to freeze and save for a busier week.
Are You Here to Connect?
Let's Bake Two Loaves & Leave No Words Unsaid
We're in the homestretch of Thanksgiving planning. This is a time when gratitude is supposed to take center stage but the state of the world, hosting stresses, family hot topics, dietary restrictions, and food shame often overshadow the one slated opportunity we have to express our deeper sentiments. Do it anyway. Be the one to say, " okay, what is everyone grateful for this year?" It is better to try for a vulnerable moment than regret not trying. This is what I tell myself.
For the past two years, a personal goal of mine has been to be a better ally to grief, to address the elephants of sadness or hurt in the room. My goal has been to speak against my internal voice that says, "don't say that" for fear I will upset someone or reduce their opinion of me. (This voice means well, but she is misguided.)
My goal has been to speak positive feelings, which surprisingly, can feel even more vulnerable - to tell my boyfriend's mom I am proud of her and admire her, to tell my "Maine parents" their relationship sets the bar, to tell my sister she was my role model, to ask my parents about their lives before me.
This recipe for pumpkin pear bread yields two loaves on purpose. Yes, a double batch is convenient for Thanksgiving hosting, or as a hostess gift, but I would encourage you to give the second loaf. My second loaf went to neighbors after their golden retriever passed away abruptly and traumatically. A pretty parcel of pumpkin pear bread, flowers, and a note was my way to say, "this sucks, and I am really sorry. His life mattered, and he will be missed."
Address the elephants of sadness and grief. Celebrate the positive feelings that open you up and make you feel vulnerable. Bake a loaf to share because a slice of warm, spiced bread is like a hug. It doesn't take away the pain, but it does help to warm the heart.
The Mint 'n Maple Corner:
My boyfriend used to mock how I said "I love you Julep" every time I entered a room, but all the mockery made him actually fall in love with her. Maybe there's a lesson there? Keep expressing positive emotions until they are earnest. I mean, look at that face though...
You Might Also Like: Lemon & Thyme Quick Bread
The lemon and thyme make this bread a worthy complement to fresh salads, light dinners, or a roasted turkey. Make it ahead of the holiday, and you can turn it into a unique, gluten-free crouton offering. Find this recipe and many more in my book, The Gluten-Free Grains Cookbook.