I love fall. I love the weather. I love the gorgeous array of colors as the trees change from vibrant green to oranges, reds and finally rusty browns. I love going to Mountain Top Flea Market and browsing for bargains. Fall is the best time to go in my opinion because it is nice and cool. While strolling up and down the rows last Sunday, I found these lovely pumpkins. Which I knew would be perfect for Kabak Tatlısı (Pumpkin Dessert).
When I saw the pumpkins, I knew I wanted to make Kabak Tatlısı. I really miss my pazar trips. They were so full of life. Vendor’s shouting out “Domates, Biber, Patlican (Tomatoes, Pepper, Eggplant)”. Buying produce from the Flea Market slightly reminds me of shopping at the pazar’s in Turkey. It is similar yet totally different at the same time. One difference is the way you buy your pumpkin. In Turkey, for instance, the pumpkins are gigantic and the vendor will either be cutting off however much you want or might also have bags of pumpkin already cut into pieces. I had to cut and peel the pumpkin I bought at the Flea Market. It was worth the effort because I got a delicious dessert and pumpkin seeds that I will season and roast for a yummy snack. If you are in the mood for a new fall dessert, try my recipe for Kabak Tatlısı (Pumpkin Dessert). Afiyet olsun!
- 1 Small Pumpkin (but big enough to yield about 2 pounds of pumpkin "meat")
- 1½ Cups Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- ½ Cup Kaymak or Clotted Cream
- ½ Cup Crushed Pistachios or Walnuts
- Thoroughly wash your pumpkin.
- Cut in half and remove seeds (save these and roast for a nice snack).
- Cut your pumpkin similar to how you would cut a cantaloupe removing the tough outer skin.
- Place the cut pumpkin in a large stock pot and cover with the sugar.
- Add the water and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower heat to low and cook until the pumpkin is tender. This will make a syrup.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Place several pieces of pumpkin on a dessert plate and top with a few spoonfuls of the syrup.
- Top with a spoonful of kaymak or clotted cream.
- Sprinkle with the crushed pistachios or walnuts.
- Enjoy - Afiyet olsun!
