Torched Pumpkin Strips Emeril Lagasse Style Food

ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP WITH CRISPY DUCK CONFIT RELISH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the diced pumpkin in olive oil and cane syrup. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Place the pumpkin on a parchment lined baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Remove from the oven and cool.
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onions and saute for 6 to 8 minutes, or until caramelized. Season with salt and pepper. Add the garlic, bay leaves, and stock. Stir in the pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg and bring to a boil Reduce to a simmer and cook the soup until the pumpkin is very tender, about 25 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaves from the soup, and with a handheld blender, puree the soup until smooth. Slowly whisk in the cream. Whisk in the peanut butter. Reseason with salt and pepper, if necessary. Simmer the soup, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and ladle into shallow bowls.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the chives, duck confit and pumpkin seeds. Mix well. Garnish each soup with the relish.

ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place the pumpkin cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Invert to the cut side down, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Place in the oven and roast until the skin is golden brown and the pumpkin is tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Once cool enough to handle, use a spoon to scoop the pumpkin flesh from its skin and set pumpkin aside until ready to use. Discard the skin.
• Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and, when hot, add the cinnamon and allspice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the onions, carrots, celery, ginger and garlic to the pan and saute, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelized, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken stock and reserved pumpkin to the pan and bring the stock to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook the soup for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
• Remove the soup from the heat and process with an immersion blender (*or in batches in a blender) until smooth. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pinch of pepper. Add the cream to the soup and stir to combine.
• To serve, place 1 cup of the soup in each of 6 warmed soup bowls. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin seed oil in the bowl and garnish with a 2 or 3 fried sage leaves.

EMERIL LAGASSE'S PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine the graham cracker crumbs, pecans, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a bowl.
• Pour in the melted butter and stir well to blend.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Combine the cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the nutmeg in the bowl of an electric mixer.
• Beat until fluffy.
• Add the eggs and yolks, beating on low speed until just blended.
• Fold in the cream and pumpkin purée.
• Pour the batter into the crust-lined pan, and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake until the center is nearly set, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes.
• Carefully run a small, sharp knife between the cake and the sides of the pan.
• Release the sides of the pan and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Cover the cheesecake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours, before serving.

TORCHED PUMPKIN STRIPS - EMERIL LAGASSE STYLE!

Steps:

• In a heavy, deep saucepan, heat the oil to 360°F
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, beer, and Essence. Dip the pumpkin strips into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Fry in the oil until golden, turning to brown evenly, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and Essence.
• For the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and green onions.
• Serve hot with the sauce.