Penzey'S Pumpkin Puffs

1. 1

   If using fresh pumpkin the original recipe states: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the pumpkin and cook until it is fork tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain well and cooled. However, if I were to make this with fresh pumpkin, my first choice would be to bake the pumpkin, followed by steaming. Boiling would be a last resort.

2. 2

   Place the cooked and cooled fresh pumpkin or the canned pumpkin in a large mixing bowl. If using fresh pumpkin, mash with a potato masher, immersion blender or electric mixer.

3. 3

   Add 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, egg yolk, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix well.

4. 4

   If the mixture is too liquid-y, add more flour.

5. 5

   Taste for sweetness and add more brown sugar if necessary.

6. 6

   Refrigerate 30-45 minutes. Do not skip this step.

7. 7

   Heat oil over medium-high heat in a sauce pan (original recipe specifies a frying pan). Note: I never use as much oil as a recipe calls for with deep frying-perhaps 1/2 cup at most. Place a paper towel on a plate.

8. 8

   For small puffs, drop the mix by greased teaspoon into the pan (or greased tablespoon if you want larger puffs). Tip: Grease the utensil on both sides. *Don't* crowd the pan with too many puffs at one time.

9. 9

   Cook on both sides until golden, about 2 minutes for the smaller puffs, and 3-4 minutes for the larger.

10. 10

    Once cooked, use a slotted spoon and place puffs on the paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess oil.

11. 11

    Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. If desired, drizzle puffs with a little bit of real maple syrup.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.