Recipe by Carrie Hirsch

My friend gave me some truffle salt but if you don’t have the truffle salt don’t worry but if you happen to have a little truffle oil. It’ll be a fine substitute. Serves two.

RED ONION JAM

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red onion, finally diced
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon unfiltered raw apple cider
Black pepper

DUNES CATERING & EVENTS

INGREDIENTS

4 large pimento peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded and diced
2 jalapenos roasted, peeled, seeded and diced
4 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon Frank’s RedHot,
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup chopped pickles with brine
1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese (preferably Tillamook); grated on the large holes of a box grater

Greek Spinach Pie with Mushrooms

Serves 4 as a main course or 8 as a side dish

FILLING:

1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and drained
4 ounces feta or blue cheese crumbles
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound white button mushrooms, stems trimmed and thinly sliced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

The day after Halloween, our family of seven would scrape out the fibrous strands of our pumpkins to reveal the bright orange flesh, cutting it into pieces and roasting in the oven — along with the seeds — to make the most delicious pumpkin soup. These days, pumpkin soup goes well beyond the traditional dollop of cream and pinch of nutmeg and can act as a host for so many diverse flavors, both savory and sweet. While it often takes a starring role on the table in the form of pies and bread, pumpkin also marries well with spicy ingredients without losing its distinct taste. For even more proof of its versatility, look no further than “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” — the movie’s humorous wit and innocence have stood the test of time and are adored by pumpkin lovers of all ages.