Oct 6, 2007 11:34 am US/Central
Incredible Pumpkin Creations For 'Falloween'
From Mousse To Martinis, Pumpkins Are Ever Popular
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
It's hard to find anyone who doesn't think pumpkins are just great, but you may be surprised by all the different ways to enjoy them.
In this edition of Table for 2, CBS 2's Vince Gerasole found a tantalizing array of perfect pumpkin treats.
They call this time of year "Falloween," and pumpkins are everywhere. But you can do a lot more than just carve one into a jack-o-lantern and put it on your porch, or make one into a pie. There are myriad recipes in which you can cook up a pumpkin.
At
Bon Bon (5410 N. Clark St., 773-784-9882), the savory pumpkin can satisfy your sweet tooth. But don't expect the usual trick-or-treat fare.
"We offer a pumpkin cream," said Elizabeth Hulme Zuverink of Bon Bon. "It's a lighter interior with a light exterior, white chocolate base. And then we have a pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin pie filling with a milk chocolate exterior.
"There's just something about the texture and the smoothness," Zuverink added.
Just a couple of doors down at
Pasticceria Natalina (5406 N. Clark St., 773-989-0662), pastry chef Natalie Zarzour puts some smooth moves on a delectable cake featuring pumpkin mousse. Wait a minute, what's pumpkin mousse?
"It's pure pumpkin, cooked down, pureed to a nice, soft, thick paste," Zarzour said.
The cake is a work of art, covered with chocolate shavings, a hint of gold dust, and a chocolate butterfly. But it's the base that makes it.
"Chocolate spice cake and pumpkin mousse – they work really well together," Zarzour said. "All the flavors are very harmonious."
Pumpkin also works in beautiful harmony at
Sola (3868 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-327-3868).
At the Asian-influenced restaurant, you'll find a pumpkinseed-crusted mahi-mahi, which shares the plate with Japanese heirloom squash, red chili miso syrup and cilantro oil.
And make a toast with the Great Pumpkin Martini.
"What I love about this drink is that it's like having a pumpkin pie with a vodka chaser," said Carol Wallack of Sola. "(It's) pretty delicious."
But if you're a little less adventurous, try Sola's pumpkin waffle. It is served with caramelized apples and vanilla ice cream, and Wallack says the kids go crazy for it."
"Including you," Wallack says, "your inner kid."
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