Spiced Pumpkin Empanadas Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 16 empanadas Calories per serving: 231 kcal Warm, flaky, and filled with warmly spiced pumpkin, these homemade empanadas are a comforting treat perfect for fall—or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy! Ingredients For the Filling: 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves For the Dough: 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C) ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 (½ oz) packets active dry yeast (or 2¼ teaspoons) ⅛ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided ¾ cup vegetable shortening Instructions Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar,...
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 1. Botanical Information Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family) Origin: Southeast Asia (likely originating from Maritime Southeast Asia) Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial plant Height: Grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall Parts Used: Rhizome (underground stem), commonly called “ginger root” 2. Appearance The rhizome is knobby, beige to light brown in color, with a fibrous, aromatic interior. Above ground, it has narrow green leaves and yellow-green flowers with purple edges (though rarely seen in cultivation). 3. Cultivation Grows best in warm, humid climates with well-drained, fertile soil. Propagated by planting pieces of rhizome with buds (“eyes”). Takes 8–10 months to mature for harvest. Major producers: India, China, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia. 4. Culinary Uses Fresh, dried, powdered, or as oil or juice. Used in savory dishes, sweets, beverages (like ginger tea, ginger ale), and pickles. Essential in Asia...