Classics reinvented: Pumpkin popovers

Hearst Communications Inc.
Harry Connick Jr. shares his easy pumpkin popover recipe. (Photo by Winne Au)

Harry Connick Jr. shares his easy pumpkin popover recipe. (Photo by Winne Au)

We take our popovers seriously at GH, having served them to every president, royal and other A-lister who’s dined at the iconic Hearst buildings for over 70 years. When we found out that Harry Connick Jr. — host of his own new daytime show, “Harry” — loved cooking, we invited him to help us tweak this favorite to start the holiday season. This simple recipe has only three steps!

 

:Harry’s Pumpkin Popovers

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Generously grease six (6-ounce) custard cups or cups of a popover pan with melted butter. Set on a rimmed baking sheet.
  1. Mix: In blender, combine 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin-pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon salt; blend until smooth. Pour about 1/3 cup batter into each custard cup, or fill popover pan cups half-full.
  1. Finish: Bake 50 minutes, then quickly cut a small slit in the top of each popover to release steam; bake 10 minutes longer. Immediately remove popovers from cups, loosening with spatula if necessary. Serve hot, dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Serves 6. Each serving is about 205 calories, 7 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates, 12 g fat (7 g saturated), 1 g fiber, 280 mg sodium.

 

Test Kitchen Secret

Psst … there’s no pumpkin in our popovers. We baked up many versions, with amounts from 2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup pumpkin, but they were more pudding than popover. When we whipped up the recipe with just the classic spice blend, the look and texture were spot-on and won in our blind taste test.

 

ON ANOTHER MATTER …

 

A Nutty Way to Feel Younger

Walnuts have always made us smile: They’re full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and their antioxidants aid in keeping your brain supercomputer sharp. Now there’s evidence that they also can help dial down some of the things that can make your later years less than golden. Eating 1 to 2 ounces of walnuts per week is associated with better physical function, making it easier to climb stairs and hoist heavy groceries as you age, said Francine Grodstein, whose study appeared in the Journal of Nutrition. It’s likely because, she thinks, the nuts’ phytonutrients may reduce inflammation. Good Housekeeping Nutrition Director Jaclyn London suggests adding a dollop of walnut butter to a smoothie, or topping cereal with a few walnut pieces.

 

Spotlight On: Harry Connick Jr.

Harry talks to us about life around the house.

Favorite junk food: Don’t get me started … Krispy Kremes!

I just learned: Popovers aren’t that hard to make.

Cat/dog/other: I have three dogs and a cat … but I’ve always wanted a monkey.

I drive: A pickup truck.

Party trick: Telling everyone I speak Mandarin and then quickly walking away.

I sleep on: Every side of my body. I’m a flipper.

Signature dish: Gumbo.

Personal motto: “Be on time, and be nice.”

Biggest house disaster: Chainsawing the limbs off of a Christmas tree inside the house.

Household chore I actually enjoy: Organizing the pantry.

My secret weapon: A housekeeper.

I’d do anything to avoid: Doing dishes!

How did I ever live without: My wife, Jill.

 

 Recalls Alert

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC’s toll-free hotline, (800) 638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

PRODUCT/VEHICLE

PROBLEM

ZapBulb mosquito zapper LED light bulbs, sold online at Amazon, Groupon, Hammacher Schlemmer, Pulse TV, Sharper Image, Sportsman and Universal Direct from April 2016 through July 2016 for about $30.

The light bulb’s base can separate from the connector, posing an electrical shock hazard. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled light bulbs, turn off the power supply and contact Creative Sourcing for a free replacement mosquito zapper LED light bulb, which includes the shipping cost and instructions for removing and replacing the light bulb. Creative Sourcing will reimburse consumers if a professional electrician is needed to remove the recalled light bulb’s base. Consumers can contact Creative Sourcing International/Haus toll-free at (888) 521-8326 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at hauswares@kalorik.com, or online at www.hauswares.com. Click on “Recall Information” for more information.

 

Subaru 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback

The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels. The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column as necessary for free. The recall began May 13, 2016.  Owners may contact Subaru customer service at (800) 782-2783, or by visiting www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

 

© Hearst Communications Inc.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate