Month: December 2024

Gather / Recipes

The Featured Table: Cherry Chocolate Pumpkin Banana Bread

Welcome back to The Featured Table, where we gather inspiration for creating delicious moments around the table. After the busy holidays packed with family and friends, I decided to make something simple yet satisfying: Cherry Chocolate Pumpkin Banana Bread. This nutrient-packed bread is moist, dense, and utterly delightful – perfect for starting your morning with a cup of coffee, pairing with afternoon tea, or serving to guests as a special treat.

What makes this bread stand out is its balance of healthy ingredients and irresistible flavors. This bread may sound like it has a lot going on, but trust me, the flavors combine beautifully with pumpkin, bananas, sweet cherries, and chocolate. The sweetness of bananas, richness of chocolate, and the subtle spice of pumpkin combine beautifully, while chopped cherries add a surprising pop of sweetness to every bite. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Cherry Chocolate Pumpkin Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 medium bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet cherries
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. (Sometimes I use sugar instead of flour.)
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Incorporate Banana & Pumpkin: Stir in the mashed bananas and pumpkin puree until combined.
  5. Blend Ingredients: Carefully mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. (If you mix it too much, the bread will be tough and chewy.) Then fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top feels firm. The loaf should not wobble when the pan is nudged.

With its moist texture and layered flavors, this bread is a versatile addition to your week, whether you’re treating yourself or hosting loved ones. Serve it straight from the pan or turn out onto a plate or cutting board, brew your favorite coffee or tea, and enjoy the simplicity of a perfect slice.

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Gather / Recipes

The Featured Table: Smoked Salmon Toasts with Herbed Cream Cheese

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joyful hustle and bustle of gatherings, decorating, and planning. Amid the flurry of activity, we’re celebrating the beauty of simplicity with this week’s Featured Table: Smoked Salmon Toasts with Herbed Cream Cheese.

This recipe is perfect for a quick, delicious breakfast or lunch on the go. It’s elegant enough for a holiday brunch yet effortless enough for any weekday meal. Plus, it makes use of local treasures like fresh sourdough bread from Out of the Oven Bakery in White Stone, adding a heartfelt touch to this easy dish.

Smoked Salmon Toasts Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of fresh sourdough bread, toasted
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ a lemon, plus more for serving
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
  • A handful of smoked salmon slices
  • Pickled red onion slices
  • Capers
  • A few leaves of fresh mint, chopped
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Herbed Cream Cheese:
    In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Blend just until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  2. Assemble the Toasts:
    • Generously spread the herbed cream cheese over each slice of toasted sourdough.
    • Layer on the smoked salmon, ensuring even coverage.
    • Top with pickled red onion slices, a sprinkle of capers, fresh dill, parsley, and mint.
  3. Finish with Cracked Pepper:
    Add a generous crack of fresh black pepper over the top to enhance the flavors.
  4. Serve:
    Squeeze a touch of fresh lemon juice over the toasts for a burst of brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

A Moment to Savor

During this busy season, it’s important to pause and savor simple yet special moments. Whether you’re enjoying these toasts solo with a cup of coffee before starting your day or sharing them with loved ones during a holiday brunch, they’re a reminder that slowing down can be just as rewarding as keeping up.

We hope this recipe inspires you to gather around the table and make delicious memories this holiday season.

Happy holidays from all of us at August Table!

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Gather / Recipes

Elevate Your Table with Homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup

Herbs have a magical way of adding depth and sophistication to recipes, and rosemary is no exception. Earthy, aromatic, and subtly sweet, rosemary simple syrup is a game-changer for beverages, desserts, and even savory dishes. With just three ingredients, this syrup is quick to make and offers endless possibilities for seasonal inspiration at your table.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to infuse your everyday moments with flavor, rosemary simple syrup is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Here’s how to make it—and a few delicious ways to use it.

How to Make Rosemary Simple Syrup

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
  2. Add rosemary sprigs and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Remove from heat and let the rosemary steep in the syrup for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Strain out the rosemary and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Ways to Use Rosemary Simple Syrup

1. Cranberry and Rosemary Sparkling Punch (Last Week’s Featured Table)

A festive and refreshing holiday drink, perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • ½ cup rosemary simple syrup
  • 1 cup sparkling water (chilled)
  • Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine cranberry juice and rosemary syrup in a pitcher. Stir well.
  2. Add sparkling water just before serving.
  3. Pour into glasses and garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig.

Tip: Serve with clear glasses to showcase the vibrant colors and garnishes.

2. Herbal Lemonade

Transform a classic lemonade with a fragrant twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp rosemary simple syrup
  • Ice cubes and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Stir rosemary syrup into lemonade.
  2. Serve over ice, garnished with a lemon slice and rosemary sprig.

3. Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake Glaze

Elevate a cozy dessert with this herbaceous drizzle. (This week’s Featured Table)

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp rosemary simple syrup
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Mix ingredients together and brush over a pear or apple upside-down cake just before serving.
  2. Let the glaze soak in for a glossy, flavorful finish.

4. Roasted Carrots with Rosemary Glaze

A simple way to elevate a side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp rosemary simple syrup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Toss carrots with rosemary syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Shop the Look

Pair your rosemary-inspired recipes with August Table linens to bring the season to your table. Our soft holiday hues and natural designs will make your gathering feel warm and inviting.

Savor the Season

The beauty of rosemary simple syrup lies in its ability to enhance so many dishes and drinks with minimal effort. As we savor the moments of this holiday season, let this little jar of sweetness inspire creativity and connection at your table.

Try one of these recipes, or come up with your own—your table is the perfect canvas.

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Comfort

Savor the Season with Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake

The holiday season invites us to slow down, gather with loved ones, and indulge in cozy flavors that warm the soul. Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake is a perfect centerpiece for such moments—a dessert that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

This week’s Featured Table highlights this beautifully spiced dessert, perfect for sharing at your holiday gatherings or savoring as a quiet treat on a chilly evening.

With tender, caramelized pears topping a soft, spiced cake, every bite feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re hosting friends for a festive dinner or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, this cake is a delicious way to celebrate the season’s comforting flavors.

The Recipe: Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

  • 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch slices
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Topping:
    • Melt the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Add cinnamon.
    • Pour the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform cake pan. (I put it on a sheet pan covered in parchment paper to catch any drips.) Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern over the sugar mixture.
  2. Make the Cake Batter:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
    • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in vanilla.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
  3. Bake:
    • Pour the batter over the pears, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Cool for 10 minutes, then invert the cake onto a serving platter.

Styling Your Cake for the Table

Presentation can elevate this dessert into a showstopper for any gathering. Here’s how to style your Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake:

  • Table Setting: Place the cake on a rustic wooden cake stand or glass as shown here and surround it with whole pears, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for an autumnal vibe.
  • Garnish: Dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a touch of rosemary simple syrup for added flavor and shine.
  • Serve: Slice the cake at the table for a moment of shared delight.

Pair It With…

This dessert pairs beautifully with cozy beverages:

  • A hot cup of chai or spiced tea enhances the warm spices in the cake.
  • For an after-dinner treat, serve with a glass of mulled wine or spiked cider.

Shop the Look

Create a cozy tablescape to match this seasonal treat with August Table linens. Neutral hues with hints of warm yellow, brown or red can bring out the caramel tones of the cake. Browse our collection to make your holiday table as inviting as your desserts.

Shop August Table Linens

Savor the Moment

Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake is more than just dessert; it’s an invitation to slow down and connect with the people around you. Make it a centerpiece of your next gathering, or bake one just for yourself—you deserve it!

What are your favorite ways to bring warmth and sweetness to your table during the holidays? Let us know in the comments or share your photos by tagging us on social media.

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Comfort

Celebrate the Holidays with Cranberry and Rosemary Sparkling Punch

The holidays are a time to celebrate connection, warmth, and the little moments that bring us joy. This week’s The Featured Table is all about embracing those festive vibes with a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious: Cranberry and Rosemary Sparkling Punch.

This punch combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the earthy sweetness of rosemary simple syrup, finished with a bubbly sparkle. Garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday gatherings—whether as a non-alcoholic refresher or a spiked treat.

We styled this week’s table with August Table Seraphim Napkins in Red and Green in holiday hues and accented it with natural decor for an inviting, festive feel. Scroll down for the recipe and tips to bring this cheerful moment to your own celebrations.

The Recipe:

Cranberry and Rosemary Sparkling Punch Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
  • ½ cup rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes (optional)
  • Optional: ½ cup vodka or gin for a spiked version or 1/2 cup Seedlip Non-Alchoholic Spirit

For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
    • In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and rosemary sprigs.
    • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
    • Remove from heat and let the rosemary steep for 15–20 minutes.
    • Strain out the rosemary and cool the syrup completely.
  2. Assemble the Punch:
    • In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice and rosemary simple syrup. Stir well.
    • Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
  3. Serve:
    • Pour the punch into glasses over ice cubes (if using). Garnish each glass with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Shop the Look:

This season, create, gather, and savor—your table is the heart of every celebration.

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