Weekly Bread: Gingerbread-Pumpkin

"Bread baking is one of those almost hypnotic businesses, like a dance from some ancient ceremony.

It leaves you filled with one of the world's sweetest smells.

There is no chiropractic treatment, no Yoga exercise, and no hour of meditation in a music-throbbing chapel, that will leave you emptier of bad thoughts than this homely ceremony of making bread."

~M.F.K. Fisher, The Art of Eating

I like to think of cooking as an art.

If one really took the time to ponder the idea, it appears perfectly logical that cooking should fall into such a highly respected category. After all, one must visualize the dish, plan or sketch the recipe, gather necessary ingredients, and construct the masterpiece; while continually evaluating, monitoring, and tweaking flavor, temperature and measurements.

I dream of the day when I can whip up mouth-watering meals that not only taste delicious, but leave the house smelling warm and wonderful.

Someday. Maybe. Fingers crossed.

Until that day comes, I'll continue stalking some of my favorite cooking web-sites and putting a CK twist on the goodies that catch my eye.

For the past few weeks I've been dying to try this recipe. I have a love affair with gingersnaps, and a slightly disturbing infatuation with autumn. Therefore, as one can probably imagine, this delightful concoction had my heart racing--soaring--skipping beats.

I gave in. I could no longer resist.

Did I mention I'm also on a bit of a health kick?

Well, I am.

Farewell cup of vegetable oil and white all-purpose flour.

Hello applesauce and whole grain flour and cage-free eggs.

mmm...warm, savory, autumn goodness...