Pumpkin Seed

The name of this cake derives from the flavors that are reminiscent of the classic mole, an aromatic, delicious chocolaty savory sauce that originated in Pueblo, Mexico. I have always thought that dried chiles were a surprisingly good match for chocolate, and with the addition of canela, cloves, and pumpkin seeds, the full mole flavors emerge. For a shortcut, substitute sectioned grapefruit for the orange caramel.

Often used in southwestern and Mexican cooking, the crunchy, green hulled pumpkin seeds called pepitas add delightful texture to this smooth soup. Uncork a Gewürztraminer.

Party alert: This spicy snack is perfect with chilled sparkling wine or ice-cold beer.

At the restaurant, the lamb is served with cilantro-corn mashed potatoes.

If you can't find raw unhulled pumpkin seeds, you can substitute 6 ounces of the hulled (green) ones, but the pipián (seed-thickened sauce) will be richer. Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Here is a colorful dressing that is baked alongside—rather than inside—the turkey.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Chicken in Pumpkin-Seed Sauce

(Three Generations of Squash) Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Spicy and sweet, this unusual salad would be ideal with grilled chicken or fish.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Besides serving these crunchy pumpkin seeds in our chili and chopped salad, we love to make up a batch to keep on hand as a snack.