Hudson Valley Harvest Squares

Introduction

The Hudson Valley Harvest Squares are a delightful blend of fresh ingredients inspired by the vibrant produce available in New York's Hudson Valley. Situated between the cities of New York and Albany, the Hudson Valley is known for its rich agricultural history, dating back to the Dutch colonists who settled there in the 17th century. Today, the valley is celebrated for its farm-to-table movement, offering an abundance of fresh, local ingredients.

These squares are a testament to this tradition, combining ingredients such as apples, pumpkin, and maple syrup, which are quintessentially autumnal and sourced locally during harvest season. The dish beautifully captures the essence of the region’s lush orchards and the warm, cozy flavors associated with the fall season.

The Hudson Valley Harvest Squares not only embody this local heritage but also serve as an excellent treat for both breakfast and dessert, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• Apples - 2 cups, peeled and diced
• Pumpkin puree - 1 cup
• Maple syrup - 1/2 cup
• Rolled oats - 1 cup
• All-purpose flour - 1 cup
• Brown sugar - 1/2 cup
• Ground cinnamon - 1 tsp
• Ground nutmeg - 1/2 tsp
• Baking powder - 1 tsp
• Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1/4 tsp
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Unsalted butter - 1/4 cup, melted
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• Chopped walnuts - 1/2 cup (optional)

Preparation

Before beginning the preparation, ensure all ingredients are measured and ready for use. Proper preparation can make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures an even cooking time and temperature when the dish is ready to be baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the large bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the texture. The batter should be moist with no remaining pockets of dry flour.

Note:

If you are including walnuts, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 5: Layer with Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly mixed. The apples provide a juicy and sweet contrast to the other flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Transfer the Batter

Pour the prepared batter evenly into the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring an even thickness throughout for uniform cooking time.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. This step may require adjustments depending on the specific characteristics of your oven. The squares are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This cooling period helps in firming the texture, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Serving Suggestions

The Hudson Valley Harvest Squares are extremely versatile in how they can be served. Here are a few suggestions:

• For breakfast, enjoy them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
• As a dessert, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm spices and apples.
• Or, serve them as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea to enhance their rich flavors.

Conclusion

The Hudson Valley Harvest Squares are a celebration of seasonal produce, drawing from the Hudson Valley's rich agricultural tradition. Their warm, comforting flavors make them perfect for the autumn season, offering an excellent way to savor the best of what local farms have to offer. Whether you're enjoying them in the morning or as a sweet end to your day, these squares are sure to delight with each bite, keeping the spirit of the harvest alive.