Pumpkin Slices with Walnuts – A Warm Autumn Dessert with Honey and Ice Cream

When autumn fills the air and the kitchen smells like roasted pumpkin, it’s the perfect time for this simple yet indulgent dessert. Soft baked pumpkin slices, crunchy walnuts, cinnamon, and honey come together into a warm, cozy treat. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a touch of fresh mint, and you’ve got a dessert that feels like a hug after lunch — or the perfect companion to your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash

• 250 g walnuts (roughly chopped) + extra for serving

• 90 g butter (room temperature)

• 3 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• brown sugar and vanilla sugar, to taste

For serving

• vanilla ice cream

• whipped cream

• fresh mint leaves

Preparation

1. Peel the pumpkin and slice it into 1.5 cm thick rings. Scoop out the seeded centers and place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine walnuts, butter, honey, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture over the solid pumpkin rings. Sprinkle the ones with holes using a mix of brown and vanilla sugar. Cover the tray with another sheet of parchment paper.

3. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C (392 °F) for about 30 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the top parchment paper to let the pumpkin and walnuts brown lightly and release their aroma.

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Serving

Place one filled ring on a plate, then layer a ring with a hole on top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a bit of whipped cream, a fresh mint leaf, and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Serve warm — the moment when the ice cream begins to melt over the pumpkin is pure bliss.

💡 Tip:
You can replace butternut squash with Hokkaido pumpkin, which doesn’t need peeling, or add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra aromatic twist.

7 Small Joys from the Pantry

Sometimes happiness is just behind the pantry door. Little flavors, always on hand, can turn any evening into comfort.

👉 Seven pantry treasures:

1. Olives – a quick nibble.

2. Honey – a spoon in tea or on bread.

3. Lemon pepper – magic on pasta or roasted veg.

4. Almonds – a handful of energy.

5. Dried apricots – sweet without guilt.

6. Dark chocolate 70% – a tiny reward.

7. Tea – that final cup before bed.

✨ Small stocks, big effect. What’s always in your pantry?

5 Small Kitchen Rituals to Calm Your Evening

When the day winds down, the kitchen can become a little sanctuary. Simple rituals — just a few minutes each — help you relax and make tomorrow smoother.

👉 Five ideas to try tonight:

1. Candle or oil lamp – soft light sets a cozy mood.

2. Cup of lemon tea – slow sipping to ease body and mind.

3. Fold the kitchen towel – a tiny act, but the kitchen feels reset.

4. Five-minute tidy-up – pick one corner, set a timer, and clear it.

5. Mini mise en place for tomorrow – a lemon wedge, overnight oats, or a clean cup waiting.

✨ Small actions, big impact. What’s your evening ritual?