Name: Warm Pumpkin Salad with Polenta and Candied Pumpkin Seeds
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal (not coarse); 7 1/2 cups water; 2 3/4 teaspoons salt; 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne; 1/2 cup raw green (hulled) pumpkin seeds (pepitas); 1 tablespoon fresh pomegranate juice (see cooks' note, below) or cranberry juice cocktail; 2 teaspoons Sherry vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced shallot; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small cheese pumpkin or butternut squash (2 lb), peeled, quartered lengthwise, and seeded; 1 (6-oz) piece Parmigiano-Reggiano; 8 oz arugula, trimmed

Image may contain Food Meal Dish and Bowl

Warm Pumpkin Salad with Polenta and Candied Pumpkin SeedsRita Maas

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 5 hr

Cooks' notes:

• Polenta, spread on baking sheet and not yet fried, can be chilled up to 1 day. • Candied pumpkin seeds can be prepared 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature. • To juice a pomegranate, firmly roll it on a work surface until it feels softer, then cut a small hole in skin and squeeze.

Recipe notes

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.