Recipes

The First Taste of Fall: The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook for August

AdventureKEEN August 10, 2026 baking, cookbook, Cooking, Julia Rutland, Recipes, Upcoming

Cookbook cover, The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook, on a picnic table with a blurry tree background

August has a feeling that’s hard to name. The days are still warm, but something is shifting. The light looks a little different in the evening. The farm stand starts displaying butternut squash next to the last of the summer tomatoes. School supplies fill the store shelves. Routines are changing.

For many home cooks, this is the moment when the kitchen starts calling for something a little toastier: a loaf of bread, a hot breakfast, the first hint of cinnamon on the stove.

That is where pumpkin comes in. The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook: Heritage Recipes, from Perfect Pies to Savory Soups, will satisfy your cravings for fall flavor.

Three Ways to Welcome Pumpkin in August

August is the bridge between late summer and early fall. It still calls for fresh, easy food—bright salads, cool treats, and meals that don’t feel too heavy. At the same time, the first hints of fall invite warm spices, roasted vegetables, and something baked and golden on the counter. Pumpkin fits both moods.

1. Serve Pumpkin Cool in Late Summer

Chilled pumpkin treats are an easy way to enjoy early fall flavors while summer is winding down. Try Pumpkin-Cookie Ice Cream, Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream, Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Parfaits, No-Cook Pumpkin Pudding, or Pumpkin Ice-cream Pie. These recipes pair canned pumpkin with cream, warm spices, and familiar favorites such as gingersnaps and pecans.

two photos, one of Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream and the other of Corrine's Pumpkin Waffles. Recipes from The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook.

2. Start the Morning with Warmth

When mornings begin to feel busier, pumpkin scones, waffles, and muffins make easy seasonal breakfasts. They work for a slow weekend meal or a make-ahead batch for weekday mornings. The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook includes maple-frosted muffins, buttermilk waffles with warm spices, and drop scones finished with a bright-orange glaze. A pumpkin breakfast does not have to feel like a holiday recipe. It can simply make an ordinary morning feel special.

3. Keep the Harvest Table Fresh and Colorful

Early fall cooking doesn’t have to be heavy. Winter Squash-and-Quinoa Salad pairs roasted squash with dried cranberries, toasted pepitas, and a honey-thyme vinaigrette. It’s bright, satisfying, and at home on an August lunch table or at a September gathering of friends.

100 Recipes. Every Stage of the Season.

sketches of foods scattered, such as, pumpkins, squash, pumpkin pie, pancakes, cookies, bread, seeds, etc.

The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook is built for cooks who want more than one use for pumpkin. The book moves through breads and rolls, breakfast dishes, appetizers and snacks, savory sides and main dishes, and a full range of desserts—from pies and cheesecakes to cookies, bars, and frozen treats.

Whether you need a recipe for the first cool evening in August or the last slice of pie in November, this cookbook comes through.

Preorder The Classic Pumpkin Cookbook today. It arrives August 18.

Beat the Heat: Why Some Assembly Required Is the Ultimate Summer Cookbook

AdventureKEEN June 1, 2026 Adventure Publications, cookbook, Health, Julia Rutland, Recipes

Many home cooks are tired of sweating over a hot stove during the warmest months of the year. When summer temperatures rise, the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on the oven or stand over a boiling pot. That is why Some Assembly Required: Fresh, Easy No-Cook Recipes by Julia Rutland has quickly become a highly necessary summer cookbook for busy families and food lovers alike.

A Brilliant Approach to Summer Cooking

Some Assembly Required is a brilliant summer cookbook that completely changes how people think about mealtime. The author focuses on a simple but powerful idea: delicious, healthy meals that require absolutely zero cooking. By skipping the stove, oven, and grill, Julia’s recipes help readers create amazing dishes with minimal effort, zero sweat, and fast cleanup.

A bright, summer-themed marketing banner for the cookbook 'Some Assembly Required: Fresh and Easy No-Cook Recipes' by Julia Rutland. The book cover, featuring a fresh chicken and feta salad, sits on a wooden board next to a green checkered cloth, fresh lemons, basil, and a glass of iced mint water. Text on the banner reads 'The Ultimate Summer Cookbook' and highlights features like 'Vibrant Ingredients,' 'Simple Assembly,' and 'Perfect for Picnics & Summer Gatherings.' The bottom border says 'Eat Well. Stay Cool. Enjoy Summer.'

The Benefits of Easy Summer Meals

For anyone looking for easy summer meals, this book offers incredible, practical benefits for daily life. A heat-free kitchen means families can keep their homes cool and comfortable. Cooks will never need to preheat an oven on a hot day again. Furthermore, these time-saving dinners allow people to go from raw ingredients to a beautiful, plated meal in just minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Because these dishes are served cold or at room temperature, many are appropriate to pack for picnics, beach days, and outdoor potlucks. Finally, without hot surfaces or dangerous flames, beginners and children can safely help prepare food and build their kitchen confidence.

Delicious No-Cook Recipes for Every Meal

This collection of more than 165 recipes covers every part of the day. It goes far beyond basic side salads. Readers will find gourmet, globally inspired dishes that feel fancy but are incredibly easy to put together. Diners can cool down with refreshing beverages like homemade Watermelon Agua Fresca or a beautiful Tropical Sangría. For lunch, home chefs can upgrade their routine with gourmet sandwiches and wraps, such as Lemony Lobster Rolls or a Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi made with deli roast beef. For a unique starter, readers can try a chilled soup like the Golden Tomato-and-Peach Gazpacho, which combines savory tomatoes with sweet summer peaches using just a blender. When it is time for dinner, cooks can feed the whole family with hearty, protein-packed main dishes like the Mexican Chicken Cobb Salad or Chicken-and-Black Bean Tostadas. Families can end the day by satisfying their sweet tooth with a creamy, no-bake Raspberry-and-Lemon Icebox Cake.

Food photos of Lemony Lobster Rolls, Chicken-And-Black Bean Tostadas, Bahn Mi Sandwiches, Mexican Chicken Cobb Salad With Chipotle Ranch Dressing, and a Tropical Sangria drink from Some Assembly Required cookbook.

Master the Art of Assembly and Meal Prep

Some Assembly Required also teaches readers how to be smarter, more efficient chefs. Julia shares expert tips on stocking the pantry, using fresh seasonal produce, and storing food safely. Readers will learn the best ways to keep leafy greens crisp and how to store fresh herbs so they last longer. Julia shows exactly how combining smart pantry staples with fresh farmer’s market produce can create culinary magic.

Keep the Kitchen Cool All Season Long

Home cooks do not need to let the summer heat ruin their dinner plans. For those who want to enjoy fresh, vibrant, and stress-free meals, Some Assembly Required: Fresh, Easy No-Cook Recipes is the perfect guide. Readers can grab a copy today, keep the kitchen cool, and start assembling their new favorite summer dishes!
Julia Rutland is a writer and cookbook author with more than 25 years of experience in food, publishing, travel, and marketing. This title is part of the Homestyle Kitchen Cookbooks series that also includes Homestyle Kitchen and the award-winning Cast-Iron Cooking.

A promotional graphic for a cookbook series set on a warm, rustic wooden kitchen counter. At the top, elegant text reads 'Fresh & Timeless Recipes for Sharing' with a sub-heading 'A Cookbook Series by Julia Rutland' decorated with small leaf motifs. Below the text, three cookbook covers stand side-by-side. From left to right: 'Homestyle Kitchen' featuring rustic baked dishes; 'Cast-Iron Cooking' featuring roasted chicken and tomatoes in a skillet; and 'Some Assembly Required' featuring a fresh chicken and feta salad bowl. The books are surrounded by cozy kitchen elements, including wooden spoons in a ceramic jar, a wooden cutting board, and fresh potted herbs against a white brick background.

book cover of book, Some Assembly Required by Julia Rutland, with fresh colorful ingredients spread out around the book cover.

How to Create Amazing No-Cook Meals When It’s Too Hot in the Kitchen

AdventureKEEN March 23, 2026 Adventure Publications, cookbook, Cooking, family activity, Julia Rutland, Recipes

When the weather heats up, many kitchens become the last place anyone wants to be. Turning on the oven or standing over a hot stove can make you feel even warmer and more uncomfortable. Still, most people want more than takeout or a plain salad at the end of the day. They want food that feels fresh, homemade, and satisfying—without adding extra heat.

Some Assembly Required shows how no‑cook meals can deliver all of that, with less effort and no time at the stove.

Simple Assembly, No Cooking

The heart of no‑cook meals is simple: Focus on assembly instead of traditional cooking. This approach relies on tossing, layering, and mixing, rather than frying or baking.

Many of the recipes in Some Assembly Required start with ingredients people already buy:

Rotisserie chicken
Canned beans and lentils
Prewashed salad greens
Smoked fish and deli meats
Jarred roasted peppers, olives, and artichokes

These staples are turned into colorful and healthy salads, wraps, grain bowls, tostadas, and more. Short ingredient lists and clear steps mean dinner can be ready in minutes instead of hours.

image of two no-cook recipes: a creamy shrimp salad on lettuce; and a slice of lemon‑raspberry icebox cake with the whole cake behind it.

Cool Meals for Hot Days and Gatherings

On hot days, even thinking about heating up the oven can feel exhausting. No‑cook meals solve this problem by leaning on the fridge, pantry, and fresh produce instead of the stove.

Recipes in Some Assembly Required include:

Bright salsas and creamy dips made in a blender or food processor
Shrimp cocktails and chilled seafood salads built from precooked proteins
Fresh, crunchy salads and lettuce wraps that stay crisp
Make‑ahead chilled soups and desserts

These dishes are perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard parties because they travel well and can often be prepared hours before guests arrive. Big‑batch drinks like agua frescas, iced punches, and light cocktails add a cool, festive touch without extra heat or stress.

Using Pantry Staples and Leftovers Wisely

A key part of no‑cook meals is learning to use what’s already on hand. This cookbook offers tips for building a smart pantry with items such as:

Canned beans, tuna, and salmon
Whole grains like quinoa, farro, and rice
Nuts, seeds, and nut butters
Jarred vegetables and pickles

These ingredients become the base for fast meals that do not require turning on the stove. Leftover meats, herbs, and random vegetables from the crisper drawer are turned into salads, wraps, bowls, and dips, helping cut down on food waste.

Image of 5 tablespoons filled with different ingredients.

Instructions are flexible, with lots of options like “use any cooked grain you have” or “swap in your favorite beans.” This relaxed style lowers the pressure and makes it easier to experiment and learn.

Cooler Kitchens, Lower Bills, Better Meals

Because these recipes skip cooking, they keep kitchens cooler and can help lower energy bills. Chilled soups, hearty salads, grain bowls, and no‑bake snacks rely on the fridge more than the oven.

In the end, Some Assembly Required proves that amazing no‑cook meals are possible, even on the hottest days. With smart shortcuts, fresh ingredients, and simple directions, anyone can enjoy homemade food without heating up the whole house.

Why Beyond Delicious Is the Must-Have Cookbook for Your Halloween Celebrations (Plus a Spooky Recipe!)

AdventureKEEN September 8, 2025 Adventure Publications, baking, cookbook, Cooking, Recipes

If you’re searching for the perfect book to add a dash of supernatural spice to your Halloween festivities, look no further than Beyond Delicious Cookbook: Recipes & Stories from the Original Ghost Whisperer by Mary Ann Winkowski. This one-of-a-kind cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a spellbinding journey through ghostly encounters, family traditions, and the enduring magic of food. Whether you’re a book lover, a home cook, or a Halloween enthusiast, this book is destined to become the centerpiece of your autumn celebrations.

Why You Need Beyond Delicious Cookbook for Halloween

Halloween is the season when the veil between worlds feels thinnest, making it the ideal time to explore stories of spirits, haunted kitchens, and recipes passed down from the afterlife. Beyond Delicious Cookbook is not your average cookbook. Written by Mary Ann Winkowski, the real-life inspiration for TV’s The Ghost Whisperer, this book weaves together true ghost stories and authentic family recipes, many of which were shared by earthbound spirits themselves.

Imagine gathering your friends and family on a crisp October night, the air scented with cinnamon and pumpkin, as you read aloud tales of mischievous ghosts. Each chapter is a blend of humor, warmth, and a touch of the supernatural, making it the perfect companion for Halloween parties, book club gatherings, or cozy evenings by the fire.

Book lovers know that the best stories are those that linger long after the last page is turned. This cookbook delivers just that, with heartwarming and sometimes spooky tales that will have your guests talking—and laughing—well into the night. The book is packed with over 100 recipes, each with its own ghostly backstory, ensuring that every dish you serve comes with a side of intrigue.

A Recipe to Haunt Your Halloween Table: Mitzi’s Golden Pumpkin Cookies

No Halloween celebration is complete without a sweet treat, and what could be more fitting than a recipe straight from the afterlife? One of the standout recipes is Mitzi’s Golden Pumpkin Cookies. Shared by the spirit of Mitzi herself, these cookies are soft, fragrant, and bursting with autumn flavors—a true crowd-pleaser that will enchant kids and adults alike.

Mitzi’s Golden Pumpkin Cookies (from Beyond Delicious Cookbook: Recipes & Stories from the Original Ghost Whisperer)

Ingredients:

1/3 cup shortening

1 1/3 cups granulated sugar

3 eggs, well beaten

1 cup cooked pumpkin or plain canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon extract

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup raisins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF (204ºC).

Cream shortening and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs, pumpkin, vanilla, and lemon extract.

In a separate bowl, combine lemon rind, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Stir flour mixture into pumpkin mixture until a soft dough forms.

Dredge raisins in a little flour; mix into dough.

Grease a baking sheet with shortening. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet.

Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Bake for 15 minutes.

How to Include Mitzi’s Golden Pumpkin Cookies in Your Halloween Festivities

Ghostly Cookie Decorating Party: Use Mitzi’s cookies as the centerpiece for a Halloween cookie-decorating session. Set out orange, black, and white icing; edible glitter; and candy eyes for a spooky twist.

Book Club Treat: Pair a reading of Beyond Delicious Cookbook with a batch of these cookies for your October book club meeting. Discuss your favorite ghost stories and recipes from the book.

Trick-or-Treat Table: Wrap cookies in festive cellophane bags and hand them out to trick-or-treaters (or their parents!).

Haunted Tea Party: Serve the cookies alongside hot apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes for a cozy, supernatural-themed gathering.

For book buyers looking to make this Halloween unforgettable, Beyond Delicious Cookbook: Recipes & Stories from the Original Ghost Whisperer is the ultimate addition to your collection. It’s a unique blend of ghost stories, family recipes, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling that makes you appreciate the power of food to connect us—even beyond the grave.

Don’t miss out on the season’s most enchanting cookbook. Pick up your copy, bake a batch of Mitzi’s Golden Pumpkin Cookies, and invite a little magic—and maybe a friendly spirit or two—into your kitchen this Halloween!

The Beyond Delicious Cookbook Blends Paranormal Encounters with Timeless Recipes

AdventureKEEN June 9, 2025 Cooking, Recipes, Upcoming

Some special recipes are passed down through the generations, while some come from the spirits of those who have crossed over.

Mary Ann Winkowski’s Beyond Delicious Cookbook (available August 12, 2025) is a delightful, unexpected collection of recipes that combines the realms of the living and the dead, all through the universal language of food. The book weaves a tapestry of stories, memories, and supernatural encounters that reveal how food connects us across time, space, and even the afterlife.

Mary Ann Winkowski, known for her unique ability to communicate with earthbound spirits, brings her extraordinary gift to the kitchen table. Since childhood, she has seen and spoken with ghosts, a talent that has led her into countless homes and hearts. But what sets Beyond Delicious apart is how she uses this gift to gather recipes and stories from those who have passed on, preserving not just their culinary secrets but their legacies.

The book opens with a simple-but-profound lesson: Always carry a notepad and pen. For Mary Ann, this advice came from the spirits themselves, who were eager to share not only messages but also their cherished recipes. One of the most memorable spirits is Bess, the first ghost to share a recipe with her. Bess is a lively presence, filled with opinions about baking and a fierce sense of culinary pride. Her attachment to her nut roll recipe is so strong that she even mischievously sabotages the baking attempts of the living, blowing out stove pilot lights or hiding ingredients when she feels her standards aren’t met.

Humor is a key ingredient in Mary Ann’s storytelling. Whether it’s a ghostly grandmother critiquing green bean casseroles or a spectral chef lamenting the misuse of his barbecue chicken recipe, the book is filled with lighthearted moments that balance the poignancy of loss and memory. Her gentle mediation between the living and the dead often results in laughter, healing, and the sharing of a long-lost recipe.

Beneath the laughter lies a deeper message about the power of food to connect us. Mary Ann’s encounters reveal that many spirits linger not out of fear or regret, but out of love—for their families, their traditions, and the recipes that defined their lives. Food, she observes, is a universal language that marks the rhythms of our days and the milestones of our lives. It is both sustenance and celebration, necessity and nostalgia.

The stories in Beyond Delicious are as varied as the recipes themselves. There’s the tale of a woman who embroidered her cauliflower soup recipe to ensure it would never be forgotten, and the bittersweet account of a grandmother who insists her family remember her pickled-beet soup. Each recipe is a bridge to the past, a way for families to honor their ancestors and keep their memories alive at the dinner table.

Mary Ann’s own memories of family gatherings, filled with the aromas of home-cooked meals, remind readers that the act of cooking is about more than following instructions. It’s about love, tradition, and the desire to nourish not just the body, but the soul. Through her paranormal encounters, she has uncovered the emotional weight recipes carry—how a simple dish can evoke comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging.

What makes Beyond Delicious truly special is its invitation to readers: to see food not just as fuel, but as a connection to those who have come before us. Every recipe is accompanied by a story, a voice from the past reaching out to say, “Remember me.” In a world where fast food and convenience often overshadow tradition, this book is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of slowing down, gathering together, and savoring the flavors—and the memories—that make life rich.

So whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply a lover of good food, the Beyond Delicious Cookbook offers a unique feast for the senses. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the enduring bonds of food—across generations, and even beyond the veil.