Chai Tea Jello Shots #SundaySupper

Are you all ready for a Fabulous Fall? So are we at Sunday Supper! Check out all of the fabulous recipes linked at the bottom of this post.

When you think of fall foods, does jello flit through your head?

Probably not.

What if the jello flavor were....chai tea? And what if we took it a step further by adding some spiced rum?

And then went even 5 steps further and topped it with pumpkin pudding?! Now we're talking!

This really is a fun little appetizer type dessert-ish un-drink almost cocktail, that would be great for your fall get-togethers. If you're not into rum, thats fine. Just leave it out. No worries. The beauty of this is that you control the strength of everything, from how strong and sweet the tea is to how strong (or non-existent) the alcohol  is.

Chai Tea Jello Shots
Makes approximately 12 shots (depending on the shot size)

2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup sugar, or according to taste. I recommend making it a bit extra sweet to balance the rum.
3 chai tea bags
2 packets of unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup spiced rum or according to taste (optional)
12 spoonfuls of pumpkin pudding (recipe to follow if needed)
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
12 whole roasted pepita seeds plus more for grinding

Stir the sugar into the boiling water until dissolved. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Allow to steep for several minutes. Remove teabags, squeezing out the excess "tea" from the bags. Taste, adjust sugar if needed.

Stir in the gelatin and stir continuously until thoroughly dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add in the rum. Taste, adjust accordingly.

Carefully fill your shot glasses

Refrigerate for a few hours or over night.

Meanwhile, make some pumpkin pudding. The recipe below makes more than you'll need, but it's really good, so you'll want to eat it anyway. (or make more shots hee hee)

Pumpkin pudding:
Inspired by: My Recipes

6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 3/4 cups milk (I didn't have enough milk so I used cream and it was wonderful)
1 large egg
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Combine the milk and the egg, whisking together thoroughly. Gradually add to the sugar and cornstarch and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Whisk and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Combine the pumpkin, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a bowl. Slowly add the pumpkin mixture to the milk mixture, whisking constantly. Place the pan over low heat and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated. DO NOT BOIL!

Divide among 4 dessert bowls (or one big bowl), cover the surface with plastic wrap and chill.

Once everything is chilled, take a handful of pepitas and grind them up in a spice grinder (I have an extra coffee grinder that I use just for spices).

Set up garnish station with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg and extra pepitas

Place a dollop of pumpkin pudding on each shot, sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and ground pepitas and top with a whole pepita seed. 

Serve with tiny spoons and enjoy leisurely. 

.Appetizers and Drinks

• Hatch Chile Hummus by Shockingly Delicious
• Pearfect Harvest Cocktail by Eat, Drink and be Tracy

Soups, Stews, Chili, and Casserole

• Butternut Squash Chowder by The Texan New Yorker
• Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Sautéed Mushrooms by Cooking Chat
• Cheesy Potato Chard Bake by Food Lust People Love
• Fall Harvest Onion Soup by MealDiva
• Homemade Poultry Seasoning and Chicken Dumpling Casserole by Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Kale and Sweet Potato Stew by What Smells So Good?
• Pumpkin Chili by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Smoked Gouda Cauliflower Casserole by Casadecrews

Salads and Side Dishes

• Brie and Pear Salad by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Butternut Squash Dinner Rolls by Life Tastes Good
• Carrot and Chevre Souffle by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Fall Harvest Panzanella by Curious Cuisiniere
• Garlicky Roasted Butternut Squash by Panning The Globe
• Maple Roasted Acorn Squash by Jelly Toast
• Roasted Vegetables with Spiced Pepitas and Sunflower Seeds by Nosh My Way
• Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash by Ruffles & Truffles

Main Dishes

• Chicken alla Vendemmia by Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Oktoberfest Schnitzel Melt Sandwich by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Ratatouille by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Roasted Pork Tenderloin over Sweet Potatoes by Family Foodie
• Streamlined Weeknight Shepherd's Pie by The Weekend Gourmet

Desserts and Baked Goods

• Apple and Cinnamon Cake by Happy Baking Days
• Apple Challah Bread French Toast by Desserts Required
• Apple Dumplings with Salted Caramel Rum Sauce by The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Apple Hand Pie {Apfeltaschen} by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Apple Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies by Pies and Plots
• Apple Pie Bars by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Caramel Apple Cider Ginger Ale Floats by NeighborFood
• Chai Tea Jello Shots by Peaceful Cooking
• Cranberry Orange Baked Doughnuts by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Maple Glazed Apple Galette by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits by Chocolate Moosey
• Peanut Butter Ginger Apple Cookies by Ninja Baking
• Pear Walnut Bread Pudding by Magnolia Days
• Pumpkin Bagels by The Redhead Baker
• Pumpkin Cheesecake by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Cookies by Momma's Meals
• Pumpkin Coffeecake Muffins by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Pumpkin Ice Cream by Amee's Savory Dish
• Pumpkin Pie Cookies by Fit Foodie Runs
• Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze by The Foodie Army Wife
• Pumpkin Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Rustic Apple Pie by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Southern Coffee Cookies by Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Sticky Apple and Gingerbread Cake by Mess Makes Food
• White Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars with Browned Butter Pumpkin Spice Frosting by Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Roasted Kabocha Squash #SundaySupper

Squash. When I was a kid, I didn't think I liked "squash". Probably more cuz of the name than anything. It just didn't sound right. Squash. Thank God, I figured out as an adult that I really love the stuff!

Learning all the wonderful ways squash can be made didn't hurt either. Steamed, pureed in a pie, soup, sauce, roasted, BBQ'd etc, etc....it's all good. My favorite is roasted. Soups and sauces are runner-ups for sure. Oh wait...grilled...man oh man. Like I said...its all good!

It is the season for squash-a-plenty. This Sunday Supper is all about giving you ideas on what to do with your squash and how to enjoy the bounty, whether its from your garden, the farmers market or your local grocery store. Do you know what I recommend? Make a pledge to try a new kind of squash this season. There are so many different kinds out there....why limit yourself to the well known few?

When I saw this kabocha sitting in the bin at the market, I had no clue what it was. I wasn't even sure it was edible. Whaaaaat? I dunno....maybe it was one of those kinds you use to decorate, ya know? So I googled it right then and there and bought it.

Kabocha is an Asian winter squash, commonly called a Japanese pumpkin. It resembles a pumpkin in texture but is more like a mild butternut squash, maybe a bit sweeter. The sweetness will vary depending on how ripe your kabocha is.

(note: I noticed as I was about to begin making my dish that there was a "blemish" on top of my kabocha. Once I cut it open, I saw that it was very superficial and just cut it out. Not point in wasting the whole thing for one small area.)

To prepare, I sliced it in half, scooped out the seeds, cut it into manageable sections, then cut the skin away.

Easy peasy....chop it up and its ready to roast.

Roasted Kabocha
Inspired by Anne Burrell

4 cups kabucha cut into 1/2" cubes
Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Salt
1 lb greens beans
1 lb fresh mushrooms (I used crimini), sliced
1/2 cup roasted pepitas for garnish
1 bunch fresh chives, finely diced for garnish

Preheat the oven to 375' F

In a large bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Spread out onto a baking sheet and roast until very soft, about 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, toss the green beans in olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Spread out onto a baking sheet and roast for about 15 - 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, toss the mushrooms in olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes and salt. Soread out onto a baking sheet and roast for about 7 - 10 minutes.

Once everything has roasted, combine them all together.

Look at those bright, beautiful colors! Everything roasted separately to keep their flavors individual. Garnish with the pepitas and chives and serve warm.

This was the perfect side dish for crispy lemon chicken. I even drizzled the vegetables with a bit of lemon and it was delish!

I was telling my daughter that this might even make it on this years Thanksgiving table. I'm always looking for ways to cook vegetables that will stand up to a turkey and I believe I have found the perfect mix.

There are so many difference kinds of squash and ways to use prepare them, check out the rest of Sunday Supper's squash recipes below.


Starters – Appetizers & Cocktails:

• Bourbon Pumpkin Pie in a Glass from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Spaghetti Squash and Zucchini Pancakes from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Zucchini Pizza Bites from Mommas Meals
• Zucchini Tomato Focaccia Bread with Pretzel Salt from Family Foodie

Pickles & Relish:

• Zucchini Pickles from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Zucchini Relish from Magnolia Days

Soups & Salads:

• Creamy Dairyfree Zucchini Soup from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Easy Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli e Zucchini from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Persimmon from Culinary Adventures with Camillia
• Tofu Vegetable Soup from What Smells So Good?
• Zucchini Cheese Soup from Noshing with the Nolands
• Zucchini Noodles with Basil Vinaigrette from Ruffles and Truffles

Main Dishes

• Acorn Squash Ramen from Ninja Baking
• Beef, Butternut & Potato Pie from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Beef Ragu over Spaghetti Squash from The Texan New Yorker
• Black Bean, Butternut Squash & Millet Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Ancho-Guajillo Chile Sauce from Simply Healthy Family
• Chorizo-Stuffed Zucchini from La Cocina de Leslie
• Gluten Free Zucchini Noodles & Meatballs from Gluten Free Crumbley
• Italian Sausage Zucchini Lasagna from Curious Cuisiniere
• Risotto with Butternut Squash, Chicken and Sage from Cooking Chat
• Sausage and Farro Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Cups from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Sesame Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• Spaghetti Squash Casserole from Shockingly Delicious
• Spinach and Mushroom Quiche with Spaghetti Squash Crust from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Stuffed Red Kuri Squash from Food Lust People Love
• Zucchini-Corn Pancakes from The Weekend Gourmet

Side Dishes:

• Cheesy Thyme Baked Acorn Squash from An Appealing Plan
• Creamy Baked Acorn Squash from Simply Gourmet
• Grilled Zucchini and Corn Succotash from Take a Bite Out of Boca
• Kabocha no Nimono (Simmered Acorn Squash) from A Mama, Baby and Shar Pei in the Kitchen
• Roasted Kabocha Squash from Peaceful Cooking
• Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash Galette from Rhubarb and Honey
• Spaghetti Squash Fritters from Nosh My Way
• Sweet and Savory Roasted Delicata Squash and Pear from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Zucchini Succotash Cobbler with Cornbread Topping from The Wimpy Vegetarian

Sweets to Start or End the Day:

• Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Chocolate Zucchini Coffeecake with Chocolate Crumb from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
• Chocolate Zucchini Pancakes from Brunch with Joy
• Granny’s Zucchini Bread from Pies and Plots
• Pumpkin Cheesecake French Toast Roll Ups with Pumpkin Spice Dipping Sauce from Chocolate Moosey
• Pumpkin Cookie Butter Cinnamon Buns with Cookie Butter Glaze from Grumpy's Honey Bunch
• Pumpkin Pie Layer Cheesecake Bars from Wallflour Girl
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes from The Foodie Army Wife
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies from Killer Bunnies Inc.
• Zucchini Brownies from Eat, Drink and Be Tracy
• Zucchini Lemon Ginger Bread from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.