Pumpkin Cobbler

 From TODAY show Chef Laura Vitale made this fall classic. The hot water is similiar to a fudge cake recipe we used to make from the Hershey Cocoa can with the same hot water technique. Unfortunately I forgot to take the pic while it was on a plate - I took it to a neighbors potluck!

Chef notes 

This pumpkin cobbler is a combination of a melt-in-your-mouth sponge cake with a luscious "caramel" all in one. It's so delicious, especially around the holiday season. 

TECHNIQUE TIP: Fight the urge to mix the cobbler after you add the hot water. The sauce is magical and you don't want to ruin it!

SWAP OPTION: You can substitute the pecans in the topping for any nuts you'd like — it's delicious no matter what! 

For the cobbler:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature 

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 

3/4 cups granulated sugar 

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 

1 egg 

1/2 cup pumpkin puree 

1/2 cup milk 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the topping:

1/3 cup granulated sugar 

1/3 cup brown sugar 

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into small squares 

1 1/2 cup very hot water 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish (or a 9-by-9-inch baking pan) with the softened butter and set aside. 

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder,salt,sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Next, add the egg, pumpkin puree, milk and melted butter, and whisk to combine. The mixture should be thick. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. With a spatula or spoon,smooth the batter out so that it evenly fill the entire baking dish. 

3. Sprinkle the granulated sugar, followed by the brown sugar and pecans evenly over the top of the batter. Dot with little squares of butter, then pour over the hot water. Do not mix it! 

4. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. 

******Serve soon after baking — it needs to be warm so the “caramel” is runny and luscious. Serve with some vanilla ice cream! *****