Pumpkin for Every Occasion
In North America, pumpkins refer specifically to a certain type of squash that is normally orange in color. In many parts of the world, they call any winter squash a pumpkin. Did you know that there are many uses for traditional pumpkins besides carving them for Halloween or making pumpkin pie?
Both the pumpkin seeds and the flesh are completely edible. The seeds are a great source for zinc in your diet. They can be roasted and enjoyed as a snack or as an addition to yogurt, breads, cereals and lots more. Anyone who has tasted butternut squash or pumpkin pie will have an idea of what pumpkin tastes like. It makes a great sweet or savory dish.
A whole roasted pumpkin can be quite a sight on the table. Pumpkin can be used to make delicious sweet breads. Drop in a handful of cranberries for a holiday dish. Spread pumpkin butter on your toast in the morning instead of butter. You can also use it in your morning granola with a dollop of yogurt for breakfast. Toss in a few toasted pumpkin seeds too.
Make pumpkin into cupcakes, muffins, and cakes. Pour the batter into a jellyroll pan to make a flat cake. Use cream cheese filling and roll it up for a yummy pumpkin roll. Pumpkin cheesecake is a common fall offering in many restaurants and grocery stores. Try making your own instead… it is not difficult. Use pumpkin in cookies and puddings to add more of this tasty vegetable to your diet.
While many people have not tried pumpkin soup, it is a delicious way to include this versatile vegetable into a meal. You can make it spicy, creamy, and roasted or you can make it into chowder. Serve it as a complete meal or as an appetizer. Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a few toasted pumpkin seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Pumpkin is great to add to rice or pasta dishes. Try some delicious pumpkin risotto or make a filling for ravioli out of pumpkin. Mix chunks of pumpkin with other vegetables and make a roasted veggie dish. Mix pumpkin with cheese and polenta for something new. Pumpkin is full of vitamins like beta-carotene. Add more to your seasonal dishes and help boost your immune system for winter.
Add pumpkin to your morning by making pumpkin donuts, muffins, scones, and pancakes. Serve your pancakes with whipped topping or syrup. Pumpkin is so versatile it works equally well with sweet or savory. Mix up the flavors by adding crumbled bacon bits to your pancake batter.
For a dessert that is not as sweet as cookies or cake, try pumpkin ice cream, tarts, or pies. They will add the flavor of the season to your meal. While fresh pumpkin is seasonal, you can always-used canned pumpkin the rest of the year.