Pumpkin for Every Occasion

By Ken Kudra

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?

The edible parts of the pumpkin include the flesh inside the skin and the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc and can be roasted and eaten as a snack or added to cereals, breads, snack mixes and more. If you have eaten pumpkin pie or butternut squash you should have a good idea of how the flesh of the pumpkin will taste. It can be used to make both sweet and savory dishes.

Pumpkin can be roasted whole to make a lovely vegetable dish. You can also make sweet breads using pumpkin. Add some cranberries for a holiday flair. Pumpkin butter makes a delicious change of pace on your morning toast. It is a smooth spread that can also be used on sandwiches, or add a large spoonful in your morning granola with a bit of yogurt for a new breakfast treat. Do not forget to add in some delicious toasted seeds as well.

Pumpkin can be made into cakes, cupcakes, and muffins. Make it into a jelly roll with cream cheese filling for an amazingly tasty new holiday dessert. Pumpkin has also been added to cheesecakes as a seasonal variation. Puddings, cookies, and bars are also great ways to utilize pumpkin into your menu.

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.

Chunks of pumpkin can be added to rice or pasta. Make a rich pumpkin risotto for something a little different. Make a filling from pumpkin to use in ravioli or other stuffed pasta. Mix it with other vegetables like greens or fennel for a delicious side dish. Try mixing it with polenta and cheese for a new dish. Pumpkin is full of beta-carotene and many other vitamins and minerals. Adding this vegetable to your menu helps your family get these needed nutrients to remain healthy.

Add pumpkin to your breakfast table by making pumpkin scones, donuts, muffins, or pancakes. With its easy transition from savory to sweet, pumpkin fits in well for any meal. Pancakes can be served with maple syrup or a nice dollop of whipped cream. For a savory treat, add cooked bacon pieces to your pancake batter.

If you like dessert but you want something a little less sweet, try pumpkin ice cream or tarts. Adding pumpkin to your meal helps your family get the flavor of the season and get all their nutrition at the same time. Give the humble pumpkin a try. - 30241

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