All You Need To Know About Pumpkins

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.

Try a pumpkin soup recipe for yet another delicious way to use this versatile food. Pumpkin soup can be made so it is creamy or spicy. Try it roasted for a delicious sweet flavor. Use it as an appetizer for a formal meal or as a complete meal. Improve your presentation by adding a dab of crme fraiche on top or try sprinkling on some toasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.

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.

Have pumpkin for breakfast by making pumpkin pancakes, muffins, scones, or donuts. This versatile vegetable easily makes the transition from savory to sweet without a problem. Serve the pancakes with a whipped cream topping or maple syrup. You can even add cooked crumbled bacon to the batter before cooking the pancakes.

Pumpkin ice cream, pie, and tarts can also be a great way to end a meal. They are not as sweet as cakes and cookies. This is a great way to add the flavor of pumpkin to your meal and celebrate the fall season.

By: Chritine Kudra

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When you want to serve something really elegant, choose a pumpkin soup recipe. This smooth soup is full of flavor. It is the epitome of seasonal foods. The very flavor of fall is in every spoonful. Of course it is versatile, too. Add different spices and ingredients to tailor this dish the way you want. Use small pumpkins for individual bowls, or one large one as a tureen. Find loads of ideas at: www.PumpkinSoup.org