Versatile Pumpkin
Pumpkins are a specific type of squash in North America that is usually orange in color. In some places, however, any winter squash can be called a pumpkin. While this may be a bit confusing for those of us in North America, it is refreshing to know that there are more things to do with a pumpkin than carve it or make it into a pie.
Both the seeds and flesh of the pumpkin are edible and can be used in many recipes. The seeds are full of zinc, which is a mineral that is necessary for good health. Add the roasted seeds into cereals, snack mixes, breads or just eat them as a snack. If you have tasted pumpkin pie and butternut squash, you have a general idea how the pumpkin flesh will taste. This vegetable can be made into both savory and sweet dishes your family will love.
Roast a whole pumpkin when you want to make a big impression. Use pumpkin to make seasonal sweet breads everyone will rave about. Drop in a few cranberries to add more holiday flavor. Use pumpkin butter on your toast in the morning or add some to your granola and yogurt in the morning. Drop in a few toasted seeds while you are at it.
Use pumpkin to make rich cakes, muffins, and cupcakes. Their spicy goodness is always welcome. Make a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling to have for the holidays. It tastes great and looks pretty! Pumpkin cheesecake is a seasonal favorite in many places and it is easy to find in the fall and winter. Use pumpkin in cookies and pudding too. All of these recipes are great ways to get more pumpkin in your diet.
Classic pumpkin soup is a delicious way to enjoy pumpkin. The creamy goodness is a great appetizer or you can make it a complete meal. Add some spices, or make it with roasted pumpkin to add even more flavor. Top it off with some chopped herbs or a swirl of sour cream to make it look as wonderful as it tastes.
Add pumpkin chunks to your pasta or rice dishes. Pumpkin risotto is delicious. Pumpkin filling can be added to homemade ravioli for a new twist on pasta. Make it as a vegetable side dish by mixing it with other vegetables like fennel or peas. Add it to polenta and cover with cheese for a new taste. These savory dishes are full of beta-carotene and other vitamins. They are a great way to add these essential nutrients to your meals in a flavorful way.
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.
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.
Your pumpkin soup recipe will soon turn into a family favorite. Every fall, you’ll want to add pumpkin soup to your menu just like pumpkin bread, cookies and pies. Soup utilizes all the freshness of the pumpkin. It brings out the flavor and adds spices and other rich flavors to create a delicious dish.
