Autumn means changing colors, falling leaves, warm sweaters, and lots of left-over Halloween pumpkins. But why throw them away, when there are so many delicious things you can do with them after they’ve been carved? Here are 8 tasty things to make with pumpkin…
Photo Credit: HelenPalsson
I’m a big fan of the Kate Nash song “Pumpkin Soup,” and of the real thing. It’s so creamy, rich, and spicy, and it’s a great way to use your left-over pumpkin, canned or fresh. Pumpkin soup also freezes beautifully, so you can thaw it all winter long for last-minute dinners in a rush. Add a few roasted pumpkin seeds as a garnish…
Photo Credit: Coconut Recipes
Muffins are a distant cousin to the cupcake, one of my favorite treats, only without all the guilt. Pumpkin muffins in particular are a healthful treat, as long as they’re not topped with too much junk, like frosting and the like.
Photo Credit: Pillsbury.com
Is there any dessert that says “Thanksgiving” or “fall” better than pumpkin pie? There are so many recipes, with so many delicious variations, there’s bound to be one you’ll love. My favorite is a standard pie with a generous mound of whipped cream on top. Tasty! PS: follow the photo credit line for a GREAT recipe from Pillsbury…
Photo Credit: haraldwalker
If you love pumpkin muffins, you’ll love pumpkin bread, especially right out of the oven with a little sweet cream butter. It’s also a great take-along gift for the hosts of all of the fall parties you’ll attend this year.
Photo Credit: dopiaza
These are such a great way to satisfy a craving for salty or savory treats. Just wash them, right out of the pumpkin, dry them, then put them on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt, and bake at a low heat for only ten minutes. Eat them alone, or use them as a pretty garnish for soups or salads.
Photo Credit: naoko123
This is a sweeter, fluffier version of pumpkin bread or muffins, and the perfect frosting is actually just a light dusting of powdered sugar… or if you have a real sweet tooth, cream cheese frosting (like you’d use for carrot cake).
Photo Credit: Tamanna {Joyful Reverie}
Who doesn’t love chai, especially when it’s custom-made for the season? A little pumpkin spice in an already delicious chai tea is such a marvelous way to enjoy the rich flavor of pumpkin this fall… and it will keep your hands warm, holding the mug, too!
See? It’s silly to toss the pumpkins once you’ve carved them… scrape out the goodies inside and make something delicious! Which of these pumpkin treats do you like best? And do you have a great pumpkin recipe to share?
Top Photo Credit: simply stardust