Fall is here, and it’s time for hot cider, hearty stews, and pumpkins. They’re everywhere – piled in front of grocery stores and farmers’ markets, decorating the classroom, and even gracing the front desk at the gym. And why not? They’re colorful and festive, have a long shelf life, and … yes, they taste pretty darn good.
From comforting soups to delicious desserts, these simple creations will have you savoring the rich flavors of this beloved autumn staple.
So grab a pumpkin, roll up your sleeves, and dive into a world of culinary possibilities that embrace the cozy charm of the season. Let’s get cooking with these fun and easy pumpkin recipes that warm your heart and home!
They’re cheap this time of year – sometimes just pennies per pound. Some farms give them away for free. And they’re perfect for lots more than just turning into jack-o-lanterns.
Pumpkin is good for you. It’s a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and other antioxidants. And pumpkin seeds contain polyunsaturated oils.
How to use fresh pumpkin
Pumpkin can be turned into the traditional pie, of course, or a popular quick bread. It also goes into cookies, bread pudding, pancakes, waffles, cakes, cheesecake, muffins, bars and other baked goods. But it has savory uses, too – pumpkin soup (served in hollowed-out mini pumpkins), paired with sausage in a stew, and as a filling for ravioli or lasagna.
How to roast pumpkin
To make something with fresh pumpkin, roast it in the oven. Cut it into halves or quarters (depending on its size), scoop out the seeds (save for toasting later, if you’d like), and put the pieces in a roasting pan with about half a cup of water. Roast it in a 350-degree oven till it’s really tender.
Let it cool, then scoop it out of the skin with a spoon. Puree the pulp in a food processor or blender to remove all the stringy bits. At this point, you can either use or freeze the pumpkin puree.
An average pumpkin yields about 2 cups of puree, just enough for a pumpkin pie—or this richly decadent recipe below. Serve this pumpkin cobbler for a holiday meal, and nobody will ever want plain old pie again.
Recipes using Fresh Pumpkin
Dive into the world of fresh pumpkin recipes, from creamy soups to sweet treats, that promise to bring warmth and flavor to your table. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of cooking with fresh pumpkins, and let the autumn magic infuse your kitchen.
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- How to keep fall fruits and vegetables fresh longer
- 8 ways to stretch your fall clothing budget
- Make a fall scarecrow from items you already have
- Fall maintenance jobs to do now
