Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Pumpkin for Every Occasion

By Ken Kudra

In some parts of the world, the word 'pumpkin' refers to any winter squash, such as acorn, butternut, or Hubbard. In the United States, 'pumpkin' refers specifically to a certain kind of squash with an orange skin and orange flesh. It is most commonly used for Halloween decorations and to make pumpkin pie during the holidays.

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.

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.

Make pumpkin into cupcakes, muffins, and cakes. Pour the batter into a jellyroll pan to make a flat cake. Use cream cheese filling and roll it up for a yummy pumpkin roll. Pumpkin cheesecake is a common fall offering in many restaurants and grocery stores. Try making your own instead... it is not difficult. Use pumpkin in cookies and puddings to add more of this tasty vegetable to your diet.

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.

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 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.

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