How to Make the Most of Your Pumpkins
Pumpkins are an inexpensive treat for decorating and for eating. You should never feel limited by the traditional pumpkin pie though or even feel like you have to toss the pumpkin when the Halloween season is over. The beauty of a pumpkin is that you can enjoy them in new ways each season with the addition of a new pumpkin recipe or learning how to extend your pumpkin further.
Choosing a Good Pumpkin & Making it Last
You will want to pick a pumpkin that is fresh and firm. Avoid pumpkins that are bruised or have soft spots on them. You will also want to make sure that you pick a pumpkin based on your needs. Is the pumpkin going to be decorating your front step? Be sure that it sits upright. Will you be carving your pumpkin for a project? Look for a pumpkin that will have a nice smooth surface for you to work on.
Pumpkins that are not carved can last until after Thanksgiving, but may require being brought in at night. When pumpkin rinds freeze, the insides deteriorate and then collapse, that is why it is important to bring them in or cover them with a blanket to keep them warm.
Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree
First up, did you know that you can make your own pumpkin puree? It is very easy and a great way to get your money back on the pumpkins you bought. It is recommended to not cut into your pumpkin until after October 30th. Save the cut out portions in your fridge and the day after Halloween, you can begin to process it. Simply cut the flesh away from the skin and dice it, just as you would do with squash. Fill a pot with your cubes and add two inches of water to the bottom. Simmer the pot until the pumpkin is soft. Then all you have to do is run it through your food processor and you can freeze this into two cup portions (the equivalent size of the canned stuff). How easy is that?
Use Those Seeds
Pumpkin seeds can be a fun treat to eat with the children and can be a yearly tradition in your family. It is certainly time-consuming to separate the seeds from the pumpkin, but can be a fun activity for you to do with the kids. To toast pumpkin seeds you only need the seeds, vegetable oil, and a little salt. Preheat your oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the clean, dry pumpkin seeds in a bowl with a small amount of vegetable oil, just enough to coat, and toss with salt. Arrange in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet. You can then bake these for 15-20 minutes, until golden. Cool on a wire rack and eat them by the handfuls.
Take Your Decorating to New Levels
Pumpkins are an inexpensive way to make any holiday table look rustic and rich. Smaller pumpkins look beautiful in a line on a table or mantle and can easily be made into candle holders by carving a spot for your tapered candles. By hollowing out your pumpkins, you can turn the hollowed pumpkin into a flowerpot to house a mum bouquet or you can use the pumpkin for serving food out of it. A quick search on the Internet should yield thousands of ideas for ways you can put your pumpkins to good use!
