Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pumpkin

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pumpkin

Filed under diet

Nov 12

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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 pumpkin seeds and the flesh are completely edible. The seeds are a great source for zinc in your diet. They can be roasted and enjoyed as a snack or as an addition to yogurt, breads, cereals and lots more. Anyone who has tasted butternut squash or pumpkin pie will have an idea of what pumpkin tastes like. It makes a great sweet or savory dish.

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.

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.

Pumpkin is great to add to rice or pasta dishes. Try some delicious pumpkin risotto or make a filling for ravioli out of pumpkin. Mix chunks of pumpkin with other vegetables and make a roasted veggie dish. Mix pumpkin with cheese and polenta for something new. Pumpkin is full of vitamins like beta-carotene. Add more to your seasonal dishes and help boost your immune system for winter.

Have pumpkin for breakfast by making pumpkin pancakes, muffins, scones, or donuts. This versatile vegetable easily makes the transition from savory to sweet without a problem. Serve the pancakes with a whipped cream topping or maple syrup. You can even add cooked crumbled bacon to the batter before cooking the pancakes.

Pumpkin ice cream, pie, and tarts can also be a great way to end a meal. They are not as sweet as cakes and cookies. This is a great way to add the flavor of pumpkin to your meal and celebrate the fall season.

A pumpkin soup recipe is just the ticket to make any meal special. The rich flavors of autumn are captured and put in your bowl to enjoy. Serve it with a light salad or make it an appetizer to a larger meal. Either way, your family and guests will feel special when this dish is served.

Tags: food and drink, cooking, recipe

Tagged as: cooking, diet, eating, family, food, food and drink, health, home, home and garden, lifestyles, pumpkin, pumpkin soup, recipe, recipes

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