Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to NY Rental Properties, Suffolk Real Estate, home improvement and the latest architecture, design and fashion. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.
Fall is an exciting time of year for many people. Weather is brisk and invigorating. The autumnal landscapes can be spectacular with color and people begin to focus their attention on the holidays and home decoration. Gourds, hay bales, and Indian corn make great accents to celebrate the season. Pumpkins are the stand-out harvest product that best represents the fall spirit. There are many ways to use pumpkins when they are plentiful and cheap. Many carve the traditional jack-o-lantern, but there are many ways pumpkins can enhance home décor. Pumpkins are an excellent food and can be used in desserts and savory recipes with equal aplomb. Even though Halloween has surpassed us, below are some creative ways to use pumpkin.
Pumpkin Soup — Any flesh you have carved away can be roasted to create a fabulous pumpkin soup. Remove the seeds from the guts and rinse them, drying off excess moisture. Place the seeds in single layer on a lightly-oiled cookie sheet and stir them to coat both sides with oil. Season them to taste with salt; add cayenne pepper if you enjoy spicy snacks. Slow-roast in an oven set to 300-degrees. Watch carefully so they do not burn. The seeds can be served in miniature pumpkins you can find during the season.
Pumpkin Stock — Pumpkin guts can be used to make a tasty stock for pumpkin soup or great vegetarian dishes. Add onion, celery, carrot and other vegetable trimmings. Start with cold water and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30-40 minutes to extract the flavors, then drain and cool. Refrigerate, freeze or use immediately.
Pumpkin Puree — Pumpkin purée can be used to create gourmet food. Pumpkin pasta, soup, or pies taste unbelievable when prepared with fresh roasted pumpkin. Start the process by cutting it if half and scooping out the guts. Place cut-side down in a baking dish and add a cup of water. Roast in a moderate oven for 90 minutes. Scoop the flesh away from the skin and purée in a food processor or blender. The purée can be used immediately or frozen.
DIY Face Mask — Pumpkin contains many vitamins and zinc, which are good for the skin. Add 3 teaspoons of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée and thin with a little milk. Apply to your face and let the mask set for 30 minutes, then rinse off the mixture. The brown sugar will provide an exfoliating benefit.
Pumpkin Serving Bowls — Make bowls out of small pumpkins to impress your guests at a dinner party. Cut off the tops and remove the insides. Brush with oil and place on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes. These make a great serving dish for cream of pumpkin soup and your presentation will draw raves from guests.
Pumpkin Planter — Make a pumpkin planter. Use a carved or un-carved gourd. Get some annuals from a local nursery. Fill the bottom of the pumpkin one-third full. Place your chosen plant carefully, then fill to the top with potting soil. You can display the plant in your home or on a porch for the holiday, then transfer outdoors./ Just insert the whole pumpkin into the ground. The pumpkin shell will provide nutrients. Hopefully, you won’t have an early frost so the annual can take root and survive the coming winter.
