Pumpkins Pumpkins Pumpkins!

Now that Halloween is over, you may find yourself with more pumpkins than you know what to do with.

But they don't have to go to waste. If you haven't carved them, consider boiling the pumpkin meat and turning it in to a puree to be used in snacks, baked goods (some recipes below), or sneak it in to mac and cheese.

Pumpkin puree freezes great and can be used throughout the year. I even have a friend that mixes it in to her yogurt. I was skeptical at first, but I have tried it and it is very tasty!

Save the Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkins are a great source of beta carotene, dietary fiber, calcium, and the seeds are considered a protein.
But if you don't want to eat the seeds, why not save them?  Place the pumpkin seeds on a paper towel, let them dry and then you and your children can plant them together in May. Planting the pumpkins for next year can be a great way to get your kids excited about eating vegetables in general and teach them basic concepts in science.

Here are a few recipes I enjoy. And check out my own bread pudding recipe too, in the next post.

Pumpkin Bisque: ( I like to add a diced apple and a pinch of curry and I use a can of fat-free evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, cuts on the fat and adds a unique flavor for grown-ups)
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1848,157160-245207,00.html

Dairy-Free Super-Healthy Pumpkin Bread:
http://dairyfreecooking.about.com/od/breadsbakery/r/pumpkinbread.htm

Pumpkin Bread:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/downeast-maine-pumpkin-bread/Detail.aspx

Pumpkin Cookies:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pumpkin-cookies-i-2/Detail.aspx