Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pumpkin

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.

Both the seeds and flesh of the pumpkin are edible and can be used in many recipes. The seeds are full of zinc, which is a mineral that is necessary for good health. Add the roasted seeds into cereals, snack mixes, breads or just eat them as a snack. If you have tasted pumpkin pie and butternut squash, you have a general idea how the pumpkin flesh will taste. This vegetable can be made into both savory and sweet dishes your family will love.

A whole roasted pumpkin can be quite a sight on the table. Pumpkin can be used to make delicious sweet breads. Drop in a handful of cranberries for a holiday dish. Spread pumpkin butter on your toast in the morning instead of butter. You can also use it in your morning granola with a dollop of yogurt for breakfast. Toss in a few toasted pumpkin seeds too.

Use pumpkin to make rich cakes, muffins, and cupcakes. Their spicy goodness is always welcome. Make a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling to have for the holidays. It tastes great and looks pretty! Pumpkin cheesecake is a seasonal favorite in many places and it is easy to find in the fall and winter. Use pumpkin in cookies and pudding too. All of these recipes are great ways to get more pumpkin in 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.

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 morning by making pumpkin donuts, muffins, scones, and pancakes. Serve your pancakes with whipped topping or syrup. Pumpkin is so versatile it works equally well with sweet or savory. Mix up the flavors by adding crumbled bacon bits to your pancake batter.

For a dessert that is not as sweet as cookies or cake, try pumpkin ice cream, tarts, or pies. They will add the flavor of the season to your meal. While fresh pumpkin is seasonal, you can always-used canned pumpkin the rest of the year.

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