Pumpkin

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), native to North America, is a type of winter squash that is cultivated in the fall time. They are often large and round with a ribbed outer skin and a thick stem. In the United States, pumpkins are a popular decorative item but also used in dishes such as pies and soups. They can be stored for two to three months, when uncut. 

Some flavors that pair well with Pumpkin include: salt, butter, herbs, cinnamon, dairy products (cream and milk), sweet items (maple syrup, vanilla, and brown sugar)

Pumpkins are low in carbohydrates and high in fat. They are a great source of antioxidants, fiber and contain the two Vitamin A precursors: beta carotene and alpha carotene. Source: https://www.healthline.com/pumpkin  

Methods of Preparation

Boil SteamRoast Grill Bake 
Roast - pureeMash 

Recipes

Pumpkin Puree

Total Time: 1 hour                Servings: 4

Source: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/35527/easy-pumpkin-puree-recipe/

Ingredients 

  • 1 large pumpkin
  • 2 tsp salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400℉. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside. 
  2. Slice the pumpkin down the middle and scoop out the seeds. Sprinkle with salt and place in the oven for 45-60 minutes. 
  3. Let cool then scoop out the flesh and transfer to a food processor. Blend until smooth and you're done. Add more salt if desired. 
  4. This puree can be eaten by itself or can be used in other recipes like pumpkin pie or pumpkin bars. 


Pumpkin Bar Dessert

Total Time: 40 minutes                Servings: 24 bars 

Source: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/pumpkin-bars/#wprm-recipe-container-14557

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour 
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 4 eggs 
  • ⅔ cup sugar 
  • 15 oz pumpkin puree


Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to bake at 350℉. 
  2. Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and baking powder in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and pumpkin puree. 
  3. Transfer the dry ingredients into the wet and mic well. 
  4. Pour the mixture into a baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes (until set). 
  5. Remove from oven and let cool.


Easy Pumpkin Dessert

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes                Servings: 24 Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8404/great-pumpkin-dessert/

Ingredients

  • 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 12 fl oz evaporated milk 
  • 1 cup sugar 
  • 3 eggs 
  • 1 package yellow cake mix 
  • ¾ cup melted butter
  • 1 ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to bake at 350℉. Grease baking dish and set aside. 
  2. Mix together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, and eggs in a bowl and pour into baking dish. Pour the cake mix over the mixture into the dish and top with walnuts. 
  3. Bake for about 1 hour, checking for doneness. Let cool and slice into square pieces before serving. Can be paired with ice cream, whipped cream, or anything else you can think of!