The pumpkin is loaded with vitamins C and A, as well as being a good source of zinc. Pumpkin seeds are high in B vitamins and magnesium, and make a very tasty low-fat snack or topping. In fact, pumpkin seed oil is great ingredient to use in vinaigrette salad dressings, and is used quite liberally in Austria and France today.
Let the orange gourd be the guide and host a fun and tasty meal by celebrating all things pumpkin!
Starters and Appetizers
Wedding-Bliss Pumpkin Soup: Perhaps inspired by Cinderella’s love story, which couldn’t have happened without the aid of the pumpkin coach, legend has it that a young man wooed his own beloved’s hand in marriage with this delicious soup. Easy to make, this recipe calls for 4 parts sweet pumpkin, 2 parts potato, 2 parts leek, 2 parts carrots and nutmeg for seasoning. Simmer it all together for 1 hour then blend with cream. (And before tasting, toast the legendary couple brought together by this sweet gourd!)
Harvest Risotto: Served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin, this risotto is sure to win over fans. The pumpkin meat can either be roasted in the oven or stewed atop the stove the oven until softened. Make a simple butter risotto with sautéed onion and white wine, then ladle in the cooked pumpkin and mix well. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper, and maybe even some nutmeg or cinnamon. (Note: Pumpkin couscous is similar to make and is a great idea for a side-dish.)
Pumpkin Bread: The mouth-watering smell of pumpkin bread baking in the oven is enough to make anyone hungry. A classic at this time of year, pumpkin bread can be made in a variety of ways, including with nuts, nutmeg or cinnamon. And of course, serve with a dab of pumpkin butter.
Pumpkin Ole!: A pumpkin-infused salsa, this dip is tasty atop tortilla chips or alternatively, as a chutney on top of rice or meat.
Entrees
Pumpkin Stew: Such an easy dish to make! Simply brown some chuck meat together with roasted pumpkin, leeks, carrots, turnips, potatoes, tomatoes, broth and seasonings for at least an hour. Serve the completed stew inside the pumpkin shell.
Cheesy Pumpkin Ravioli: A delightful twist on the typical cheese-stuffed ravioli, the filling for pumpkin ravioli sometimes contains almond cookies to sweeten the flavor. Honey, cinnamon, cheese and white wine are also included in the filling along with a small sweet pumpkin. A simple butter or light cheese sauce tops the ravioli.
Gourd Gnocchi: Gnocchi isn’t just for potatoes; try making your own with pumpkin and serve with a creamy sage-infused butter. In fact, gnocchi can also be made with other types of squash, such as acorn or butternut—yum!
Roasted Pumpkin Salad: This salad is hearty enough to serve as a main course, especially if combined with the soup or risotto above. Roasted pumpkin meat is combined with caramelized onions, served atop long grain wild rice with a cilantro-infused dressing.
Desserts & Drinks
Pumpkin Custard: Starting with a caramel base, mix in pureed pumpkin, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon & nutmeg into small ramekins and bake for 45 minutes. Served chill, the individual servings can be decorated with autumnal leaves for added panache.
Pumpkin Ice Cream: Yes, it exists! And it can be made at home with the help of an ice cream maker. Otherwise, it’s easy to find in a local grocery store when in season. And if allowed to melt a little, becomes a perfect smoothie.
Pumpkin Tart: Pumpkins, prunes, cognac and a little more combine to make a light French tart for dessert. Topped with pumpkin ice cream, it is sure to impress any taste bud.
Pumpkin Pie: What’s a pumpkin-themed dinner with pumpkin pie! To save on time, simply use a can of pumpkin pie mix, such as Libby’s and follow the directions on the label.
Drinks: Don’t forget to serve some pumpkin-infused drinks that abound during the fall in any market. Pumpkin-flavored coffee and pumpkin beer are two easy-to-find beverages.
Enjoy!
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