Every year since I was a child, my family has roasted our leftover Halloween pumpkin. Yes, I mean the whole pumpkin. “Why?” you might ask. I answer: pumpkin bread and pumpkin cookies and pumpkin pie; pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin ice cream and even pumpkin soup!
We roast the pumpkin, scoop out the soft insides, and freeze the puree for the holidays coming up right around the corner.
It's October, which means that it's almost time to go pick out that perfect pumpkin. But what do you do once you've selected that perfect plump orange vegetable?
Sure, some of you might vouch for the wonders of pumpkin pie. Others might simply want to place it out on their doorstep. But for those of you daring to scare (or amaze) with your carving skills, you know that it's always a challenge to outdo your pumpkin from last year.
Fall always brings to my mind harvest goodies…especially as we get closer to Thanksgiving. One of my favorite treats is a nice warm slice with a pat of butter melting in the center of the spicy, cinnamon goodness of pumpkin bread.
It’s October, and you know what that means, PUMPKINS! It is most definitely pumpkin picking time, but where are the best pumpkins found? You can always buy one at Hy-Vee or Wal-Mart, but for us traditionalists, nothing will do unless it involves tractors, straw bales, and cider.
Well, it is that time of year again! Every store you go to, there are pumpkins out front. Pumpkins so big you can barely lift them, and pumpkins so tiny you wonder what in the world am I supposed to do with it. Then, there is the bakery section with the pumpkin donuts, cakes, rolls, and cookies. Don’t forget the pumpkin cappuccino to go with those sweets. You can even find pumpkin soup in some areas.
There is just something about this time of year and pumpkins. I see them artfully displayed on front porches in home decorating magazines. They are intricately carved for Halloween and become glowing jack-o-lanterns. People visit pumpkin patches just to find that special pumpkin for the kids. Mini pumpkins can be used as candleholders or table decorations. Candles come in homey scents like Pumpkin Cinnamon. They even grow huge pumpkins to win contest money. Recently, a winner in California produced a 1,775 pound whopper.
Every year, the Antioch Homeschoolers look forward to October. It's pumpkin decorating time! Paint, fabric, and beads were among the many things used to decorate pumpkins of every size and shape. It's amazing what you get when you put together a child and a pumpkin.
If you would like to try your hand at pumpkin decorating, the Library has many books to give you some ideas.
