Nothing says Halloween better than a jack-o-lantern, and nothing says Thanksgiving better than pie. The season has come for your favorite large, round, orange, princess-wielding squash — the pumpkin.
When I was growing up, my mom would make her pie crust from scratch, but she always bought canned pumpkin for the filling. It was easier — and came with a recipe right on the can.
Now, as I try to choose fresh, seasonal ingredients over pre-prepared foods, I've been exploring ways to prepare pumpkin on my own. And it's a thrill — the possibilities are endless for this flavorful squash. I think someone could write a food blog focused entirely on recipes centered around this ingredient, and never gets boring.
Now that you're ready to cook with pumpkin, it's important to know that the pumpkins for cooking are not the same ones you use for jack-o-lanterns. When you go to the store, look for "pie pumpkins" or "sugar pumpkins." Then, join us for making anything but pie!
Over the next month leading up to Thanksgiving, Earth Eats (and I) will be bringing you six pumpkin-focused recipes that have nothing to do with pie.
So put down that can of processed pumpkin and pick up a little orange squash of your own. Carve it up, cook it, and get ready to make some snacks, soups, breads, and desserts to celebrate this autumn season.
While you wait to read these pumpkin recipes, try making our Bison, Pumpkin and Lentil Chili.