Creative Uses for Pumpkins!

Pumpkins are really just a large, orange squash. Generally squash is thought of only to be used for eating and nutritional components. Well, the pumpkin has been taken to a higher level of sophistication by becoming the centerpiece in many homes during fall and the peak of the harvest season. Whether you grown your own pumpkins or visit the local pumpkin patch, there are so many fun things to do with these large orange vegetables!

First off is the most common use of pumpkins in America, a Jack-o-lantern. Almost every child loves to cut a face or picture out of their treasured pumpkin. Starting at the pumpkin stand, all kids love to turn each pumpkin around so that they are sure they find the very best one. After taking the pumpkin home, the child begins to dream about what they can make this simple little pumpkin become.

The most commonly decorated pumpkin is a Jack-o-Lantern which is a scary face on the pumpkin. A Jack-o-Lantern is usually symbolic of Halloween. If you would still like to decorate pumpkins, but not celebrate Halloween, there are many other ways of carving a pumpkin. Start by cutting the top off and scooping out all the contents. The seeds inside can be saved for a later use. Then find a maker and draw your decoration. A smiley face, flower, date, name, or initials are some fun ideas. Once you have the perfect design, just cut out the pumpkin. This is easier said than done, but a sharp knife should do the trick. Tradition is to then place a candle inside the pumpkin so that at night the carving is shown in the dark.

If you don't want to deal with the hassle and mess of carving a pumpkin, you can decorate it with markers or paint. A traditional painted pumpkin features two eyes, a nose, ears, a mouth and maybe even some fun hair. This is a great way to encourage craftiness and creativity in your children. Oil based paints and waterproof markers are the best materials to decorate the pumpkin with as they are the most permanent through the outdoor weather. Find some yarn, straw or other material for the hair. You can also paint any picture you want on your pumpkin, creativity always leads to the best design!

As stated earlier, the seeds from the inside of the pumpkin can be delicious! I remember a grade school activity where we carved the pumpkins and then later we were fed the seeds! They were so yummy, that I have roasted pumpkin seeds many times as an older child and even into my adulthood. Simply wash off the seeds and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. Then spread them onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 250F for 30 minutes, or until dry. Be very careful to not burn them, and keep the oven at a low temperature. Stir them often to be sure they are drying equally. ENJOY!

Another common use of pumpkin is for cooking. Whether it be pumpkin pie, cake or bars, the flesh of a pumpkin leads to excellent flavor and moisture when cooked. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin and gather the beautiful orange flesh. Puree the pumpkin flesh and then use it in your favorite recipe. You can even eat the pumpkin allow, just bake it in the oven at 350F for 30 minutes to heat through. Sprinkle the pumpkin with brown sugar and maple syrup for a delectable and very healthy treat!

You can also can or freeze your pumpkin to use later. To freeze the pumpkin flesh, just wash it well, puree it, add a little salt and place it in a freezer container inside the freezer. Canning pumpkin is a bit trickier, but follows the same recipe as to freeze it, only you will need to complete the canning process as well.

Who would have ever thought that this beautiful, orange squash would become such a festive fall treat? Pumpkins serve as wonderful outdoor festive decorations when placed in a group on your porch. Add a straw bale and a few decorative gourds and the centerpiece is complete!