How to Pick and Prepare Your Pumpkin

It's time for Halloween again. You've got bowls of candy, costumes for the kids, and a pumpkin to carve - or two, or three! Jack-o-lanterns are great fun, but perhaps you hate to just gut them and throw away the perfectly good pumpkin inside. Or maybe you found a good deal on the carroty-colored squash, but you aren't sure what to do with it besides making pie. Here are some ideas to help you choose and use that yummy jack-o-lantern!

When choosing the perfect pumpkin, look for one with a substantial stem. If the stem is shorter than one or two inches, the pumpkin may already be decaying. Pick a pumpkin free of nicks or blemishes, and aim for varieties such as pie, sugar, or cheese pumpkins for baking and cooking. Jack-o-lantern pumpkins are edible and taste fine, but their stringier texture makes them more difficult to work with.

Once you have picked your pumpkin, if you aren't going to use it immediately, store it in a cool, dry place for no longer than one month. When you are ready to create a pleasing pumpkin recipe, cut it in half or quarters and scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp, just like you would before carving a jack-o-lantern. Wash the seeds and allow them to dry, but don't throw them away! Besides being a delicious snack when lightly oiled, salted and baked, pumpkin seeds are loaded with nutrition; they're a great source of protein, iron, magnesium and other vital nutrients. Not crazy about plain old roasted pumpkin seeds? Try tossing them in oil and seasoning them with one of the following prior to roasting: cinnamon; taco seasoning; curry powder; basil and rosemary; or Worcestershire sauce, garlic and salt. Still just not into them? Treat your backyard birds.

Your pumpkin can now be prepared a number of ways. Puree it, steam it, bake it or roast it. Think of uses other than pie for this delicious, nutritious squash. Pumpkin is loaded with beta carotene, which is a cancer-fighting antioxidant. It's a yummy source of vitamin A, vitamin C and several B vitamins, and calcium and iron to boot! Plus it has less than 40 calories per cup.

Start your day off right with a pumpkin smoothie. Simply make your favorite smoothie recipe, using pumpkin in place of your usual fruit. Don't have a smoothie recipe? Here's one you can try that tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass.

1 medium banana, frozen
1 cup milk
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Slice banana. Place all ingredients in blender. Blend about two minutes, until smooth and creamy.

Use chunks of pumpkin anywhere you use other vegetables for a delicious, distinct flavor. Toss it in casseroles, soups, stews, and pot pies. Bake it with other diced root vegetables for an aromatic autumn dish. Pumpkin pancakes with creamy pumpkin butter make a scrumptious breakfast, and pumpkin bread, muffins, or even cheesecake will wow your family.

So on your next trip to the grocery store or farmers market, pick up a pumpkin or two. Remember, they aren't just for jack-o-lanterns!