Tasty Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin is one of the best sources for beta-cryptoxanthin, a plant compound that reduces the risk of insulin resistance by up to 51%. Pumpkin is also rich is vitamin A, boostin immunity by up to 38%.

There are several ways to enjoy the benefits of pumpkin and best of all you can even use canned pumpkin to get the same great results. Here is a list of some tasty options.

Spicy Squash Penne-Saute chopped shallots and garlic in olive oil. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock, 1 cup of pumpkin puree and a shot of hot sauce, let simmer five minutes. Toss with hot cooked penne pasta and chopped basil.

Creamy Mac & Cheese- Stir 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and a dash of cayenne pepper into your favorite mac & cheese recipe. Top with chopped parsley.

Cheesecake Napoleons- Combine eight ounces of Neufchatel cheese, 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, a dollop of honey and a sprinkle of apple pie spice. spread between chocolate graham crackers.

Savory Squash Soup- Saute chopped onions until tender. Add two cups of chicken stock, two cups of pumpkin puree and a pinch of ginger, let simmer for 10 minutes. Add a dash of half-and-half and some cinnamon.

Pumpkin Panache Pancakes- Prepare pancake mix using just a little less liquid. Stir in 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Cook on hot greased griddle according to package directions.

Lemony Chickpea Dip- In a food processor puree one cup of pumpkin puree, one cup of canned chickpeas, a bit of garlic, a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt, a dash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Use for fresh cut veggies.

Spiced Autumn Mousse- Prepare one box of instant vanilla pudding reducing the liquid to one cup. Stir in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Fold in one cup of reduced fat whipped topping and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Cheesy Chipotle Polenta- Bring four cups of chicken stock and one teaspoon of chipotle pepper to a boil. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of polenta, cook five minutes. Stir in one cup of pumpkin puree and one cup of shredded cheese. Top with cooked chorizo.

Orange Mashed Potatoes- Cook sweet potatoes until tender, peel and transfer to bowl. Stir in one cup of pumpkin puree, mash with fork until tender. Stir in hot milk to taste, a bit of olive oil and a two teaspoons of orange zest.

Fudgy Brownie Bites- Stir 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and a dash of cinnamon into brownie batter. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and bake according to package directions.