Ten Ways to Serve Pumpkin that Are NOT in a Pie

If you love the taste of pumpkin, but do not like pumpkin pie, here are ten alternatives you can use as a substitute during the holiday season:

One: Pumpkin Bread. You can make it homemade, or you can buy it in a ready to mix box. It smells delicious when cooking and the subtle flavor of pumpkin makes it worthy of an accompaniment to your morning coffee, a mid-afternoon snack, or dessert after dinner.

Two: Coffee. Brewing a pot of nice pumpkin spice coffee will really get you into the Fall spirit. Or, if you prefer, create a pumpkin latte. There is just something warm and soothing about sipping a pumpkin-flavored hot drink this time of year.

Three: Brew. Speaking of drinks...and brewing...why not purchase some pumpkin flavored beer for your holiday or Fall get-togethers. Sure to be a big hit among the men and the women, this flavor-spiced beer is a great way to bring in the season.

Three: Pumpkin Soup. A long-time favorite, this soup works well served cold as an elegant appetizer, or served warm as a comfort food during the chilly Fall months. It is really simple to make, and recipes can be found in abundance on most recipe sites on the World Wide Web.

Four: Pumpkin for Breakfast. You can incorporate pumpkin into breakfast in a variety of ways. You can make or purchase, pumpkin bagels, pumpkin muffins (with cream cheese, yum), pumpkin donuts, or even pumpkin pancakes. If you have children, you can even make the latter in the shape of pumpkins and decorate them accordingly.

Five: Pumpkin for Dessert. Gelato or ice cream with a nice pumpkin flavor is the perfect alternative to pumpkin pie, if the latter just doesn't suit your taste. It is light and creamy with just a hint of the flavor, and you can purchase it or create some fun by making it yourself at home.

Six: Pumpkin Snacks. You can make pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cupcakes (with pumpkin frosting, of course), or miniature pumpkin cakes.

Seven: Pumpkin condiments. Why not make a pumpkin butter or pumpkin jelly for the holidays or Fall season. It is a unique way to celebrate pumpkin, especially if you like the flavor of it, but just not in a pie.

Eight: Martinis. Make a pumpkin-flavored martini for your next family or friendly gathering. Because it is an item that is seldom created, much less served, it will make for an interesting drink, and the taste is surprisingly delicious. You can make and serve Chocolate Martinis alongside the pumpkin ones for a perfectly complimentary drink menu.

Nine: Pumpkin Ravioli is a great appetizer or main dish to serve on a night you want something different, something seasonal, and something really tasty. It is generally served with a nice butter sauce and the smell of it while cooking is phenomenal.

Ten: Pumpkin Cornbread or Fritters. Create a great compliment to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any Fall dinner, with a side dish of pumpkin cornbread or fritters in lieu of or in addition to rolls.

Nothing says that Fall is here faster than the sight, smell, and taste of pumpkin. For those of you who love pumpkin, but cannot stand it in a pie, these alternatives are great ways to celebrate with just a small twist on tradition.