October is here! This month is always filled with plenty of fun fall festivities, crafts and traditions that seem to kick off the start of the holiday season. And when we think of October, many of us think of pumpkins. Most of us will be visiting a pumpkin patch and carving jack-o-lanterns, but we wanted to create a list of festive ideas for what else you could do with these seasonal vegetables to avoid simply throwing them in the trash.
Make your own pumpkin puree! Most pumpkin-forward recipes call for pumpkin puree, so why not make your own that you could save for later? Think of all the cookies, muffins, bread and pies you could make with your jack-o-lanterns leftovers. Bonus: freeze the puree to save for your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie!
Cube and bake your pumpkin into a seasonal savory dish such as pumpkin lasagna or ravioli. Pumpkin’s rich, creamy texture pairs nicely with warming spices and cheese to create delicious pasta dishes the whole family can enjoy.
Make an authentic pumpkin spice latte. Did you know? Most PSLs don’t even contain pumpkin, the name simply refers to the spices that are traditionally used in pumpkin pies. Not only will this homemade latte taste much richer, it will also save you money and doesn’t contain any unwanted chemicals and added sugars. There are plenty of recipes online, including this one by Live Simply, which uses simple ingredients most people will have on hand! Coffee not your think? Try a pumpkin spice smoothie instead!
Create your own pumpkin butter recipe! Pumpkin butter is similar to pumpkin puree, smooth with added sweeteners and spices that make it the perfect addition to oatmeal, yogurt, toast and other sweet foods.
And lastly… save the seeds to try planting your own pumpkins next spring! If you’re able to successfully grow your own, come fall you’ll save money on seasonal decor, and have plenty of pumpkins to create endless autumnal recipes!
