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Embellished with paint or carved into jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins begin to pop up as
Halloween approaches. They adorn the staircases and thresholds of our homes, but
seldom find their way into our diet. Even so, there are several good reasons to
include them in the foods we eat. Consider the following facts about pumpkins:
- They have a long shelf life.
- They freeze well.
- They can be turned into a host of tasty dishes that are easy to prepare.
- They have health benefits for both children and adults.
This article presents some tips and gourmet ideas for turning your Halloween masterpiece into tasty dishes.
Did you know?
Low in calories, pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamin A. They're packed with antioxidants like other brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. What's more, their seeds contain a number of little-known benefits. They're particularly effective in dealing with bladder irritations. Find out more.
Decorate, then freeze
Intact, a pumpkin can be kept in a cool, dry place for three to six months. If it’s
carved on Halloween night, it can be left outdoors until the following day. After
that, you’ll need to prepare or freeze it in one of two ways:
-
1.
Into cubes: Simply peel your pumpkin the way you would a cantaloupe.
Once the skin has been removed, cut the flesh into cubes and freeze it in cup-sized
portions. You can then use it to make marmalade, stir-fry it to serve as an accompaniment, or add it to a stew or rice pilaf.
-
2.
Into a purée: Purées are perfect for desserts and soups. Before
putting your pumpkin through the food processor, it should be cooked in a conventional
or microwave oven, or steamed. Here’s how.
Pumpkin on the menu
Bring colour and warmth to your autumn menu by cooking your Halloween pumpkins.
From the appetizer to dessert, they fit into a host of recipes that will please
the entire household. What’s more, the children will be happy to see their lanterns
transformed into tasty meals. It’s a good excuse to urge them to eat everything
on their plate!
Before using your pumpkins, don’t forget to pass them under running water and brush
them (if necessary) to remove any dirt.
Pumpkin carrot soupClose
For an original place setting, empty out some miniature pumpkins or squash and pour
in your soup. These improvised bowls will add a decorative touch to your table.
You could also serve the soup out of a large hollowed-out pumpkin that serves as
a tureen.
Read the recipe.
Spicy pumpkin breadClose
This bread will permeate the entire house with its aroma while it’s baking and delight
the entire dinner table when it’s ready to eat! Serve it for dessert or breakfast.
In addition, it freezes easily.
Read the recipe.