Fresh Cooking with In-Season Food: Pumpkins

Everyone knows that cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables (that are in-season) not only is a great way to stretch a buck, it is also the best way to produce flavorful dishes that will keep your family, friends, guests (whomever) asking for more. This time of year there are many wonderful selections: apples, cabbage, leafy greens, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, to name a few. A quick visit to your local farmer's market, grocery store or fresh produce stand on the corner offers a bountiful harvest of in-season crops. Here, we focus on the ever popular fall favorite, pumpkins. Often thought of for pumpkin pies (Yes, we included!) and jack-o-lanterns, this squash can be used in both savory and sweet dishes and works really well with curry! Although we focus mainly on in-season fruits and veggies, it should be noted that canned pumpkin tends to yield the same results... so it really depends on how much time you have! From cookies to soup & smoothies, these dishes are sure to be tasty treats that everyone will enjoy!

Beverages
Pumpkin Frappe
Pumpkin Smoothie

Condiments
Honey Pumpkin Butter

Desserts
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Perfect Pumpkin Ice Cream
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Cookies

Miscellaneous
Curried Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

-Beverages-


|Pumpkin Frappe
Recipe by: Unknown

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground clove
1/8 tsp ground ginger

Blend all ingredients in blender and serve immediately. For garnish, sprinkle with nutmeg and a dollop of whipped topping. Also great with a drizzle of caramel syrup!

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