Pumpkin is the youngest child of the veggie patch. It wants to entertain you—it shows up for all the fun holidays. It always wants to play—it sits lackadaisical in rows, shiny and bright, just waiting for a mom to plop her baby down among its bounty and take 451 photos for her facebook wall. It charms you into letting it get away with things you’d never let any other veggie do—I’m sorry, is there another other veggie you order as a latte flavour? Hmmm, carmelized onion latte, anyone? Actually, I take that back. There’s probably a chef in Chicago who’s already making those.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from these past few weeks between Canadian and American Thanksgiving, it’s that no matter what your indulgence of choice, there is a pumpkin recipe on the internet waiting to convince you of this nutrient-dense veg’s versatility. I wasn’t kidding when I said pumpkin makes everything better. It’s chock full of antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin A, it’s got all those good B vitamins, calcium, iron. It also stands in well as a flavour base and a healthier alternative in recipes. Cancer-fighting, immune-boosting, energizing—what other pudding on the internet can make that claim?
After I posted my pumpkin snack bar recipe, my Mum mentioned that the farm is burrrrsting with them. Squash of all kinds can take over a garden rather aggressively, as they seem to have done to the blogosphere. There seem to be two types of people in the world: those who take advantage of pumpkin as a decorative and edible holiday gimmick, and those who go completely apeshit for it and think it elevates all recipes from September-January to the cannon of seasonal delights. I think you can tell from the list below which type of person I am. Here are some of the drool-worthy goodies I’ve recently bookmarked.
Smitten Kitchen Baked Pumpkin and Sour Cream Pudding
Savoury Simple’s Pumpkin Bagels
Simply Recipes Pumpkin Gingerbread
The 80/20 Blog Rustic Pumpkin Tiramisu
Eat Live Run’s Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
How Sweet It Is Pumpkin Pie Fudge Brownies
So Good So Tasty Pumpkin Hazelnut Bread
Soup Addict’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Torte
Of course, if you’re shocked and horrified that none of these have bacon (I know, I know), make my Pancetta Pumpkin Penne.
If you have a favourite pumpkin recipe—or you’ve tried one of these—please share!
I have to try the pumpkin pie brownies!
Love the photos!
http://www.howsweeteats.com has NEVER failed me. Jessica’s recipes are always amazing!!