7 Different and Delicious Ways to Use Pumpkin This Fall
With the advent of October comes changing colors, falling leaves, nostalgia, and that lingering chill to herald in the holidays. It’s the season of sweaters, Starbucks, and ever-rosy cheeks. Fall is in the air and with it, the overwhelming scent of every autumn-inspired candle sold at Target.
Fall has always been a favorite of mine, and yet every year, it is gone in the blink of an eye. Infinity scarves and Ugg boots are here and gone before I even have the chance to wonder why they became a trend in the first place. And of course, it’s difficult to live in the present when department stores begin stocking Christmas trees just weeks after labor day.
This year, I decided to savor every bit of fall flavor that I could, including one of its staples—pumpkin. After all, they’re not just for carving. I decided to take some of the tired motifs and hackneyed traditions of autumns past, and spice them up a bit (pun very much intended). If there were ever a year to get creative and find new ways to enjoy old favorites, it’s 2020. So, here are 7 different and delicious ways to use pumpkin this fall to help you celebrate the season.
Pumpkin in Pasta
Combine classic comfort food with fall flavors, and you’ve got yourself a winning pair. Adding pumpkin to pasta (either the sauce or the pasta itself) is a revelation. Consider it a no-brainer in your kitchen this season. Not to mention the fact that there are countless, simple recipes online to be found and tried. This one, Half-Baked Harvest’s pumpkin cauliflower gnocchi with nutty browned butter and whipped ricotta, is a show-stopper. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re living in a Nancy Meyers film; the kind that makes you want to vacuum your floors, light a few candles, slide into your coziest loungewear and curl up on the couch in front of Turner Classic Movies. I mean...whipped ricotta cheese...need I say more?
Pumpkin Spice Donut
Our family has always been big on donuts. Then again, fried dough and sugar tend to be crowd-pleasers in general. If you’re a fan of pumpkin cookies and pumpkin bread, I would highly suggest giving pumpkin spice donuts a try. All of your pumpkin spice dreams will surely come true. I love King Arthur Baking Company products, so I am anxious to give their pumpkin cake donuts recipe a go!
Pumpkin Hand Pies
Is it just me, or does everything become more appealing when it’s made miniature? Pumpkin hand pies—the perfect fall pastry—are no exception. Like your grandma’s famous pumpkin pie, but with a twist. I’ve seen several recipes online for these, but you could even just experiment with and adapt your own family recipe. In fact, make it a family activity or a date night!
Pumpkin Beer Pretzels With Chipotle Queso
Want to take your fall festivities to the next level? The answer is (as always) melted cheese, and nothing says “let’s celebrate fall” like pumpkin-infused pretzels to dip in it. When it comes to the art of fall flavors, Half-Baked Harvest must be something of an expert. Again, her recipe for pumpkin beer pretzels with chipotle queso is a must-try.
Cinnamomma’s caramel pecan rolls are a fall favorite.
Don’t carve it, paint it
There is nothing scarier than the mess accompanying a night of pumpkin carving. Give Mr. Jack O'Lantern a well-deserved break and try painting your pumpkins this year. Not only will you be avoiding hours of goopy clean-up, but you won’t be limited to a simple design. Your options are wide open and your friends and family will love getting creative with it. Pick out miniature pumpkins or use all different sizes; paint a scene on your pumpkin and display it in your home, or paint your pumpkin all one color to match your decor aesthetic. We love these DIY Rainbow Pumpkins from The House That Lars Built.
Roast the seeds for snacking
If you do plan on carving your pumpkins, keep the seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritious and delicious snack that require very little prep and cook time. Simply pull the seeds out of the pumpkin, clean the pulp off of them, dry them on a paper towel (this ensures they’ll come out crisp), toss with olive oil, season with salt and other desired spices, and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. If you need a step-by-step guide, here’s a helpful one from Bon Appetit.
Dinner in a pumpkin
I’ve you’ve ever had stuffed bell peppers, you know how serving it in a hollowed-out vegetable can elevate your dinner. Shake things up for your next dinner party or surprise your kids with dinner in a pumpkin. Fill it with a cheese fondue, a pumpkin cheesecake, soups, stews, mac and cheese, a dip, a tasty casserole, a rice risotto, or quinoa and veggies. Anything goes!
Final Thoughts
Let’s lean into the spirit of fall and make pumpkin popular in more than just a latte this year. Simply put, these recipes and ideas are too gourd to resist, so give them a try and let us know what you think!
If you want something pumpkin but don’t want to make it yourself, head to our website and try our pumpkin chocolate chip cinnamon rolls, our pumpkin bread, and our pumpkin chocolate chip bread, which can be made gluten-free and vegan. Follow along on our Instagram (@cinnamomma_) and sign up for our monthly newsletter for more seasonal treats and tutorials!
Don’t miss one of our seasonal best-sellers: Cinnamomma’s pumpkin bread and pumpkin chocolate chip bread