Seasonal Pumpkin Treats

Pumpkin carving is a lifelong tradition that is enjoyable for all the family! You could get creative with intricate designs, or keep it simple with a scary face, either way it’s a fun festive activity.

But what can you do when you’ve finished carving your pumpkin?

Pumpkin Soup

Image: RecipeTin

Nothing beats a classic! Soup is the ideal meal to warm your insides in this cool weather. Stick to a simple method, or try Jamie Oliver’s recipe with a twist! Toss the pumpkin, shallots and ginger in a frying pan until soft, add coconut milk, stock, and chili powder to taste, simmering for 40 minutes. Blend until smooth, and season to your liking.

Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Image: Country Living

Put the treat in ‘trick or treat’, and use your discarded pumpkin seeds for a salty-sweet brittle. Bring sugar, cinnamon, water and salt to boil, stir in the pumpkin seeds and spread the mixture into a rimmed baking sheet to cool completely.

Why not try toasting your pumpkin seeds in the oven? These can be added to anything from porridge, yoghurts and salads, or even just as a snack.

Pumpkin Puree

If the brittle doesn’t take your fancy, why not make a simple pumpkin puree that can be added to any recipe such as cakes or breads! Boil the pumpkin until soft, and mash with a potato masher or blend to the desired consistency. Keep for a few days in the fridge, or freeze and it’ll last for months!

Pumpkin Smoothie

Image: Sally’s Baking Addiction

We love this take on a healthy pumpkin smoothie! Blend with banana, milk (coconut milk for some extra flavour), honey and vanilla extract for a delicious indulgence.

Have you got any pumpkin recipes that you recreate each year? Or any that you’re thinking of trying this year? Share these with us on Facebook, post them on Instagram, and tweet us your recipes! Don’t forget to take a look at our board on Pinterest for more of our favourite seasonal activities!