Do you ever feel wasteful throwing away all those pumpkins when Halloween is over? Great news!
 |
| Pumpkins. Source: aesta1 |
There are lots of ways to use up doomed pumpkins and give them a new life after their vaudeville experience is finished.
Here, we'll give you some pointers on getting the very most out of this years' jack o’ lanterns
Cook Up Pumpkin Delicious
It's easy to go overboard at the pumpkin patch or supermarket and come home with more pumpkins than you or your kids can possibly carve.
If you're stuck with overstock, why not whip up a fabulous fall dessert?
If you're stuck with overstock, why not whip up a fabulous fall dessert?
Half of Asia sees the pumpkin as a great vegetable. Megastar Michelins do super soups for megabucks!
Although we don't usually think of it, the flesh inside a pumpkin is exactly the same as the stuff you buy in a can. To get to the good stuff,
Although we don't usually think of it, the flesh inside a pumpkin is exactly the same as the stuff you buy in a can. To get to the good stuff,
- cut the pumpkin in half and remove all the stringy fibres and seeds (set aside the seeds)
- cut the pumpkin flesh into workable pieces and peel, then cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- cover the pieces with lightly salted water and boil, uncovered, for approximately 25 minutes
- drain and mash or puree in a blender
- freeze the cooked pumpkin in easy-to-use sizes (a cup or ½ cup works well).
Pumpkin seeds are a delicious seasonal treat that can become a treasured family memory. Kids love sorting through all that pumpkin slime to pick out the seeds, and they can help choose seasonings as well. To begin,
- separate seeds and place in a pot of lightly salted water
- boil for approximately ten minutes
- drain the seeds
- place a wire cooling rack on a baking sheet, and cover with paper towels
- let the seeds cool and dry out for one hour.
Pumpkin seeds taste wonderful with many different seasoning mixes. Try pre-mixed blends to create sweet or savoury combinations.
Simply toss the pumpkin seeds with either olive oil or butter (2 to 4 tablespoons) and approximately 2 teaspoons seasoning mix (adjust accordingly). Spread an even single layer of seeds on a baking sheet and toast at 375 degrees for approximately seven minutes, checking every few minutes to prevent burning.
When your seeds are golden brown, they're done. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
Simply toss the pumpkin seeds with either olive oil or butter (2 to 4 tablespoons) and approximately 2 teaspoons seasoning mix (adjust accordingly). Spread an even single layer of seeds on a baking sheet and toast at 375 degrees for approximately seven minutes, checking every few minutes to prevent burning.
When your seeds are golden brown, they're done. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
In some of the popular streets of Hanoi, young Vietnamese munching on their favourite snack, pumpkin seeds, seat themselves in tiny stools in from of stores to watch the crowd of tourists navigating the busy streets.
 |
| Pumpkin Glamour. Source: aesta1 |
Pumpkin Glamour
In addition to being delicious, pumpkins are natural beauty tools….and not just for those that look like them. Their flesh is packed with enzymes which helps dead, dry skin to slough and reveal healthy vibrant skin beneath! The pumpkin takes its revenge on witches!
To give heels a treat, mash-up ½ cup pumpkin puree and add 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well and slather onto feet, concentrating on heels, balls (of your feet) and any other rough areas. Wrap feet tightly in an old towel or plastic wrap and relax for thirty minutes. Unwrap and rinse to reveal baby-soft skin! Do not eat the residue.
Pumpkin body scrub couldn't be simpler – just mix equal parts pumpkin puree with brown sugar. Use in the shower on elbows, knees and any other rough areas.
An at-home pumpkin facial can get rid of all that dead, dull skin and reveal a younger, fresher complexion. Combine 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and 1 tablespoon of honey.
This basic mix does very well on its own, but you can personalize it to your skin type by adding ½ teaspoon heavy cream (for dry skin) or ½ teaspoon cranberry juice (for oily skin). Blend well, smooth on freshly washed skin and relax for fifteen minutes. Rinse and pat dry, then follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
The pumpkin in this recipe sloughs dead skin, the honey moisturizes and has antibacterial properties, and the add-in ingredients give a moisture or astringent boost.
This basic mix does very well on its own, but you can personalize it to your skin type by adding ½ teaspoon heavy cream (for dry skin) or ½ teaspoon cranberry juice (for oily skin). Blend well, smooth on freshly washed skin and relax for fifteen minutes. Rinse and pat dry, then follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
The pumpkin in this recipe sloughs dead skin, the honey moisturizes and has antibacterial properties, and the add-in ingredients give a moisture or astringent boost.
For those in real trouble, slip the pumpkin over your head for a day nd pretend you’re Mr Bean.
Although you'll be tempted, please don't eat your beauty products!
