Six Perfect Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

It’s pumpkin season. Pumpkin recipes all over the Internet, pumpkins growing in fields at the farm, pumpkins on display at the grocery store and pumpkins as table decorations. You get the idea.

I think you know where this is going, right?

Some of my favorite recipes are pumpkin-packed and what better a time of year to use the canned pumpkin that I have been hoarding from my neighborhood grocery store?

Yes, yes. Most of my recipes utilize canned vs. fresh pumpkin.

You see, pumpkin carving is a messy sport.

I am my own housekeeper. That’s all there is to it.

So, without further ado, if you did what I did and ordered a case of canned pumpkin from Amazon before it was available in your local supermarket, you should make each and every one of these recipes, like I probably will.

Spicy Pepitas

 

If you do take the plunge and opt for fresh pumpkin this year, make the most of it and scoop the seeds for a salty and savory snack. A little spice goes a long way and these are great on their own or as an addition to salads or soups.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie with Gingersnap Crust

So there’s nothing I can say or do to justify this nutritionally (with a good conscience, at least).

I can, however, urge you to bake this pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving or perhaps as a pre-Thanksgiving trial run.

Oh, come on. The calories don’t count if you eat it standing up.

Pumpkin Penne

After you’ve gorged yourself sampled some cheesecake you’ll probably crave a green vegetable, right?

Toss fresh spinach with pure pumpkin and and tangy dried cranberries for fall comfort food that you won’t have to honor on the treadmill the next day.

Use whole-wheat pasta to be really virtuous.

Pumpkin Bread

It isn’t fall without a pumpkin bread recipe, an apple bread recipe and a cranberry bread recipe.

Well, I’m still working on the latter two but to tide you over, two fresh loaves of pumpkin bread make great hostess gifts for fall get-togethers or breakfast on cool mornings – just add a cup of coffee.

Spiced Pumpkin Butter

Yes, I have managed to create spiced pumpkin butter — a butter that won’t clog your arteries.

Not that you’re worried about your arteries today, but say you were: this is basically a combination of sugar, pumpkin and your favorite fall spices.

Not too shabby.

Pumpkin Apple Harvest Muffins

Here is another recipe that might not do your waistline justice, but these pumpkin apple walnut muffins sure are a treat.

Next time you fire up your electric mixer, skip the cookies, skip the brownies and just make these.