What says October more vividly than a big, beautiful orange pumpkin? Whether nestled amongst bales of hay and colorful corn for a harvest celebration, or decked out in full Halloween regalia, pumpkins are one of the most recognizable mascots of the Fall season.
Pumpkins come in many different shades from deep amber-orange to buttery yellow as well as ghostly white and even blue! Their variety of color, size and quirky shapes, along with their shelf life make them the perfect seasonal decoration.
What could be more fun than packing the family into the car and spending a crisp autumn afternoon on a U-Pick farm? The variety is endless and everyone has their own idea of what makes the perfect pumpkin… finding it amongst all the others is the best part!
Once you’ve found The Best Pumpkin Ever, it’s time to decide what to do with it! Will you gather around the kitchen table, hollow it out and carve it into a grinning Jack-o’-lantern; break out the acrylics and paint it into a Halloween masterpiece; or leave it au natural? Whatever you decide, pumpkin decorating is such a great way to get the whole family involved.
I love those little tiny pumpkins called Jack Be Little. Wondering what to do with them? Just cut the top off and scoop out the seeds, then rub them down with olive oil, season them and bake ‘til tender. And the whole thing is edible – skin and all!! They are also fun to fill … with your favorite stuffing, custard or bread pudding too!
And don’t forget the seeds! Spice up some Cha Cha Pumpkin Seeds with some olive oil and a little chipotle seasoning and you have the perfect afternoon treat or scary movie snacker!
So get ready for fall with the biggest (or smallest!) pumpkin you can find! – Kathy
Cha Cha Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 2 cups
2 cups seeds from pumpkin
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 to 2 tsp Dish D’Lish Cha Cha Chipotle Lime Seasoning™
Preheat oven to 375°F. Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pumpkin flesh or strings. Drain well and measure. Place in a bowl and toss with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the seasoning, a tablespoon or so at a time, tossing between additions. Toss well until evenly coated, then spread the seeds on a nonstick baking sheet. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crispy and toasted.
Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.
