Once the calendar hits September, you see pumpkin foods on the menu everywhere!
As an avid cook and baker, I love to make traditional pumpkin treats, but sometimes it’s fun to use pumpkin in unexpected ways as well!
Here are a few of my favorite recipes to make using this seasonal ingredient!
Chili is a must during the fall and this version is a favorite at my house! You would never know it has a full can in it – honest!
Smoothie
My family loves smoothies, so of course I had to find out how to make a pumpkin one for fall! Here’s my easy recipe:
1 large banana, peeled and frozen
3-4 Tbs. pumpkin puree, frozen
1 cup milk (I use 2%)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. maple syrup
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Whipped Cream for serving, optional
Let the banana and pumpkin sit at room temperature for five minutes to thaw a bit. Then add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add additional milk if needed. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and serve.
Oatmeal
I make plain oatmeal on the stovetop using 2% milk and a bit of cinnamon. Once finished, I add a spoonful or two of pumpkin puree and then add a little bit of brown sugar or maple syrup to sweeten it up a bit. It has a warm orange color and just a hint of pumpkin. Sprinkle cinnamon and additional syrup on top, if desired.
These are a favorite at our house! The recipe calls for butternut squash, but I use pumpkin in its place, since it’s more readily available. My kids love these and they’re easy to make! Baking note, I decrease the baking time to 17 minutes.
Pudding
Pudding is one of my favorite things for my kids to make! It only has a few ingredients and they can mix to their hearts content without overmixing or ruining the recipe. This fun pumpkin version is so easy to make and not to mention delicious!
These are a fall favorite and so easy to make! With only 3 ingredients, and no eggs, these are also a good one to make with kids! For an extra festive touch, add two candy eyes on top before baking to make them spooky for Halloween.
