Happy National Pumpkin Day!
Fall is, without a doubt, pumpkin season. It is everywhere — from coffee to décor! If you’re looking for ways to reuse those Halloween decorations, or simply looking for something fun this National Pumpkin Day, consider trying one of these fun and delicious ideas.
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is the #1 use for pumpkin, but you don’t have to buy it in a can when you have whole pumpkins at home. It is actually super easy to DIY this ingredient and then you have it for any recipe you like. Start by cutting the pumpkin down the middle and then scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from inside. Put the pumpkin in a baking dish, cut sides down, with about a cup of water in the bottom and bake in the oven for about 90 minutes. Once the flesh is tender, you can scoop it out and puree it in a food processor. That’s it! You now have pumpkin puree that you can use in recipes, from cocktails to baked goods, or freeze it for later.
Pumpkin Stock
The guts are the stringy bits that are in the middle of the pumpkin with all the seeds. Many people have favorite uses for the seeds (more on this later), but the guts usually end up in the trashcan. But they don’t have to! Once you’ve separated the seeds from the guts, put all those slimy strings into a pot of water on the stove. Boil it until the water begins to change color and then strain out the vegetable matter. You can use this vegetable stock in any recipes for a delicious pumpkin hint, or you can freeze it for later.
Pepitas
Once you remove the seeds, rinse them thoroughly and toss them with some oil and any spices you like. Place them on a baking pan in a single layer and roast them in the oven. Pepitas make a great snack or they can be used in lots of recipes, including desserts.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY AT BASTA PASTA
For more than 12 years, Basta Pasta has given Maryland diners delicious Italian food from local and fresh ingredients. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes, unlimited salad and breadsticks, and fine wine at one of our locations in Timonium, Fallston, Perry Hall, or Eldersburg. Contact us online or give us a call at the location-specific phone number listed here. Read our menu and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you don’t feel like going out, order our signature crab cakes online and enjoy delicious Basta Pasta from home!