Happy Halloween! While today is all about the jack-o'-lanterns, tomorrow you may have more than your fair share of leftover pumpkins or rotting gourds.
by Leta Shy
Happy Halloween! While today is all about the jack-o'-lanterns, tomorrow you may have more than your fair share of leftover pumpkins or rotting gourds. So if you've been carving up a pumpkin storm or otherwise decorating with pumpkins, here's what to do with the leftovers.
Pumpkin puree: Don't discard the insides of your pumpkin — you can add pumpkin puree to everything from baking to your morning yogurt. To make pumpkin puree with the pulp of your carving pumpkin, steam it until it's tender (about 30-45 minutes). If you're using a whole pumpkin, cut it in half and place on a baking sheet, cut face down, and roast for about 1 1/2 hours in a 350-degree oven. In both cases, let your pumpkin or pumpkin pulp cool a bit, then mash with a potato masher or food processor (after scooping it out of its skin if you've roasted a whole pumpkin). You can freeze any pulp you don't use and add it to any of these healthy pumpkin recipes.
Roast seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds are easy to make and are the perfect go-to snack, either by themselves, as a trail mix addition, or sprinkled on salads. Spice things up with these basic roasted pumpkin seeds with seasoning ideas.
Compost the rest: If your jack-o'-lantern has seen better days, it's time to get rid of it. If you've got a compost pile, your leftover pumpkin will make a rich compost for your Fall garden. Cover with leaves to quicken the process.
