Pumpkin Goodness

This is the high season for pumpkins. People are gleefully picking them in pumpkin patches around the US, gathering up big ones and little ones, perfectly round one and lumpy bumpy ones. Yet the pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins and beta carotene as well. It;s also a versatile gourd that can be use din everything from savory to sweet.



For savory dishes the gourd is versatile . One of my favorite recipes (as fans already know) is pumpkin soup. The recipe is my great grandmother's and is a staple of the Val Susa in western Piedmonte (on the French border)It is a rich creamy bisque like soup; redolent with pumpkin

onion and chicken broth. Another pumpkin savory dish is curry fritters. these are a fiery spicy dish , perfect fo r your Halloween party or even as a Thanksgiving appetizer.You can also use pumpkin as a filling for ravioli and lasagna. However if you do this go easy on the tomato sauce. I prefer pumpkin filled ravioli with a light sage and butter sauce.



Of course pumpkin is phenomenal in sweet dishes. Nothing beats a fresh made pumpkin bread, or muffins. These are staples of fall brunches and go well when topped with cream cheese. Pumpkin mousse is another yummy treat and it's a spin on the famous pie It;s made like pie filling yet without a heavy crust.It's usually served with whip cream and maybe a splash of brandy on top. Are there pumpkin cookies? Yes!!!! I found two recipes, one like gingerbread and th e other with an oatmeal base.



Go wild in the pumpkin patch. Don't just buy the gourds for decoration. Buy a few extra for some savory and sweet dishes. They are the perfect source of vitamins as well as being one of the most versatile fall vegetables!