Pumpkin isn’t just for Pie. Anymore. (by Chef Edward Sylvia)

Surely one of the great things of the Fall season, is the smell of freshly baked Pumpkin anything. So, yes, I am including the Pumpkin Pie recipe I made, but there are a couple of other things you can make with the entire Pumpkin too.  Ahh, pumpkin pie made from a fresh pumpkin tastes so much better than the glop that was processed last year. Don’t let it scare you off, the pie pulls together pretty quickly and is really not that difficult.  This Pumpkin was a  joint effort with my kids.  Share with some very lucky people! (but choose them wisely…)

Pumpkin.Bipolar.night

There is something magical about a carved pumpkin with a candle glowing inside to celebrate a crisp fall evening. …Especially a Bi-Polar Pumpkin that turns into Pumpkin Pie-Polar.  So, is YOUR Pumpkin ready?

 All photos by Alexandra Sylvia—pretty good job, huh?

PREPARE YOUR PUMPKIN.

Pumpkin.Jackie

~ We started with a 17 pound pumpkin (no, not Bi-Polar Pumpkin—he was indecisive).  My daughter, Jackie, began the scooping.

~ Scoop out the insides.  Make sure you get out that stringy, dangly stuff that coats the inside surface.  An ice cream scoop works great.

~ SAVE THE SEEDS.  We will show you how to roast them later.  Place the seeds on a cookie sheet or other tray and let them sun-dry for a couple of hours.

~ Place the meat in a saucepan with ¼ inch of water and cook until mushy.  This should take 3-5 hours, so be patient–it’s worth it! Slowly cook down while mixing or mashing occasionally until it resembles Mashed Potatoes.

Real” PUMPKIN PIE.  Seriously.

Pumpkin Pie-Bolar.Before

~          5-cups Fresh Pumpkin Meat

~          1 ½ cups Light Brown Sugar

~          5 Eggs

~          24 oz. Evaporated Milk

~          1-tsp Cinnamon

~          ½ tsp of each:  Ginger, All Spice, Nutmeg, Cloves

~          Pinch of Salt

Mix together with a hand blender to get a nice smooth consistency.  This will give the pie a satiny texture—not grainy.

Pour into a Pie Shell of your choosing.  This made 3 pies, and Alexandra and Jackie chose a Graham Cracker crust for ours.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes to an 1 hour until a skewer inserted comes out clean

Pumpkin Pie.Chef

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PUMPKIN SEEDS

Now, back to your seeds drying in the Sun.  Pumpkin Seeds are a health food powerhouse and a great snack—the kids love them.

Pumpkin Seeds

~          Whip 1 Egg White

~          1 Tbsp Chili Power

~          2 Tbsp Sea Salt

~          Zest of 2 Limes

Toss with Seeds and toast in a 325 degree oven for 20 minutes until seeds have a crisp exterior.

 

PUMPKIN SMOOTHIES

As simple and throw-together as they are, I promise they’ll be one of the most delectable things you’ve ever put in your mouth.

They’re pumpkin smoothies. And they’ll rock your world.

~          2 Cups Pumpkin Meat

~          ½ tsp of each:  Ginger, All Spice, Nutmeg, Cloves

~          ½ tsp Cinnamon

~          1 cup Condensed Milk

Puree with ½ cup of ice and drink up (or share with a friend)  2-14 oz servings.

Pumpkin.Smoothie

 So Libby’s Pumpkin People….we’re wishing you and your cans well and I know this is your busy season…..so don’t worry…..we’ll be sure to keep the whole real pumpkin idea… …..just between us