Recipes: Pumpkiny Goodness

It's that time of year again! We always seem to buy cans of pumpkin puree (or for those who are more adventurous: making their own puree), and then we let them collect dust in the pantry until we end up donating them to the food collection boxes at the grocery store after the holidays are over. 

Sound familiar? 

This year, USE that great puree!  There are so many different ways to use them. One favorite of mine is to add a dollop into muffin and shortbread mixes, and I also love plopping some into a fall stew. They're so good for you, and even if you dislike the flavor, I bet a teaspoonful snuck into a batch of cookies will hardly be noticed!  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Smoothie

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 container yogurt (4 oz)
2 tbsp granola
ice (optional)

* Stir 1 cup puree into vanilla yogurt, blend in blender until smooth. Add ice for an ice smoothie. Layer with granola for a parfait.

Pumpkin Pancakes

your favorite pancake batter
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

* Add puree to pancake mix. Add spice and blend. Cook, then top with a dollop of pumpkin-flavored whipped topping

Pumpkin Hummus

2 cups pumpkin puree
2 TBSP tahini
1 garlic clove
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin and salt

* Mix all ingredients in a food processor and blend. Serve with pita bread.

Pumpkin Mousse Head

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 TBSP pumpkin pie spice
2 cup whipped topping

* Fold 1 cup pumpkin puree and 1 TBSP spice into 2 cups whipped topping. Really tasty on hot chocolate!)

Pumpkin Puddin' Pie

1 packet low-fat vanilla pudding
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
graham cracker crust

* Pour mixed ingredients into crust and chill. Can be made with reg. pudding and whole milk.

Pumpkin Snowballs

1 cup oatmeal
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3 TBSP pumpkin puree
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup raisins

* Mix all ingredients into 1" balls and roll into powdered sugar.

Pumpkin Seeds - Sugar and Spice

Toss pumpkin seeds in melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
Bake at 300F until golden brown (approx 30 mins)

* Above ingredient amounts are measured to taste