Pumpkins are great this time of year, especially if you’re into pumpkin carving and/or consuming everything with a little added pumpkin spice flavoring (I know I sure am).
If you’re planning on having some pumpkin-carving fun, don’t let those pumpkin insides go to waste. There are plenty of delicious ways that you can put those jack-o’-lantern leftovers to good use — seeds, goop and all.
1. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Making roasted pumpkin seeds is a great snack option. You can eat them by themselves, have them with trail mix or use them as a crunchy topping for mashed potatoes, salads and more!
2. Pumpkin Butter
Pop all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and let this simmer overnight. You’ll wake in the morning to a delicious fall pumpkin butter spread from A Beautiful Mess that’s perfect for toast, pancakes and more.
3. Pumpkin Dog Treats
Even your pup can enjoy the flavors of fall by using pumpkin (along with flour, flax seeds and optional brown sugar) to make some tasty treats. Get the recipe here from Todd + Diane.
4. Pumpkin Body Scrub
Pumpkin is also good for the skin. It removes dead skin cells and leaves your body feeling rejuvenated, so why not make an all-over body scrub from Freutcake out of it? Sounds like a great way to pamper yourself!
5. Pumpkin Cheesecake
I don’t know about you, but I love this flavor in just about anything — including these pumpkin cheesecake bars from She Wears Many Hats. So, put those pumpkin guts to good use and whip up a yummy dessert, why don’t you?
6. A DIY PSL
Check out this version of a pumpkin spice latte from Champagne Tastes that you can make right at home with your leftover pumpkin goo. It’s vegan and gluten-free, using steamed milk or coconut milk and espresso.
7. Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
Add a tasty seasonal twist to regular old cornbread mix with this pumpkin hack. These fluffy, healthy honey cornbread pumpkin muffins are sweetened with honey and go great with chili. Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
8. Pumpkin Bisque
If you want something warm and delicious and full of pumpkin flavor, make yourself some soup out of your pumpkin insides, thanks to a recipe from Pizzazzerie. Garnish your bisque with sour cream and some pumpkin seeds, if you like.
9. Pumpkin Pie Truffles
I’m fine with anything that’s covered in chocolate. Sprinkle these delicious, low-sugar, no-dairy pumpkin pie chocolate chip fudge truffles with cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. Get the recipe from Lori and Michelle here.
10. Pumpkin Ravioli
Adding a classic fall flavor to a classic comfort food? Can’t go wrong there. The recipe, which uses a brown butter sauce for your homemade pasta, comes from Savory Simple.
[h/t: Brit + Co]