Pumpkins still have use after Halloween

BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Saturday, October 27, 2012
10/27/12 at 5:40 AM

Once Halloween has given up the ghost another year, many people pitch the frightful jack-o'-lantern or painted pumpkin in the trash. But there are plenty of things to do with your holiday squash - from making a planter or bird feeder to whipping up a batch of pumpkin muffins.

Compost it

Because pumpkins are natural, they make excellent candidates for composting - the process of managing the decomposition of kitchen and yard waste into nutrient rich fertilizer that is great for the garden.

Before throwing your old pumpkin in the compost pile, be sure to remove all inorganic materials such as candles and other man-made products used in the decorating of your pumpkin. Also, break down your pumpkin pieces as much as possible because the size of the materials in your compost heap plays a role in the time it takes them to turn.

Bake with it

There is the ubiquitous pumpkin pie to make, but there are also pumpkin buns, pumpkin garlic knots, pumpkin-maple flavored oatmeal and a favorite: pumpkin bread.

PUMPKIN MUFFINS

Makes about 35 mini muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of ginger (optional)
1/2 cup of pumpkin puree
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
1/3 cup lowfat Greek yogurt - or 1/2 cup eggnog with splash of milk

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray.

2. Mix flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, oil, and yogurt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

3. Spoon batter into muffin tin. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Transfer muffins to rack to cool.

- adapted from Cookingwithmykid.com

Roast it

Probably the best way to use that pumpkin is roasting or toasting the pumpkin seeds. The curious chef looking to add some flair to the dish may want to try garlic salt or some other flavorful seasoning. However, simple salt and butter will do the trick in creating an easy and tasty snack.

Once you've cleaned your seeds - though leaving them with some pumpkin remnants can add extra flavor - let them dry.

Toss 1 1/2 cups of pumpkin seeds with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons of butter. Then spread a single layer of the seeds across a cookie sheet and let bake at 300 degrees or until golden brown.

Consider substituting olive oil or garlic- flavored cooking spray to coat your seeds. Or try sprinkling some sugar on your pumpkin seeds right when they come out of the oven.

Plant in it, plant it

A pumpkin planter can last above ground for a few days and can do a world of good below later. It makes for a pleasing and seasonal display great for porch steps or as a decorative accent in your garden areas. Here's how to do it:

Choose your favorite small plant.

If you haven't cut the top of your pumpkin already, do so and then remove the seeds and pulp.

Pack your planter about a third of the way full with potting soil before placing your plant inside.

Finish packing in more soil so that your plant fits in the pumpkin snugly.

When the planter starts to wear out, plant the whole pumpkin in the ground.

Freshen your face with it

It isn't hard to believe that if pumpkin can be a healthy food to eat, it is also great for skin health. Full of Vitamins A and C and the mineral zinc, pumpkin nourishes skin, as well as soothes and moisturizes it. Adapted from www.studentbeans.com, the pumpkin facial mask uses all-natural ingredients.

PUMPKIN FACIAL MASK

2 teaspoons pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon milk
Dash cinnamon, optional.

1. Mix the ingredients until a paste-like texture is achieved. Apply to a clean face and let dry for about 20 minutes, then wash off.

Original Print Headline: Pumpkin reuse

Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com

Associated Images:

CHRISTOPHER SMITH / Tulsa World