Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin is one of those great squashes that make you instantly feel seasonal. It covers a lot of ground -- Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter and then Christmas. All dressed up in various recipes that range from savory to sweet. I have a couple of my time honored recipes for you. One savory, one sweet.

The recipe for the Savory Cream Pumpkin Sauce is also great for a layer in lasagna. If you do a veggie lasagna you can use this sauce in the layers instead of a traditional sauce. It also tastes wonderful on top of cheese filled ravioli... just a couple of suggestions.

Savory Cream Pumpkin Sauce
Yields 4 servings

Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or hand rubbed sage
1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for garnish (optional)
Your choice of pasta.


Directions

Add oil in sautee pan, stir in minced garlic stir until just slightly golden brown. Add in sage or rosemary your choice stir for a minute. Then add red pepper flake, keep stirring. Put the can of pumpkin puree in then add the half and half. Blend until smooth. Cook your favorite pasta and toss with 3/4 of the sauce. Save the remaining sauce for the top. Sprinkle part of the parmesan cheese on top of the pasta then pour on the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the top of the dish with the remaining parmesan....if not more and sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top.


Pumpkin Dip
Yield: 3 cups of dip

8-ounce package softened cream cheese
1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree
2 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

For dip, beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add pumpkin puree beat well. Add sugar, cinnamon and ginger, beat until smooth. Serve with cookies. Store leftover dip in the refrigerator.

Note: This dip also tastes great with pretzel crackers....

There are so many uses for pumpkin -- it adds such a deep note to many recipes. Experiment a little, you might be surprised.