Ahhh.....Fall in New England. The air is crisp and the leaves on the trees are starting to change into vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red making you want to go outside and explore some outdoor fall activities, followed by some indoor fun!
This time of year is a perfect time to catch a football game, try to find your way through a corn maze, go apple picking or my favorite.... Pumpkin picking !
I love visiting local farms and taking a hay ride out to their pumpkin fields where you can search for the perfect pumpkin or two or three....
Did you know there are somewhere between 42 and 45 different types of pumpkins? There are soooo many various shapes, colors, sizes and textures it makes picking pumpkins so much fun!
Pumpkins are native to Mexico but are grown on 6 out of 7 continents. Antarctica being the exception of course. The name Pumpkin comes from the Greek word pepon meaning large melon.
Some pumpkins are grown for competitions and can weigh over a 1,000 lbs - now that's a lot of pumpkin for pumpkin pie !
Pumpkins are technically a fruit (because they contain seeds) and are about 90% water. Which makes sense seeing they are a member of the squash and gourd family like melons, cucumbers and zucchini.
Pumpkins are used in a variety of cooking. From pumpkin cakes and breads to pumpkin soup. Ever try pumpkin creme brulee or pumpkin cheesecake.......absolutely delicious ! And of course there is no shortage of pumpkin spice this time of year for your morning cup of Joe.
But come on.....when you think of pumpkins who doesn't think of Halloween and Jack-O-Lanterns! After your trip to pick out the perfect pumpkins, time to bring them home and have some fun carving scary or funny faces. Carefully scoop out your pumpkin's seeds and some of the pumpkin flesh so the shell of your pumpkin is thin enough to carve easily. Be sure to save your seeds for roasting later! Some people get very creative when carving pumpkins and create masterpieces or some people just carve a simple cute face. When finished carving simply put in a candle or battery operated light and voila....your very own Jack-O-Lantern.
Let us know you favorite thing to do with pumpkins this fall.....and don't forget to roast those pumpkin seeds and add some spices while roasting to give them a sweet or savory flavor. Add them to salads, soups or just eat them up.....yummmm.
