We all know that the fall season consists of many pumpkin-centered activities and flavors. The pumpkin takeover can be a little overwhelming, so whether you are a pumpkin fanatic or not, here are some ways you can have fun with pumpkins this fall!
Pumpkin Patch
This one seems pretty obvious. Families, couples, and friends can all participate in heading out to the nearest pumpkin patch to get their hands on their favorite pumpkin in the patch! Most pumpkin patches have fun activities beyond buying an obscene amount of pumpkins, like hayrides or corn mazes! Take advantage of a day outside by making your way over to a pumpkin patch.
Pumpkin Carving/Decorating
Pumpkin trends have changed in more recent years when it comes to carving. Many people opt to avoid the mess associated with carving pumpkins, and they paint them instead. Porch decor has been amped up year after year, resulting in some seriously incredible pumpkin decor. Some people even cut the tops off, hollow out the inside, and use pumpkins as planters for their fall florals. Whether you decide to decorate your pumpkins, or use them as decorations, they definitely add a fall feeling to your home.
Pumpkin Puree
Once fall rolls around, pumpkin puree starts flying off the shelves! Instead of buying a processed version, try making your own pumpkin puree!
Pumpkin Pie- Pumpkin pie is a fall and Thanksgiving staple, and making your own pumpkin pie filling from fresh pumpkin can give you a leg up on your neighbors' pie this year.
Pumpkin Spice Drink- If you are a member of the pumpkin spice drink fan club, pumpkin puree is the way to go! Using a baking pumpkin to make your own pumpkin puree is simple and can elevate whatever drink you choose to put it in, like a chai tea or your morning cup of coffee!
Pumpkin Soup- Yet another delicious way to enjoy pumpkin puree is by making it for your pumpkin soup. Pumpkin soup offers all the delicious, sweet and savory, buttery flavors of fall that make us feel warmed all the way to our core. Simple recipes usually call for fresh-baked pumpkin, water, cream, and seasonings of your choice! You can also switch it up by adding other vegetables like carrots and celery.
Use the Guts
A lot of people carve out the insides of pumpkins and toss them in the trash. Instead, put it to use! Roasted pumpkin seeds have health benefits and are a tasty, simple snack for fall days. But the stringy pieces of pumpkin flesh can actually offer a lot in the way of flavor when cooking. The texture of the inside of pumpkins is less than appetizing, but by making a vegetable stock with pumpkin guts, you can take your soups to the next level! Pumpkin, carrot peels, onion skins, and any other vegetable scrap that you can throw in will leave you with a delicious base for any fall soup you are looking to try!
Get creative with your pumpkins this year and embrace the fall season with some of these fun ideas!