Falling for Pumpkins
- Hannah Smith
- Oct 25, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 31, 2021
It is that time of year again: cooler weather, changing leaves, costumes, candy, and memories galore. We highly anticipate this time of year for a wide variety of reasons. Maybe it is the much needed break from the unbearable heat or even the realization that the big holidays are right around the corner. Either way, we all cannot wait for that subtle tinge of yellow, orange, and red to hit the trees. The one part of this season that is truly the unsung hero, is the pumpkin. The moment fall feels near, they are a key part of what you see, smell, and eat. That is why it is only fair to introduce you to ways of the pumpkin world. We are bringing you the most highly anticipated list of fun ways you can use your pumpkins this fall!
1. Carving Pumpkins
Let’s start simple. You can not go wrong with the classic Jack-o-Lantern. Carving pumpkins is perfect for all audiences to enjoy, no matter your age, skill level, or creative abilities! They are fun, easy, and, not to mention, provide you with an opportunity to use ALL the good stuff on the inside of those hollow walls for plenty more (trust me, we’ll get to that later).
2. Painting Pumpkins
Now, I understand if the mess of carving pumpkins is not for you. That is why I am offering a simpler option for those who still love decorating with pumpkins, but lack the desire to dig around in an oversized fruit. One word-- paint! The options are endless; you could go with something classy and dark or colorful and full of designs and pictures. The same amount of fun without the mass carnage carving a pumpkin would create. How fun!
3. Pumpkin Flower Vase
We love a good flower moment, so if you have no issue emptying a pumpkin but still love a classy look, this idea is for you. Start by cutting a hole around the stem of the pumpkin using a mason jar to determine the width. Fill that same mason jar with water and set it aside. From here, empty the contents of the pumpkin and place the cup of water that was set aside, in the hole. Last and certainly not least, add whatever collection of flowers you desire into the freshly made pumpkin vase and enjoy! It's the sweetest thing you ever will see, I swear!
4. Pumpkin Cooler
Southern people in the fall love one thing and one thing only and that is our college football, specifically tailgating. Saturdays are meant for football, food, and in this case: pumpkins. Of course, keeping all your drinks cold is important, so you might as well make it decorative. When making this cooler, start by removing the innards, then cut a large enough hole for a bowl. Fill the bowl with ice and insert the bowl into the pumpkin. Finally, add your favorite drinks. Painless, easy and with this little number, you can max out the most southern moment you will ever have!
5. Pumpkin Punch Bowl
Good gourd almighty! We can’t get enough of these pumpkins! Whether it is game-day or a Halloween party, we have the perfect decorative but functional piece made just for you. Take your pumpkin (surprise, surprise!), open the top, empty its contents, and save the lid piece for later. Now make a small hole near the bottom and insert a spigot (Walmart and Amazon both sell these). Once you are done, add whatever punch you would like. You will now have
the best punch bowl that everyone
will gush about the whole event!
6. Pumpkin Puree
I know when you think of pumpkins and all the exciting things you can do with them, pumpkin puree is not high on the list (hints why it's 6th on the list). BUT, here me out, remember the “plenty more” promised earlier? Well, it starts with pumpkin puree.
Here's a great recipe to try!
7. Pumpkin French Toast
Finally! The inside of the pumpkin comes in handy! A great way to change up a classic breakfast, while incorporating a fall favorite, is this wholesome pumpkin french toast recipe. Feel free to use the homemade pumpkin puree from above
to make it all the more special!
Here's a great recipe to try!
8. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Hello fall! It is about time we channel our inner 2012 Tumblr girl, or to be more realistic, what you drank yesterday ;). Yet another use of the pumpkin puree, but this time you save money along with it. Instead of waiting in the long lines and paying large sums at the boho coffee shops down the street, you can use this simple recipe to make your pumpkin spice lattes at home!
Here's a great recipe to try! https://www.inspiredtaste.net/8419/
9. Pumpkin Seeds
Let’s take a look into my personal childhood with this effortless use of the seeds in your pumpkins. Most of the other uses listed require the seeds to be taken out anyways, so instead of throwing them in the garbage, I recommend making them into a snack. Remove all seeds, if not already removed from the pumpkin, and separate them from the surrounding pulp. Next, take these seeds, rinse them with water, and then allow them to dry. Once they feel dry, place them on a baking sheet and season them with salt (level of salt is based on preference, but in my opinion, the more the better).You are more than welcome to try different combinations of seasoning if you so please. After you are done, bake them at 350℉ until golden brown and you are ready to eat!
10. Pumpkin Pie
We started with a classic, so it is only fair we end with one too. I can not imagine going through a fall season without at least one piece of a homemade pumpkin pie. There is no way to describe the perfect bite that comes after all the effort of a long day of baking. Oh and the smell! Every square inch of your home will be painted with that wonderful smell of cinnamon and pumpkin for days on end. That smell is the actual definition of fall. I would only hope you get the same warm feeling just thinking about it. Enjoy!
Here's a great recipe to try!
I hope one of these options appeal to you! If not, you can always just wear it on your head.
Wishing you a happy fall from the Être team!
Models: CJ Hudson, Daria Mosley, Landon Scheel
Photographer: Michelle Daschbach
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