October, the month to go all pumpkined out.

Yes, we have already had a Pumpkin Spiced Latte or seen a multitude of white females in UGG boots devouring the savory drink, BUT- that was just a pumpkin teaser. October is the real deal when it comes to pumpkin!

I am pumpkin obsessed. I take the month of October as a time to bombard myself with pumpkin everything (even pumpkin febreze). A pumpkin overload will not make you “basic” but, don’t keep that term from enjoying your seasonal latte or frapp (just maybe make it at home once in a while to save $$$).

Along with being delicious- pumpkin is beneficial for your eyes and heart, helps you lose weight, may reduce the risk of cancer, can boost your immune system, can help protect your skin, and can restore your body’s electrolytes after a workout.

Pumpkins are more than a decoration on Halloween, a carving project, or an ingredient in a popular drink. They can be used and enjoyed in a variety of recipes.

Pumpkin Breakfast

• Pumpkin Oatmeal- I typically do 1/2 cup of rolled oats, about 1/2 cup of almond milk/water (add more if necessary), 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin,  1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Making it on the stove top always tastes better but I usually microwave due to laziness. For a more detailed recipe, check out All Recipes Pumpkin Oatmeal.
• Pumpkin French Toast- French Toast has always been a breakfast staple at my house. I decided to add a bit of a twist for Fall. I never measure when I cook, I go by feeling- making it difficult to share my dishes. So, when I make french toast for myself I use 2-3 slices of white or wheat bread, 2 eggs, about 1/2 cup milk, about 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a couple sprinkles of cinnamon, and 1/4th cup of canned pumpkin. Whisk together all the ingredients, butter or spray pan, bathe the bread in the mixture, place bread on pan, and cook on medium for the amount you desire. Here’s a recipe I found that clarifies and explains the process,  Pumpkin French Toast Recipe.
• Pumpkin yogurt with fruit- This is a healthy and easy way to get your daily fill of pumpkin. Simply mix 2 cups of plain greek yogurt with 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin, add whatever fruit and toppings your heart desires (granola, nuts, cornflakes, etc.), and add a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
• Pumpkin Bread- 1 cup Libby’s pumpkin pie mix, 1 2/3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4th teaspoon nutmeg, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup water, and 1 cup of butterscotch chips. Mix the ingredients together and pour in loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour. This recipe is similar and gives a step by step guide Pumpkin Bread Recipe.

 

Pumpkin Lunch/Dinner

• Pumpkin Pasta- 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1 pound of penne pasta, 1 can of pumpkin, garlic, salt and pepper, cinnamon, hot sauce, 1/2 cup milk, and parmesan. Once again, I kept adding spices until it tasted right without keeping track of my measurements. Martha Stewart has a great recipe that is similar and easy to make, Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce.

• Pumpkin Soup- I never write down exactly what I use and do but I promise I will next time! Pumpkin soup is a healthy alternative that will warm you up on chilly Fall nights. Found this awesome recipe that I will soon be using, Simple Pumpkin Soup.

 

Pumpkin Dessert

• The EASIEST Pumpkin Pie you will ever make- Every Thanksgiving I make pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is the easiest pie you can make and it tastes delicious. You only need 3 thing- a pie shell, a can of pumpkin, and a can of condensed milk. Whisk the ingredients together and pour in a 9 inch pie dish. Preheat oven to 450 and cook for 15 min then reduce temperature to 350 and cook 35-40 min.

• Pumpkin Cheesecake- I used The Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe last Thanksgiving and it was a hit.

 

As I make new dishes, I will add them to the list.

Along with cooking- you can get in the pumpkin spirit by carving a pumpkin for Halloween, going to a pumpkin patch, buying pumpkin air fresheners, wearing pumpkin flavored lip gloss, and of course- indulging in a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks.

Happy October!

xo,

Caylin