Halloween goes out as quickly as it comes in, and if you plan on carving pumpkins, you may be left with a surplus that you’re not sure what exactly to do with. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the versatility of pumpkins, whether you’re carving them for Halloween, baking or simply enjoying their seasonal charm. In this article we will explore some great things you can do with leftover pumpkins, reducing waste, delighting your senses and inspiring creativity.
Make a delicious pumpkin puree
One of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do with your leftover pumpkins is make pumpkin puree. This delicious, velvety treat can be used in a variety of fall recipes, including pies, soups and smoothies.
To make your puree, roast the pumpkin in the oven until tender, scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer, and you’ll have a supply of rich pumpkin treats to last all winter long!
Bake pumpkin bread and muffins
On a cold fall morning, there are few things more comforting than the smell of freshly baked pumpkin bread gently wafting through your home. With your homemade pumpkin puree you can bake delicious pumpkin bread, muffins or even pancakes!
Mix spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger with the natural sweetness of pumpkin to create a delicious treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. These recipes are great for freezing so you can enjoy them long after the season is over.
Mix up some pumpkin soup
For a hearty meal that will warm your soul on cold days, consider whipping up a pot of delicious pumpkin soup. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan, then add your pumpkin puree, vegetable or chicken stock, and a dash of cream for extra richness.
Season with salt, pepper and your favorite autumn herbs. This wonderfully tasty soup can be garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds, croutons or a sprinkle of parsley for a gourmet touch. It is the perfect dish for a nice evening at home.
Make tasty pumpkin seed snacks
Now you have some great ideas for using your pumpkin flesh. Make sure you don’t forget the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are incredibly nutritious, so it will benefit you if you save as many as possible when you carve your pumpkins.
Once removed, rinse the seeds and remove any pulp before drying and mixing with olive oil and your favorite sweet, savory or spicy seasonings. Roast them in the oven until golden brown and crispy. This creates the perfect crunchy snacks that you can eat alone or use as a perfect topping for salads or soups.
Compost for garden enrichment
If you want to enrich your garden soil, composting is a fantastic option for leftover pumpkins. These versatile fruits are great for composting because they are rich in organic matter, break down quickly and contribute essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
Simply cut them into smaller pieces and add them to your compost bin or pile. As the pumpkins break down, they add nutrients back to the soil, helping your plants thrive the next growing season. This eco-friendly practice is a great way to enrich your soil and ensure your Halloween pumpkins don’t go to waste!
Organize a pumpkin carving contest
While there will be many carved pumpkins in the run-up to Halloween, you may come across some uncarved ones that may have been used for decorative purposes. If so, why not host a pumpkin carving contest?
Invite your family and friends for a fun evening where you can all show off your carving skills. Set categories such as ‘best traditional design’, ‘funniest face’, and so on. Not only is this a great way to spend time with loved ones, but it also stimulates creativity and ingenuity.
Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes
As the days get shorter and cooler, there’s nothing like curling up under a blanket with a warm drink, making this the perfect time to turn your leftover pumpkin into a fantastic homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Combine your pumpkin puree with milk, coffee, sugar and a mix of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Heat it all together and you’ll be left with a delicious drink that will rival the offerings at your favorite coffee shop, while you enjoy the satisfaction of making it yourself.
Save seeds for next year’s planting
If you are a garden enthusiast and have plenty of room to grow, consider saving some of your pumpkin seeds for planting next year. Make sure you choose seeds from healthy pumpkins and clean them thoroughly before drying them.
Store your seeds in a cool, dry place and you’ll be all set for spring planting. Not only will this extend the life of your pumpkins, it also provides the perfect opportunity for the fun, enriching process of growing your own pumpkins, ready for next fall!
Final thoughts
From culinary creations like soups, breads and lattes to crafting and composting, the possibilities offered by your leftover pumpkins are numerous. By repurposing these festive gourds, you’ll make the most of your seasonal decorations, reduce waste, and encourage creativity at the same time.
Make the most of your precious pumpkins this year and select your favorite ideas from this list so you can enjoy every last bit of fall bounty!