By Katelyn Scheevel
It’s no secret that pumpkins are plentiful in the fall, but after carving them for Halloween, I want to share some new ways to put those pumpkins to use this November! These five ways to use up your pumpkins will utilize different parts of the pumpkin, like the seeds, guts, flesh, and even the whole pumpkin!
First, everyone always talks about carving pumpkins, but I think a more unique way to decorate them is by painting them! I find it easier to add more details to your pumpkin by painting on it rather than carving it, but designs can be as simple or as intricate as you want. Painting pumpkins can also be a safer option to decorate a pumpkin instead of having to use sharp carving tools. A painted pumpkin can be added to your porch decor or can be used as a part of your table centerpiece.
A second way to use your pumpkins is to bake the pumpkin seeds! When taking the guts out of a pumpkin, don’t throw away the seeds! If you rinse them off, spread them out on a baking sheet, and bake them in the oven, you’ll end up with a delicious and healthy snack. My favorite way to eat pumpkin seeds is when they’re baked with cinnamon and ginger, but you can try any combination of spices you desire, or just bake them plain. Any way you bake them, they are sure to be delicious!
The third way to use your pumpkins in a creative way this fall is as a pumpkin vase. To make this vase, you cut a hole in the top of a pumpkin, clean out its guts, put a soaked florist foam piece in the bottom, and then arrange some flowers in the pumpkin by sticking their stems in the foam. Mums, sunflowers and any other fall-themed flowers or plants would look amazing displayed in a hollowed out pumpkin! The vase is very versatile and could be used as indoor table decor or outdoor porch decor. This pumpkin vase is such a creative and festive twist on fall-themed home decor!
Another way to use up your pumpkins this fall is to bake pumpkin-flavored desserts that are made with pumpkin puree. Pumpkin puree is pumpkin flesh that has been cooked, then blended into a smooth, applesauce-like consistency. Baked goods like pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and more are great options to try baking this fall. No matter what you decide to bake this November, you can never go wrong choosing to make it pumpkin flavored!
The last way to use up your pumpkins that I came across and want to share is to create pumpkin guts face masks. You simply separate your guts from the seeds and then throw the guts into a blender with some honey and olive oil. Then, blend until the ingredients form a pasty, smooth face mask texture. The exact measurements for this recipe are as follows: ¼ cup of clean and pureed pumpkin guts and pulp, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. A little extra honey or olive oil might be needed to help thin out the face mask. This facemask is also very rich in vitamin A and C, and can be used for soothing, exfoliating and moisturizing benefits on your skin. Instead of throwing away your pumpkin guts, you can make a pumpkin guts face mask so your skin is glowing for the upcoming holiday season.
These five activities listed above are some creative ways to use up your pumpkins this fall. Regardless of which ones you try, they are sure to be lots of fun!
Katelyn Scheevel is a Fillmore Central High School student, one of eight area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 28th year.
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