Why do we massively display pumpkins on our doorstep at Halloween? Let’s quickly – I promise – brush up on the subject!
A short history lesson
It all started when Jack, a miserable Irish blacksmith, fooled the devil. Jack was not allowed into heaven or hell and when he died, the devil threw him a burning ember which he kept in a turnip to light his way. The turnips were later on replaced by pumpkins and from that moment on, people used the lanterns to protect them against Jack’s evil spirit.
So far for the legend, back to reality now! Once the fun of celebrating Halloween and carving pumpkins is over, why not try one of these 4 suggestions to give your pumpkins a new purpose.
1. From scary to tasty in 30′
www.detoxkitchen.co.uk
No need to look too far. Eating it is probably the most obvious way to reuse your pumpkin. I have tried out several recipes over the years, but this one is my personal favorite: pumpkin curry, a recipe I found in The Detox Kitchen Bible.
I admit it’s quite unusual, but the combination of pomegranate, coconut milk and pumpkin really works. The mix of a whole lot spices and herbs turn this into a really healthy dish. Definitely worth a try!
2. Spice up your seeds
Here is another fine example of a tasty and crunchy snack.
This time we will only be needing the seeds. Wash them, dry them in a towel and start heating your oven up to 150°. Mix the seeds with some oil (coconut or pumpkin) and spread them on a baking tray.
Now spice up the seeds with whatever herbs you prefer. Just add them before putting the seeds into the oven. For instance Italian herbs, you can never go wrong with these.
Bake 20 minutes until the seeds are golden brown and in the meanwhile, pour yourself a glass of wine!
3. Feeding the birds
www.diyready.com
Turning your pumpkin into a bird feeder is probably one of the most creative ways to reuse it and your kids will love to lend you a helping hand.
It’s really easy, just cut off the top and scoop out the seeds and fibers. Then make four holes at the same height and put a piece of rope through each one of them and firmly knot the ropes.
Put some bird seeds into the pumpkin and tie it down to one of your trees.
Once the work is done … just patiently wait for the birds to come.
4. Decorate your dinner table or mantelpiece
Although Halloween is over, you can still integrate some fall colours into your home. You can easily combine small pumpkins with some colourful leaves, pine cones or chestnuts.
Or why not empty your pumpkin and put a tea light in it to create your own set of candles? You can even paint them white for a timeless and classy look.
As you can see, from a decorative point of view, possibilities are endless.
www.indulgy.com
A final tip : save some of the seeds. You can plant them in your garden and grow your own pumpkins.
Instead of letting your pumpkin turn into sludge this year, hope you will reuse in a creative or tasty way.
An inspiring idea? Do share it with us!
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