Pumpkins from Decorations to Ice Cream

Pumpkins Aren’t Just for Halloween

 

When most people think of pumpkins, they think of Halloween and fall decorating ideas. We want to expand your vision of what is possible with pumpkins. If you do an online search, you will be amazed at all the ideas and benefits of pumpkins. We aren’t going to try to cover them all here, but we will give you some of our favorite benefits and how we enjoy using pumpkins throughout the year. Have fun and be inspired by some of our ideas below. Keep reading because one of our favorites is pumpkin ice cream, which is high in protein and good for you!

 

 

Pumpkin Decorations

 

Pumpkins treated properly can last through till Thanksgiving. We have shared in a previous blog how to make your pumpkins last. When we think of pumpkins, most of us think of carving them. There are so many other ways to decorate pumpkins. The list is lengthy, some sites have over 100 ways to decorate pumpkins, so we are only going to mention a few we like here:

• Decoupage our pumpkin with cloth or paper
• Paint your pumpkin
• Paint a face on your pumpkin, and add the nose and mouth of your favorite animals
• Make a gnome pumpkin adding a hat, beard, and a wooden round nose
• Cover your pumpkin in dried flowers and spray with a fixative
• Stencil your pumpkin
• Make your pumpkin into a spooky house
• Calligraphy greetings on your pumpkins
• Partially carve out the top of your pumpkin, add greenery, and fall-dried flowers

We hope you have fun with some of these unique pumpkin decorating ideas this season.

 

 

Pumpkin Beauty Benefits

 

You can use pumpkin puree or store-bought pumpkin puree to make beauty products for a fraction of the cost of store-bought. You can make your own puree by roasting your pumpkin. Cut a whole pumpkin, scrap down the sides of seeds and debris, cut the pieces into half-moons, and roast them flesh side up in a 400-degree oven for about 45-60 minutes, until fork tender. Let the mixture cool and transfer to a blender or food processor to make your puree.

Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These are both vitamins that help soften your skin and improve your skin in many ways. We have tried some of these easy recipes and not only do they work but they smell yummy when you use them:

• Pumpkin body scrub is made of pumpkin puree, sugar, and olive oil, and mix into a paste. You use equal parts pumpkin puree and olive oil and just enough sugar to make a good scrub consistency. This should be refrigerated if it isn’t all used.
• Pumpkin Body Butter is fun to make. and is pumpkin puree and coconut oil. There are more elaborate recipes you can find with an internet search.
• Pumpkin Face Mask that consists of pumpkin puree, olive oil, honey, and whole egg for dry skin.

Be sure to do an internet search for more recipes for body butters face masks for oily and dry skin, lip balms and lip scrubs, hair masks, pumpkin salt foot scrubs, and so much more. View our recipe for a pumpkin face mask, that is simple and easy to make.

 

 

Pumpkin Cooking Ideas

 

There are so many ways to cook with pumpkin other than pumpkin pies. You can get very creative in the ways you use pumpkin cooking and I thought we would toss out some ideas today:

• Make your own pumpkin puree, it’s simple with a blender or food processor
• Add pumpkin puree to muffins, waffles, or pancakes
• Use pumpkin puree in your morning smoothie and make it a pumpkin latte smoothie
• Roast pumpkin and use it on flatbread or pizza teamed up with red onions, feta or blue cheese
• Make your own pumpkin soup
• Use roasted pumpkin as a side vegetable for lunch or dinner
• Make roasted pumpkin with feta, honey, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans
• Make pumpkin curry with chickpeas, it has a lot of protein
• Make pumpkin and pecan cheesecake
• Make pumpkin ice cream

The above is only a beginning list. There are so many creative ways you can use pumpkin in cooking any meal of the day.

 

Canine Pumpkin Benefits

 

Pumpkin is filled with nutrients for humans and dogs alike. Pumpkin is a food most dogs love. It needs to be given in moderation and the weight of your dog needs to be considered.

• Pumpkin is a natural dewormer for dogs. Pumpkin seeds should not have additives without salt or coatings to be safe. You can feed them whole or crush them and add to their food. Pumpkin seeks have an amino acid cucurbitin which helps dogs eliminate parasites from their digestive tract. Like anything, check with your vet first.
• Pumpkin is loaded with fiber and is a good way to keep your dog’s gut in good order.
• Pumpkin can help keep your dog’s digestion regular and keep them from being constipated.
• Pumpkin helps soothe upset stomachs in dogs. Pumpkin can be used to ease constipation or to help with diarrhea. Ask your vet for amounts based on the breed and weight of your dog.
• Pumpkin added to their food helps keep their skin and fur healthy.
• Pumpkin is very hydrating. A favorite during the summer is making pumpkin popsicles for your dog.

 

 

Even Pumpkin Ice Cream

 

I have started making all sorts of cottage cheese ice cream this summer. It tastes good and is loaded with protein. Cottage cheese ice cream is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and not add a bunch of calories.

Ingredients:

• 1 carton cottage cheese, 16 oz
• 1/4 cup honey or add more for more sweetness
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin piet spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Caramel sauce if you wish to add or chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Add cottage cheese, honey, pumpkin puree, spices, and vanilla to food processor or blender
2. Blend until smooth
3. Scoop mixture into a loaf pan, cover with plastic and freeze for 3-4 hours till set
4. If you wish to add chocolate chips, drizzle them over the top and use a spatula to blend them in
5. If you wish to add caramel sauce, drizzle it over the top as a topping
6. Take the ice cream out of the freezer 15 minutes before serving and serve

Enjoy this yummy dessert this fall as a way of celebrating our changing seasons.

Like many of us you might be starting to plan for the holidays and company visiting. Please give us a call at 707-827-3316 for a house cleaning estimate or fill out our online FREE ESTIMATE FORM and one of cleaning professionals will call you promptly to answer your questions and schedule your house cleaning.