Pumpkin Toss

With only a week left before Halloween what are your plans for that pumpkin afterwards? Toss it in the trash right? Nah, that is too wasteful. Make it into a flower pot? Now that sounds more like it!

How in the world do you create a pumpkin vase? First, Cut the top off your pumpkin. Second, Scoop out the insides saving them for the next project (see below). Make sure you scrape the inside of the pumpkin and get all the meat. There should be nothing but shell left. Third, Place a small coffee can or vase in the pumpkin. Now place your favorite fall flowers inside!

What to do with the seeds and pulp. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Set the pulp aside for now. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet in an even layer and bake at 250°F until dry.

Now for the pulp! Puree the pulp of the pumpkin until smooth and store in the freezer for up to 1 month! That is just enough time for Thanksgiving!!!!!!

For more recipes to recycle your pumpkin:
Martha Stewart - Pumpkin Puree
Martha Stewart - Pumpkin Pie
Martha Stewart - Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Taste of Home - Cream Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
Taste of Home - Pumpkin Stew
Taste of Home - Spiderweb Pumpkin Cheesecake
Taste of Home - Candied Pumpkin Seeds

ATTENTION! PLEASE DO NOT USE PUMPKINS THAT ARE WRINKLED, MOLDED, OR THAT HAVE A BAD SMELL TO MAKE ANYTHING EDIBLE AS THESE MAY BE SIGNS OF A SPOILED PUMPKIN. By making these recipes you assume all responsibility to check the pumpkin for rot, mold, or anything else which may affect the recipes and your or anyone else's health.