Pumpkins

Pumpkins

The first published account of a Jack-o-lantern was 1837.

Remember Halloween nights carving out your pumpkin? First I was too young to use the knife. I had to satisfy myself with designing and watching as the carving brought my pumpkin to life. I was always allowed to reach my hand into the pumpkin cavity and pull out the loose pumpkin guts. My job was to separate the slimy bits from the seeds in preparation for roasting. We would roast the seeds low and slow with a little salt, pepper and curry. Yumm!

Pumpkin is described as a squash like fruit or a gourd like squash. The pumpkin is native to North America. Pumpkin is also referred to as a winter squash with a thick orange shell, creased from stem to bottom. It contains seeds and pulp. Pumpkins have male and female flowers on the same plant and are typically pollinated by bees.

Pumpkins contain lutein and alpha and beta carotene which generates vitamin A in the body. Pumpkin is very good for the digestive system.

Eat pumpkin boiled, baked, steamed and roasted. The seeds are very good; try topping pumpkin loaf with seeds. The oil is rich and robust and can be added as flavouring to other oils and dishes.

Cook—You Can Cook Fast, Healthy Meals For Your Family

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Pumpkin recipes found in Cook.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Soup

Roasting

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Dog Cookies

Ice Pops Await After a Hot Bike

 My legs are aching and my wrists hurt. My family and I biked up and down the ski hill in Kimberley BC.  OK we pushed up a bit, well maybe 2/3 but that ski hill is steep and the wild flowers needed to be admired which is hard when you are pumping up the hill and gasping for breath. The view at the top was beyond fantastic and the feeling of accomplishment was to die for. Before we left I made ice pops which I or one of my sous chefs have done every morning of our holidays. We are using amazing BC fruit, a little yogurt and juice. We make different combinations each day. My family and I enjoy arriving home to delicious cold ice pops after cycling, paddling, swimming and site seeing. Use approximately 2 handfuls of fruit to 1 cup each of yogurt and juice. Blend all together in a blender or food processor and pour into ice pop molds, paper cups work great. Find your favorites and mix it up.
 Best, Deb Anzinger, AKA Bunny Cleaver