The autumn months are synonymous with thoughts of warming soups and cosy evenings by the fire and of course Halloween and Bonfire night. In most supermarkets and grocers there will inevitably be a selection of brightly coloured pumpkins on display for people to carve or use for a delicious autumn dish.
Pumpkins can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes and there are many simple ways this autumnal squash can be incorporated into a meal. As well as soups, which are delicious, pumpkin flesh can be used to make hummus. Simply combined it with chickpeas, garlic and olive oil and serve with breadsticks and slices of red and yellow peppers to create a tasty starter.
A creamy pumpkin pasta can be made for a delicious lunchtime treat by adding pureed pumpkin to mascarpone and parmesan. This makes a rich pasta sauce that can be poured over cooked pasta or mixed in as desired.
Americans love pumpkin pie, and it is so simple to make it is easy to see why it is a favourite. Simply fill a sweet shortcrust pastry tart case with lightly spiced pumpkin flesh, add a sprinkling of sugar and bake. Top with cream or crème fraise for a mouth-watering dessert.