As I announced earlier in the week, the end of Halloween means the beginning of Christmas season. One thing that we currently have around the house, but don’t need for Christmas, is our abundance of pumpkins. Many of us throw the pumpkins in the trash right after Halloween is over, but there are so many other ways to get the most out of the pumpkins before we discard them.
Composting
Pumpkins are a great example of an organic waste to add to your compost bin. If you want to start composting and have no idea where to begin, click here for my article from May in honor of National Composting Day to see step-by-step how to begin.
Seeds and Snacks
If you did not carve your pumpkin, there are many ways to indulge in what’s inside. Wash and roast the seeds inside for a salad topper or mid-day snack or scrape out the middle to make a homemade puree. The seeds can be made by tossing with a little olive oil and salt before roasting in a 300-degree oven for about 30 minutes.
If pumpkin seeds arnt your preferred snack, add them to your bird feeder as bird seed.
Making a puree out of the leftover pumpkin is a great way to make homemade pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, or even pumpkin pancakes. To make the puree, scoop out the guts and seeds of the pumpkin and cut the whole thing in half. Place both halves face down on a sheet tray and bake for about 90 minutes. When you take the pumpkin out of the oven, you will then be able to easily scoop out the cooked pumpkin, add it to a food processor, and have the perfect pumpkin puree.
Food for Nature
If you did carve your pumpkins, smash them, hit them, do whatever you want to get them into pieces. Scatter those pieces around the backyard or in the woods behind your house to make a fun treat for the wildlife around you. Allow the deer and squirrels to get into the fall spirit too!
Keep as Decorations
Just because the pumpkins were outside, doesn’t mean they can’t also make a great indoor decoration. Cut out the stem and the top and make your pumpkin into a vase. Add a festive fall bouquet to the pumpkin and have the perfect Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece.
Pumpkin Pampering
The insides of a pumpkin arnt just great for a snack, but they can also easily be turned into a face mask. Pumpkins are filled with antioxidants and vitamins which are great for your skin. Mix about two tablespoons of the pumpkin puree with a tablespoon of coconut oil, and little honey to create the perfect homemade face mask for spa night.
