We have pumpkin recipes galore, starting with pancakes and smoothies, then adding pumpkin spice, savory dishes, snacks, and sweet treats for your family to enjoy. Pumpkins go beyond Halloween and Thanksgiving, although they're certainly perfect for those occasions too. Cooking together is a great way to spend family time, and there's something for everyone in the kitchen - older kids can take on more of the cooking, while little ones can help with simple tasks along the way. And there are plenty of ways to enjoy pumpkins beyond the kitchen, too.
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash typically known for their round shape, vibrant orange color, and sweet flavor, although they come in many other varieties, shapes, colors, and sizes. They're a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A and fiber. Pumpkins are also symbolic of the fall season, often used for Halloween decorations and enjoyed at fall gatherings like Thanksgiving. Their history dates back thousands of years, with Indigenous peoples in the Americas among the first to cultivate them.
Today, pumpkins remain a popular and cherished part of many cuisines and traditions worldwide. Although fresh pumpkins are mostly available in the fall, you can find canned pumpkin year-round, so autumn isn't required to continue making your favorite pumpkin recipes.
From cooking and eating pumpkin to decorating and carving, there's plenty of pumpkin fun to enjoy with your family. And if you're looking for the perfect pumpkin, we've got that covered, too!
Just for Fun: 10 things you probably didn't know about pumpkins
 Philippe Degroote via Canva |
Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin isn't just for pie! From pumpkin pancakes and smoothies to savory dishes, snacks and sweet treats, we've gathered lots of ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient.
Start With Pumpkin
Smoothies:
- Pumpkin Spice: Two Easy Ways to Enjoy a Fall Favorite
- Fall Into Delish With This Yummy Pumpkin Smoothie your Kids will Love
Pancakes:
Snacks
Savory Pumpkin Dishes
- How to Roast a Pumpkin
- Creamy Pumpkin Soup
- Maple Mashed Pumpkin
- Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Fontina Macaroni & Cheese with Pumpkin
Pumpkin Fun-Foods
- Savory Side: Foodie Fun: Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are Scarily Delicious
- Healthy Snack: Orange "Pumpkins" - A Fun and Healthy Fall Snack
Pumpkin 3 Ways
Make the Most of Pumpkin Season With These Family Favorite Recipes:
Pumpkin Sweets
Pumpkin Bread, Muffins Cookies, Cakes and Cupcakes:
- Welcome Fall with Delicious Pumpkin Bread!
- Make These Delicious Pumpkin Muffins With Just 2 Ingredients
- Fall in Love with Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice! Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Cupcakes for Halloween or Thanksgiving
- Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Chai Latte Cupcakes
Pumpkin Pies and Desserts:
- Making Mini Pumpkin Pies is Easy as ...
- Two Bite Mini Pies: Hot Chocolate & Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Labor of Love: Pumpkin Pie "Tarts" with Buttermilk Frosting
- Who Needs Pie When You Have a Tasty Pumpkin Torte
Pumpkin Shaped Treats - No pumpkins needed
 valeriana002 via Canva |
Pumpkin Fun
While these are not for eating, they are fun for your family and will help keep your kids engaged.
Play Time:
Pumpkin Craft:
Pumpkin Decorating:
- Pumpkin Painting - the Easy and Less Messy Halloween Option
- DIY Decoupaged Pumpkins - Get Crafty and Creative with Kids
- No Carve Pumpkin Decorating
- 5 No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Hacks for Busy Parents
- Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkin
Pumpkin Carving:
Where to Find Pumpkins
This guide is updated annually to help your family find local pumpkin patches and nearby farms in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas and surrounding areas.
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