All Things Pumpkin!

Halloween provides so many exciting activities for all age groups, but especially for the kids. Mine began asking to costume shop and decorate at the beginning of September, so the build-up has been HUGE! Aside from the obvious trick or treating, our favourite Halloween tradition is pumpkin carving.

Nora just loves digging her hands into all that pumpkin goop and collecting as many seeds as her little fingers can manage. 

We begin by roasting the seeds. It’s nice to get them in the oven while we carve, so they’re ready to eat for the ‘scary’ movie we watch after. Al and I prefer them a little spicy, so we separate them into a couple of different batches. This time we’re using Provisions Spicy Sea Salt. It is so good sprinkled on popcorn too! And for the kids, we use a little bit of seasoning salt and some with straight-up sea salt.

Twig triple bowl server $39.99 ( 50% off) |Black pampas feather (bundle) $9.99 | Provisions spicy sea salt $7.50

This time of year, while we’re partaking in all the seasonal fun, I like to cook/bake something festive as well. Currently, I AM making pumpkin butter, it is my favourite autumn condiment!

Appetizer bowl with wood spoon $24.99

It is so diverse in its use and just adds a festive flair to anything it’s accompanied with. It can be used as an ingredient in autumn cocktails (hello Pumpkin Old Fashioned!), added into your morning oatmeal, or simply spread on toast. Regardless of how you use it, it is sure to add a burst of seasonal flavour. 

Honey crisp apples $7.00

The recipe I AM using here is from thelittleepicurean.com. But I tweaked it and added in some nutmeg, vanilla, and butter (because, when has a good knob of butter ever hurt anything). Among the ingredients is ½ cup of apple cider, which I AM ecstatic about as it gives me an excuse to run and grab Delhaven Orchards Cider. It is so so good. And I love that there are no additives, just apples!

Delhaven apple cider $6.50

Maple Pumpkin Butter

• 30 oz pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup dark maple syrup
• ½ cup apple cider (or apple juice)
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp fine sea salt 

1. Add all ingredients to a heavy bottomed sauce pot. Set over medium-high heat, stir and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 30-45 seconds.
2. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burn at the bottom of the pot. By this time, the mixture should have thickened substantially and should be very fragrant. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
3. Remove from heat & cool to room temperature. Transfer pumpkin butter to airtight containers and refrigerate. Keeps for 1-2 weeks in fridge, and up to a year if frozen.

‘Stir things up’ appetizer bowl with spoon $24.99

There are so many incredible recipes that utilize the puree. Here are some more tasty ideas:

• The obvious Pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls (I’m thinking I HAVE to try this one!)
• Pumpkin pie oatmeal bars
• Pumpkin zucchini bread
• Pumpkin spice coffee cake
• Pumpkin French toast
• Pumpkin caramel snickerdoodle bars

I hope you are all taking advantage of all the FUN this holiday has to offer. Be spooky, be safe, and have a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN!