There are so many great things about autumn – it’s hard not to love delicious warm drinks, cozy sweaters and cozy evenings by the campfire.
But one seasonal staple that people can’t get enough of in the cooler evenings is pumpkin. In fact, demand for this autumnal food is expected to rise by a whopping 15% in England this year following restrictions last Halloween (Independent).
While it’s great that people are enjoying this delicious seasonal delicacy, the bad news is that this can lead to more food waste. Last year it was predicted that it would be amazing 12.7 million pumpkins would be wasted During the Halloween season, which accounts for more than half of the pumpkins bought during that period (The Guardian).
The good news, though, is that it doesn’t have to be this way. If you want to do your part to reduce food waste and enjoy the delicious taste and smell of this autumn’s treats, good news! Burleigh Pottery is here to share four ways you can use up leftover pumpkin this fall.
Pumpkin flavored syrup
If a pumpkin spiced latte is your favorite fall drink, then making this syrup is an absolute must. And it’s much easier than you think! Start making the pumpkin puree by cutting the pumpkin in half, scooping out the seeds and frying until soft. Add flavor by first adding oil and warming fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Once it’s fried, spoon this mixture off the skin, mash it and strain it to get rid of the excess juice.
To make the syrup, all you need to do is mix this puree in a saucepan with sugar, water and a few pinches of each of the above spices and stir until smooth and thick. Then let it cool and refrigerate in an airtight container.
The great thing about pumpkin flavored syrup is that it is so versatile. You can use it on cookies and cakes or pour it over pancakes and waffles. You can even incorporate it into your cocktails by creating a Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini! But an old favorite, add to a latte or hot chocolate, add whipped cream and serve in your favorite mug.
Pumpkin mask
There is no better way to relax after a cold autumn walk than a nice hot bath. But to take your relaxation to the next level, why not try creating your own pumpkin face mask to use during your self-care? In addition to smelling delicious, you may even notice that your skin looks healthier, as pumpkin promotes rapid cell turnover, which can leave your skin looking clear and radiant (HD Beauty).
All you need is a quarter cup of smooth mashed pumpkin, an egg and either two tablespoons of honey (best for dry and normal skin) or one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (for good and oily skin). Just mix these ingredients together well and apply on clean, dry skin for 20 minutes for best results.
Pumpkin beignets
If you have a sweet tooth, there’s no better way to use up your leftover pumpkin than making delicious beignets. These sweet treats date all the way back to ancient Rome, but have since become a New Orleans staple. Deep-fried pastries are similar in texture to donuts or fritters. Beignets are also incredibly delicious and easily become a favorite after the first bite.
While this isn’t a quick recipe because it requires the dough to rise, it’s definitely worth the wait. It is also a perfect option for people who want to test their baking skills. If you want to try pumpkin beignets, start by checking out this recipe.
Pumpkin butter
This delicious and creamy treat is the perfect way to use up leftover pumpkin and can be made with just 6 ingredients! Create pumpkin puree by simply blending the fruit. Mix about 430g of this puree in a saucepan with half a cup of maple syrup, a third of a cup of apple cider, a tablespoon of vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Blend this over low heat until it becomes a spreadable consistency and allow to cool before storing.
This mixture will keep for up to a month if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, so there are many ways to use it during this time! You can use it with bread, french toast, scones, and porridge, just to name a few. Or if you want to try something completely different, use it in a savory dish by creating a Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Panini (Panini Happy).
“When thinking about autumn, pumpkins are often the first thing that comes to mind. Unfortunately, however, many of these delicious fruits go to waste this time of year, and the insides of the carved pumpkins go straight to the trash.
“Not only do these recipes cut down on pumpkin waste, but they’re the perfect way to treat yourself this fall. Plus, they’re also incredibly versatile! Pumpkin butter in particular can be served in a number of ways, whether it’s in cake, cookies, crumble or simply on toast. Serve it on your favorite seasonal plate with a pumpkin-flavored latte for a delicious fall treat.
Kate Cartwright, Brand Marketing Manager, Burleigh Pottery
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