Pumpkin Perfection: Creative Recipes and Decor Ideas You Can Try

The next few weeks are probably going to involve pumpkins in some form or other for most of us! They aren’t just for jack-o’-lanterns anymore. Whether you’re into sustainable composting, pumpkin pancakes or cool decor, pumpkins serve so many more purposes than just becoming Jack o’ lanterns with scary faces. When you make that all-important fall rite of passage and pick out the perfect pumpkin from a patch or the grocery store, consider all of this fruit’s possibilities. Here are a few things that you can do with pumpkins in the next few weeks!

Pumpkin Carving

If you are a Halloween traditionalist and you’re set on carving your pumpkin, you’ll want to start by preparing a pumpkin carving station, complete with carving knives (serrated is best) and a layer of newspaper or plastic sheeting on your table to avoid the inevitable mess of cutting open your orange gourd. Traditionally, you start by cutting a hole in the top of your pumpkin, removing the pulp and seeds inside until you have a hollow gourd ready for carving! Here are a list of designs to get you started!

Make Pumpkin Slime

• Small baking Pumpkin
• 1/4 Cup Liquid Starch {laundry detergent aisle}
• 1/2 Cup Clear PVA Washable School Glue
• 1/2 Cup Water
• Measuring cup, spoon, and knife {adults only!}

Step 1: Cut the top off the pumpkin.

Step 2 : Make room in the pumpkin by loosing up all the seeds and guts. Take some out to make room but the whole idea is to incorporate the parts of the pumpkin into the slime.

Step 3: Mix 1/2 cup room temp water with 1/2 cup of clear Washable School Glue in a separate bowl. {You can use white but you won’t see as much of the pumpkin}. Stir to fully incorporate.

Step 4: Measure a 1/4 cup of liquid starch and pour directly into the pumpkin.

Step 5: Pour the glue and water mixture into pumpkin.

Step 6: Get your hands in there and mix. Enjoy playing with your pumpkin slime! When you finish playing with your homemade slime recipe, wash your hands thoroughly. Also, make sure to wipe down surfaces thoroughly.

Dine On Some Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is highly nutritious and offers several health benefits. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, it is particularly high in vitamin A, which supports eye health and boosts the immune system, as well as vitamin C, which enhances immune function and promotes skin health. The potassium content in pumpkin helps regulate blood pressure, while its fiber aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. Additionally, pumpkin is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those managing their weight. Packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, pumpkin soup helps protect cells from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Overall, pumpkin soup is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy and comforting meal. Check out this recipe for it right here!

Pumpkin Painting

Who knew that painting pumpkins could be so fun? So much cleaner and easier than carving pumpkins. Plus, they last much longer (especially if you use fake pumpkins). You can use real or fake. We recommend using white ones–they’ll be easier to paint over than orange. The advantage of using real pumpkins is that the paint can be wiped or washed off easily if you mess up.

Pumpkin Hair Mask

Pumpkin flesh is loaded with antioxidants that can help to protect your hair from environmental aggressors, like air pollution and UV rays. Pumpkin flesh is also rich in vitamin A, which helps your scalp to produce enough sebum. Sebum is a natural oil that keeps your hair moisturized and strong. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc, a mineral your body needs to grow healthy hair. Read below on who to make it at home.

1 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar)

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the DIY pumpkin hair mask to clean, damp hair. Comb with a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution.
3. Cover hair with a shower cap, then allow the pumpkin hair mask to sit in your hair for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse out the pumpkin hair mask with lukewarm water, then wash and condition hair with Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner.

Repurpose the Seeds

Pumpkin seeds can be replanted to grow your own pumpkins in time for next Halloween! Simply wash them, dry them out for around a week and then plant them in April ready for October. Be sure to sow your seeds indoors and then plant them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.

Pumpkin Biscuits

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup butter, sliced
2 cups pumpkin puree.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Butter one large cookie sheet.
2. Stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pumpkin and mix to form a soft dough.
3. Pat dough out to 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out biscuits with a 2-inch round cutter. Place biscuits on the prepared cookie sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until centers bounce back when gently pressed, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm from the oven.