PUMPKINS

 

Did You Know - Pumpkins are full of fibre, minerals, and the antioxidant vitamins C & E and beta carotene which helps to protect you against colds and flu.  They contain only 30 calories per 100 g serving.  They are 90% water.  They are delicious roasted, steamed, baked or in salads or even on skewers for seasonal kebabs on the BBQ 5th Nov.  Pumpkin seed can be roasted for a nutritious, healthy snack. 

 

Pumpkin Soup                                To Garnish

 

2lb pumpkin - 1" cubes                                                                   4-6 tbsp single or double cream

1 1/2 oz butter or margarine                                                            natural yoghurt or fromage frais

1 onion - sliced thinly                                                                      snipped fresh chives

1 garlic clove - crushed

1 1/2 pints vegetable stock

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 tbsp lemon juice

3-4 thinly pared strips of orange rind (optional)

1-2 bay leaves or 1 bouquet garni

1/2 pint milk

salt & pepper

 

1 - Melt the butter or marg in a large saucepan, add the onion and garlic and fry gently until soft but not coloured

2 - Add the pumpkin and toss with the onion for a few minutes.

3 - Add the stock and bring to the boil.  Add the seasoning, ginger, lemon juice, strips or orange rind and bay leaves or

      bouquet garni.  Cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the pumpkin is very tender.

4 - Discard the orange rind and the bay leaves or bouquet garni.  Cool the soup a little and blend.

5 - Add the milk and reheat gently.  Adjust the seasoning.  Garnish with a swirl of cream, natural yoghurt or fromage frais and

    snipped chives, and serve.

 

Naughty Pumpkin Pie

1 Cup SR Flour

1/2 Cup Oats

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup butter or marg

2 cups cooked mashed pumpkin

3/4 cup sugar

12oz can evaporated milk

2 eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp marg

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Whipped cream to serve

 

1 - mix together flour, oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar,1/2 cup marg to a course meal.

2 - Press into ungreased 13x9x2" baking tin.  Bake 350 for 15 mins.

3 - Mix pumpkin and next 7 ingredients stirring well.

4 - Pour over baked crust - Bake 250 for 20 mins

5 - Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tsp marg until course meal add pecans and sprinkle over Pumpkin mixture.

6 - Bake another 20 mins until set.

7 - Cool and cut into squares.