Kids & Company Blog

Pumpkins Galore!

Pumpkins are a delicious fall squash that are good for more than just carving! Pumpkins are an excellent source of nutrition and have been cultivated for 100’s of years, both as a food source and decoration. Early Native Americans roasted pumpkin strips over campfires and used them as a food source, long before the arrival of European explorers. Pumpkins helped sustain The Native Americans through the long cold winters. They used the sweet flesh in numerous ways: roasted, baked, parched, boiled and dried. Pumpkins can clearly be eaten in a plethora of ways, but the Kidco Kitchen top ways to consume pumpkins are in salads, stuffed, baking, soups and roasted!

Pumpkin is a great addition to a fall salad to make a more filling and heartier meal. Pumpkin adds not only a delicious taste, but a great pop of colour.  Pumpkin pairs well with a goat cheese and arugula salad. A second (and my personal favourite) way to enjoy pumpkin is stuffed and baked… YUM! Try stuffing a hallowed out pumpkin with with bread, roasted garlic, spices, and a little cream! Roast the pumpkin with the top on for about 30 minutes. When the pumpkin is served in slices, the skin crumbles away and you can take bites of the creamy pumpkin with the filling beside it.  A common method of consuming pumpkins is in soup! Try replacing more traditional squashes with pumpkin for a different taste in your favourite fall soups. Another classic method of consuming pumpkin is of course in baked goods! This can mean loaves, muffins, pies and more. The Kidco Kitchen has a delicious Spiced Pumpkin Loaf on our new Fall Menu. Last (but not least) do not forget about the seeds! Pumpkins seeds are one of the most nutritional parts of the plants with 1/4 cup providing 18% of our daily recommended protein intake! Seeds are delicious when oven roasted on a baking tray with a little olive oil.

When picking pumpkins for cooking make sure that the pumpkin feels firm and heavy for its size. It should have consistent colouring throughout and a green stem. Place pressure on the bottom with your thumbs. If it flexes or gives your pumpkin is not fresh.  Try making our yummy Spiced Pumpkin Loaf at home!

 

Kidco Kitchen Spiced Pumpkin Loaf

*Makes 12 portions

 

What you need:

-       1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour

-       ½ tsp baking powder

-       ½ tsp baking soda

-       Pinch of salt

-       1 ½ cup sugar

-       1 tsp cinnamon

-       ¼ tsp nutmeg

-       ¼ tsp ground cloves

-       2 medium eggs

-       ½ cup water

-       1 cup pumpkin

-       ½ cup vegetable oil

What to do:

1. Make sure to wash your hands before you begin.
2. Preheat oven to 350F.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl. Blend in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
4. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs, pumpkin, water and vegetable oil. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until smooth and moist.
5. Pour mixture into parchment lined loaf pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

 

Cheers,

Chef Lisa Ruscica

Chief Food Ambassador

Posted on: Wednesday October 22nd, 2014

Posted by: Lisa Ruscica