Upcycle Or Recycle Your Halloween Pumpkin

Not sure what to do with your pumpkin left over from Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations? Here are a few ideas that will be sure to please!

If you decided not to carve your pumpkin to make a jack-o-lantern, you can use it to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving (or just because). "Pie Pumpkins" usually make the smoothest pumpkin pie, but carving pumpkins can be just as good.

Carving Pumpkin (left) and Pie Pumpkin (right)

Make other delicious pumpkin treats using your uncarved pumpkin: pumpkin bisque, pumpkin hummus, pumpkin bread, pumpkin butter...and the list goes on!

Use the seeds to make roasted pumpkin seeds (a delicious and healthy treat). Just add salt to the seeds, spread them out in a single layer on a pan, and cook at 300°F for 45 minutes (until golden brown).

If you saved the seeds but don't especially like eating seeds, save them to replant in the spring. You will be able to grow you own pumpkin from them!

Do you have a carved jack-o-lantern? Don't eat it (it has likely already begun molding, though you may not be able to see). Your best bet is to bury it (if you have a garden or other open area to do so), as it will enrich the soil as it quickly decomposes. 

Leave your already-carved pumpking outside for wildlife to consume--squirrels, deer, and birds will love it!