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The Genealogy of Pumpkins

Genealogy is the study of family. Genealogists spend a lot of time doing research about the people who are in their family tree. In some ways, it can be said that foods also have a family tree. Here is a little bit of information about pumpkins, their closest relatives, and their “family history”. The pumpkin is intrinsically associated with Halloween. We carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. We make pumpkin pies, roast pumpkin seeds, and add pumpkin to pastries and coffee. It seemed like the perfect time of year to dig into the family tree of the pumpkin. Pumpkins are a member … Continue reading →

Picking Pumpkins Part II

After a thirty minute drive in the glorious autumn weather, surrounded by the beauty of fall, we arrived at our destination: The Orchard and Pumpkin Patch. My two children, my little sister, and I met my other sister (she is of course my little sister’s older sister too), her husband, and their daughter. The orchard was very busy with only a week to go before Halloween and subsequently “Beggars Night” (something we do not celebrate with trick or treating). There were lots of children with their parents scoping out the pumpkin patch. After I got the stroller out of the … Continue reading →

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Soup and pumpkins are beautiful signs of fall. Combining the two will warm up a cool autumn evening. The soup is great paired with a salad or a sandwich. Keep the recipe on hand for Thanksgiving celebrations. You may want to have it on hand to give to your guests as they are sure to ask you for the recipe. I was surprised that a few of my kids also liked pumpkin soup. Normally, I make butternut squash soup but this goes over a bit better. If you don’t like curry the omit and get creative. Think about how squash … Continue reading →

Picking Pumpkins Part I

The summer heat has gone away and in it’s place we find ourselves with cooler temperatures and falling leaves. We are surrounded by autumn inspiration in the changing color of the leaves and the autumn harvests of pumpkins. Having seen pumpkins in the stores for several weeks, I knew there was something better to be had from a local organic pumpkin patch where we would be able to pick our own pumpkins. We had been anticipating our autumn trip to our favorite apple orchard and pumpkin patch for several months. Now that autumn is finally in full swing and halloween … Continue reading →

No Carve Pumpkins for the Whole Family

With Halloween just around the corner the kids are itching to get started on their pumpkins! But if you are anything like me, the whole idea of handing those little pumpkin carving tools over to my four year old is a little frightening. Last year Mommy had to do the whole thing for him. Needless to say, neither one of us had much fun with it until it was finished and on the porch. This year I’m thinking we might try a new approach. No carve pumpkins are an easy solution to this little dilemma, and certainly just as fun! … Continue reading →

5 Unusual Uses for Your Halloween Pumpkin

Pumpkins, pumpkins: tis the season for these orange-colored balls of seasonal goopiness. It’s time to carve them and eat them and turn them into everything imaginable. If you like pumpkins, here are some ideas that go a little bit beyond the ordinary. 5 Unusual Uses for Pumpkins Flower Pot There’s something better than flowers: it’s autumn flowers in a pumpkin! Use your carved pumpkin to house a fall arrangement, and it will make your front porch look delightfully festive. Candle holder I’m loving those little gourds-turned-candleholders. Get a wee pumpkin, carve it out, and place a candle in the middle. … Continue reading →

Tasty Halloween Read: It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse!

If you give a mouse a pumpkin… he’s going to make pie? Pancakes? Donuts? Cookies? Wrong, wrong, wrong, and wrong. Wrong book, right series. The oh-so right collection of If You Give A… books is growing, just in time for Halloween. It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! features the same feisty rodent from the award-winning children’s classic, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie; however, the story doesn’t employ the same trademark circular format used in the popular series. Not that young readers will miss it. The colorful board book has its own Halloween-themed hook that will keep your kids at the … Continue reading →

Seasonal Home Based Business Idea – Pumpkin Patch

If you are the type who likes to plan ahead, why not consider planning a home – based pumpkin patch business for next fall. If you enjoy growing things and have a large and easily accessible place to put your “patch”, you could have a lot of fun growing pumpkins with your family. A pumpkin patch requires advance planning and preparation, so now is a good time to think about what you will need. Above all, you will need to educate yourself about how to grow pumpkins. Don Langevin has written a couple of good books about growing giant pumpkins … Continue reading →

Toddler Friendly No – Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

If your toddler is anything like my toddler, the very thought of carving a pumpkin this year probably has you rather frightened. Of course, picking out pumpkins with toddlers is a lot of fun so there is bound to be at least one pumpkin at your house. Here are a few no – carve pumpkin decorating ideas for you and your little ones so you can add some festive fall fun to your home without having to try in vain to explain the details of why Mommy can use a knife to cut a pumpkin and Junior can’t as Junior … Continue reading →

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

No trip to the farmer’s market would be complete for my family without being able to grab an assortment of whoopie pies for snacking on the way home. Whoopie pies are a staple of a treat out here in Pennsylvania. Rumor has it that they were named by Amish youngsters who when finding the treats in their lunch pails would shout “Whoopie!” While the traditional whoppie pie consists of a chocolate cake with a white creamy filling, there are many variations of whoopie pies to be tried, including ones made with oatmeal cookies or a red velvet cake. Once you … Continue reading →