Carving photo by Flickr user CarbonNYC. Used under Creative Commons License
I added a new element to my annual Pumpkin Carving Party this year. It’s usually a BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin), but I also asked my guests to prepare their favorite pumpkin recipes for all to taste. Each entry was delicious, but these four were the best. Try them out for your friends and family this holiday season. Here they are, counting up to the winner…
#4: Intern’s Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate Drink
No, she’s no longer my intern; she is a full-time employee at work, but I continue to call her Intern. She’s the best and a fellow foodie.
WC Dish Winner Because: This is an easy-to-make and delicious variation on the classic hot brew.
The Recipe:
5-min prep
- 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 4 1/2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
FOR MICROWAVE:
Stir ingredients thoroughly in a large microwavable cup.
Microwave cup with ingredients in this order (stirring in between): 25 seconds, 35 seconds, 15 seconds.
Happy drinking!FOR STOVETOP:
Heat milk in 2-quart sauce pan on medium-low.
When milk is warm, add liquids. Stir.
Add all dry ingredients, but start with the cocoa powder and whisk constantly to get all the clumps out.
When desired temperature is reached, pour into mug and drink!
#3: Intern’s Mom’s Pumpkin Mousse
I call intern’s Mom “Mom” because she’s got such amazing foodie qualities that she could be my mom! She’s also a great jewelry maker.
WC Dish Winner Because: This was the most elegant recipe submitted. It presents well and tastes great. The crumbles of ginger snaps on top make it a perfect blend of textures.
The Recipe:
- A 15-ounce can pumpkin
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Ginger snaps, for garnish
Combine pumpkin, 1 cup cream, sugar and spice in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool fully.
Whip remaining heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks and fold into cooled pumpkin mixture. Pour into a serving dish and crumble the ginger snaps over top before serving. Serve with a bit of whipped cream on top or a sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon.
#2: Travis’s Pumpkin Seeds
Travis has been my friend since 7th grade. And every year he NEVER carves a pumpkin. Instead, he makes his famous roasted pumpkin seeds from the guts of everyone else’s pumpkins during the party.
WC Dish Winner Because: They are so good you just can’t help but gobble them all up. It’s a fantastic party tradition and they taste fantastic when they are served hot from the oven.
The Recipe:
Get all the gooey pumpkin flesh out of seeds by rinsing and picking in a colander.
Lay in baking sheet and toss in olive oil, paprika, sea salt, fresh ground pepper and onion salt.
Roast in oven for 30 minutes at 350, taking the pan out occasionally to stir and turn the seeds.
They’re finished when they are a crisp, golden to dark brown, not burned.
And First Place WC Dish Pumpkin Recipe 2008 goes to…
#1: Michelle’s Pumpkin Dip
Michelle has been my friend for 5 years and is a natural chef. She brought pumpkin rice pudding, butternut squash soup and her famous pumpkin dip. They were all good, but this recipe is a crowd pleaser.
WC Dish Winner Because: It’s just so darn good. Perfect to dip cookies, ginger snaps, fruit or just eat with a spoon!
The Recipe:
- 1 package 8-oz cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar
- 1 can 15-oz solid packed pumpkin
- 3 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar. Gradually add pumpkin and spices. Beat until smooth.
Serve with apple slices and ginger snaps. Take to Mary’s Pumpkin Carving party and win first place in the pumpkin recipe contest.
The Final Dish: Pumpkin makes everything taste better!
Bonus Photo: The winners of the pumpkin carving contest!
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