Spooky season is upon us once more.
Halloween brings with it so many delights – nights in watching horror films, trick or treat sweets and celebrities coming out as a couple, apparently.
Once the vampires are tucked away back in their coffins and the walking dead go back underground, what do you do with all that leftover pumpkin?
Roast pumpkin seeds
One of the easiest things to do with your leftover pumpkin bits after carving your squashy masterpiece is to snack on the seeds you scooped out.
Rinse away any of the stringy pulp and toss the seeds straight into a baking tray. You can season them however you like – why not experiment if you have plenty left over?
Pumpkin seeds go great with most seasonings – like chilli, cinnamon, garlic, rosemary or plain old salt and pepper.
Once they’re seasoned and in the oven, bake them for around 10 minutes and you’ve got a great little snack.
Pumpkin juice
In the hierarchy of juices, pumpkin likely isn’t high on anyone’s list – but waste not, want not as the saying goes.
The drink of choice for Hogwarts students, why not take your leftover pumpkins and whip up a batch of fresh pumpkin juice?
It could make a great alternative to less-healthy fizzy drinks and it could make a great addition to a be-witch-ing Harry Potter themed party.
Pumpkin pie
There’s nothing like the warmth of a well-used kitchen in autumn, so crank up the oven and whip up a homemade pie.
Try out this easy-to-follow BBC recipe if you’re after a slice of pumpkin pie.
Make a puree
Cut the leftover pumpkin into quarters and cut into chunks.
Place in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil.
Cook until pumpkin is tender.
Once it’s cooled, pop it in a food processor or mash it with a masher.
Once pureed and kept in a suitable container, it can be kept in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to six months.
You can add pumpkin puree to your yoghurt, porridge or sauces.
Make a pumpkin face mask
You don’t have to eat your leftovers – why not try a homemade face mask?
Pumpkin hair mask
Pumpkin in your hair has been said to help promote growth and helps with deep conditioning.
How to make a pumpkin hair mask
You’ll need:
½ cup fresh or canned pumpkin puree
¼ cup of natural plain yogurt
2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Apply the mask through your entire hair (all the way from the roots to your tips.) Put on a shower cap and leave on for about 30 minutes. Rinse off well and towel dry.
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