In this week's roundup, we've got a debate over fresh pumpkin vs. canned, complete with recipes for both, plus more Halloween and election eats.
Pumpkin: Canned vs. Fresh
- The Omaha World-Herald has 10 pumpkin dishes you can't get out of a can, including Roasted Pumpkin Slices with Maple, Bacon and Thyme; Bread & Cup's Heirloom Pumpkin Soup with Apple, Sage and Coconut Relish; and Wild Rice and Pumpkin Pilaf. Sounds like fresh is taking the lead.
- But wait! The Kansas City Star is singing the praises of canned pumpkin, noting its convenience and consistency. (Just be sure the can says "100 percent pure.") It's hard to argue with Baked Pumpkin Brulee French Toast.
- The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is baking pumpkin cornbread – with either canned pumpkin or fresh puree. We'll call it a tie.
Fright Night
- The Cincinnati Enquirer offers a quick tip for a spooky punch – hand-shaped ice cubes made with plastic gloves.
- The Chicago Tribune suggests a healthy Halloween meal with Martian Invasion Kohlrabi Soup.
Election Night
- The Chicago Sun-Times offers tips for hosting your own election night party.
- The St. Louis Post-Dispatch puts partisan politics aside with a Presidential Cherry Pie.
Leftovers
- What is Madonna singing about in her new "Candy Shop" song? The Sun-Times says it's a Turkish sweet called rahat loukoum.
- The Tribune analyzes artisan root beer.
- The Indianapolis Star cooks up a batch of Squash Enchiladas in Mole Verde.
- The Argus Leader warns that black walnut leaves are bad for compost.
(Images: Allison Long/Kansas City Star, Omaha World-Herald, and Kansas City Star)
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For election night ideas, check out this fun site:
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Thanks for these; I never go look at these regional papers for recipes but apparently I am missing out . . .
Also, I just posted a recipe for vegetarian pumpkin, herb and feta pastries on my blog, if anyone wants yet another pumpkin recipe:
http://tinybanquet.blogspot.com/2008/10/music-for-carving-yr-pumpkin.html
Not necessarily food-related -- but re: The Argus Leader article, black walnuts can also grow a mold (usually on old, fallen walnuts on the ground) that is terribly toxic to dogs. Been there, done that, paid the staggering emergency vet clinic bills ;o)
This post on pumpkin and other topics is so informative, so rich in inspiration. Thank you!
FYI, I baked a completely from-scratch pumpkin pie last fall (with fresh pumpkin) and I highly recommend using canned. It was a fun process, but VERY time consuming to scrape out the pumpkin and the flavor didn't make up for the effort.
just last night i made a pumpkin sorbet with canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie seasoning, a small amount of brown sugar & molasses, and almond milk. delish -- and more for me tonight!