Among all the fall flavors, pumpkin is one that is a hallmark of the season.
From cooking to baking to seasoning to sipping, there are an abundant number of ways you can utilize flavorful pumpkin in celebrating the season. And when you incorporate your favorite Fustini’s olive oils and vinegars into the mix, you can amp up those pumpkin flavors to a whole new level.
Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin This Fall
From seeds to rind to seasoned extract, pumpkin can incorporate all components.
Here, we share five unique ways you can use the fall favorite of pumpkin to celebrate the season.
Pumpkin Bruschetta
This pumpkin bruschetta recipe combines the sweetness of pureed pumpkin with a little bit of a kick from jalapeño and shallot. Once you roast your sliced baguette, top it off with a flavor-packed topping you’ll want to just eat out of the bowl. Balance it out by topping it with mozzarella and Manchego cheeses.
With just those simple ingredients, you’ve got a sweet and sassy appetizer that’s perfect for the fall season.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Take your typical pumpkin pie up a notch with these pumpkin pie bars, using Fustini’s Maple balsamic vinegar. To start, you’ll make the crust, which is similar to a pie crust you’d make for the traditional apple or pumpkin pie. The filling is packed full of sweet flavor, incorporating flavors like ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, maple and of course, pumpkin. The maple balsamic brings on a new level of sweetness that doesn’t overpower the other flavors but rather enhances the various spices.
After baking the crust, place the filling in the pan and continue cooking. Although it may be difficult to resist when they first come out of the oven, make sure they cool before slicing and serving.
Spicy Pumpkin Hummus
Elevate the sweet heat with this easy homemade hummus recipe. Using Michigan Apple balsamic vinegar and a spicy olive oil, this healthy appetizer brings in a nice balance of flavors.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds have grown in snacking popularity as a great source of protein and a quick salty snack when you need one.
For the easiest method in roasting pumpkin seeds yourself, you’ll want to start with the seeds you find in your pumpkin mixed in with the slimy pulp. As you carve your pumpkin, don’t throw them out! Roast them instead.
Once you’ve collected the seeds from your pumpkin and separated them from the pulp, you’ll want to rinse them to make sure you get them nice and clean. Then, dry them out on a tray or paper towel so they don’t hold in any extra moisture.
Then, the flavoring fun begins.
While there are a variety of extra virgin olive oil flavors you can use to amp up your flavor, some of our favorites include Tuscan Herb, Persian Lime, or Chipotle for a little extra spice.
Place your seeds on a pan and drizzle your oil of choice on the seeds. Season with salt to taste. Then, roast at 300 degrees for about 45 minutes, stirring and turning the seeds around every 15 minutes. Your roasted seeds should be a golden brown and ready for snacking.
Pumpkin Risotto
Bring a fall take to this classic rice dish by adding in some pumpkin. This Pumpkin Risotto recipe combines savory risotto flavors with added pumpkin sweetness.
Pumpkin Lasagna
Incorporate the fun flavor of pumpkin into your dinner with this Pumpkin Lasagna recipe. With the help of pumpkin puree and Sage & Wild Mushroom olive oil, this classic favorite brings a boost of fall.
Use the Power of Pumpkin
In celebrating the fall season, pumpkin is a staple ingredient you can use in a variety of ways. Whipping up a pie for dessert is just the start of what you can do with this super squash. Pick out a pumpkin or two from your local farmer’s market this season and get to cooking, baking, sipping, and snacking all fall long.