Fall Into Pumpkin Desserts

Pumpkin Cake

By Sidney Carlisle

October is the beginning of pumpkin season and signals the approach of the two official pumpkin holidays - Halloween and Thanksgiving. Both holidays require pumpkin and wouldn't be complete without it. And while you and I are planning decorations and menus, pumpkin growers are busy harvesting pumpkins that fit into specific categories.

Carving a jack o' lantern used to be a simple activity intended to amuse the neighbors' kids. It's a bit more sophisticated these days. Serious carvers have already spotted the perfect pumpkin for this year's porch decoration and may have paid a deposit on a pumpkin still in the field. The right one is important since some designs require a particular size and others require a certain thickness of shell. Elaborate patterns demand not only wood-carving tools, but also saws and scrapers designed for the carving industry. Add lights or a fog machine to complete the pumpkin and Jack may frighten the grown-ups, as well as the trick-or-treaters.

For cooks who'd rather buy pumpkin in a more convenient container, there's canned pumpkin. The best known brand is probably Libby's. They've been selling cans of puréed pumpkin since the late 1920's and their pie recipe is printed on the can.

Almost everyone has an opinion about pumpkin pie and even folks who don't like it seem compelled to share their view. Those of us who love the spicy treat just ignore the complainers and will happily eat the pie any time of year. True fans can eat pumpkin pie unadorned, but it's also good served with extra touches like whipped cream or crunchy toppings.

Whether you're baking your own pumpkin or opting for the canned version, pumpkin treats are perfect for cooler weather and for the upcoming holidays.

How To Cook Fresh Pumpkin

Steamed

Cut the pumpkin into large pieces. Discard the seeds and the stringy parts. Place a steaming rack in a large pot. Add water to a level that doesn't cover the rack. Bring the water to a boil. Place the pumpkin pieces on the rack and cover the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the pumpkin is soft, about 30 minutes. Remove from the rack and cool. Use a spoon to scrape the pulp off the skin. Place the pulp in a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. If the resulting purée is too watery, place it in a sauce pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the purée thickens and the water has cooked away.

Baked

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and the stringy parts. Use a baking sheet with sides and line it with foil. Brush the cut edges of the pumpkin with melted butter. Place cut side down on the baking sheet and bake until tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Baking time will depend on the size and type pumpkin being used. Cool the pumpkin and cut into pieces. Place the pulp in a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. If the resulting purée is too watery, place it in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the purée thickens and the water has cooked away.

Pumpkin Pie

• 1 can (16 ounce) plain pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 1 can (15 ounce) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust, chilled

Pumpkin Cake with Vanilla Icing

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (16 ounce) plain pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 4 eggs
• 1-1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water

Pour into the prepared pan and bake 1 hour. Cool 20 minutes in the pan and turn out on a wire rack to cool completely. Ice with Vanilla Icing.

Vanilla Icing: Combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 package (3 ounce) softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth. The icing should be fairly thick. Spoon onto the top of the cake.

Pumpkin Squares

• 1 box (18 ounce) yellow cake mix
• 1 stick butter (or 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons)
• 1 beaten egg



• 1 can (16 ounce) plain pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 can (5 ounce) evaporated milk

Place the pumpkin in a mixing bowl. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, blending well. Whisk the sugar mixture into the pumpkin. Whisk in the two eggs and then the evaporated milk. Carefully pour this mixture on top of the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture. Bake about 30 minutes, until set in the middle.

To serve, cut into squares and top with sweetened whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping. Pumpkin squares may be served warm or at room temperature.

Sidney Carlisle lives on a ranch in Meridian, Texas If you have questions about this article or the recipes, contact us at moc.gnikoocsaxet@nibrof_solkim.