Think outside the Pie Shell

Pumpkins are all the rage during the fall season.  Starting in late September through the end of November, they’re heralding the arrival of Fall from grocery stores, farmers markets, table tops aand front porches.   They’re not just for pumpkin pie anymore!

 

pumpkin-fact-blog There are lots of creative ways to use pumpkins this fall.  Check out a few of our favorites:

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

pumkin-give-thanks-blogCreate a Dramatic Centerpiece:
Use pumpkins on runners or placemats with greenery, leaves aand other fall items to create bold aand beautiful centerpieces.  Try hollowing out a pumpkin to use as a vase or serving dish.  Mini-pumpkins make great caandle holders or place card holders.  Be creative!

Pumpkin with a Message
Write a message on your pumpkin with a paint pen aand embellish with simple florals or other décor.  Learn how to make this magnolia pumpkin at LollyJane (https://lollyjane.com/diy-magnolia-pumpkin/ )

pumpkin-washi-tape-blogDecorate with washi tape to create stripe aand plaid fall patterns. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g240/natural-halloween-decorations/?slide=11


Paint Your Pumpkin

Instead of carving, paint your pumpkin with craft or acrylic paints aand place it on the porch or in an entryway near the front door.  An uncarved pumpkin can last up to 12 weeks.

pumpkin-fall-blogDecorate with Fall cut-outs:
using tissue paper aand glue, create a layered graphic look for your pumpkins.  Get directions to make the leaf patterned pumpkin shown here at Good House Keeping. (http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g240/natural-halloween-decorations/?slide=6)

Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder:
After you’re done with the pumpkin as a decoration, try making it into a simple bird feeder using this simple method from Instructables or your own

Make a pumpkin face mask!  
Pumpkins are great for your skin—they’re loaded with vitamins A, C, aand E (all known to fight wrinkles) aand they are rich in beta-carotene, zinc, potassium, aand antioxidants, which can help eliminate redness.  Here’s a facemask recipe from beautylish: https://www.beautylish.com/a/vxgpg/diy-pumpkin-face-mask

 

Edible Ideas for Pumpkin


pumpkin-griddle-cakes-blogPumpkin Pancakes:
Warm aand delicious, these fall flapjacks will have them asking for more!  Get the recipe:
https://www.rd.com/food/vegetable-recipes-pumpkin-griddle-cakes-/

Pumpkin-Pickles-blogPickled Pumpkin:
Pickling pumpkin gives room for sweetness aand warm spices like cinnamon, ginger aand even black peppercorns.  Get Recipe:  https://www.rd.com/food/pumpkin-pickles-recipe


pumpkin cheesecake
Pumpkin Cheesecake:
Our rich Pumpkin Cheesecake is an unexpected delight for the fall.  Try ours: https://www.americandreamcakes.com/bakery-menu-2/baked-goods/ or experiment with your own pumpkin cheesecake recipe variations.


pumpkin-mousse-pieTry ADC’s Pumpkin Mousse Pie:
Our light aand delicious Pumpkin Mousse Pie will take the pressure off aand give you a refreshing twist for the holiday season this fall.  https://www.americandreamcakes.com/bakery-menu-2/pies/
Pumpkin-Tomato-Basil-MeatballsPumpkin Tomato Basil Meatballs:
They’re protein-packed, hearty aand delicious. Get the recipe at Wholesomelicious. (http://www.wholesomelicious.com/pumpkin-tomato-basil-meatballs/ )
530572_10151136547493722_1776767503_nPumpkin Cakes aand Rolls:
Incorporate pumpkin into your favorite cake recipes or try one of ADC’s haand-made pumpkin rolls or Pumpkin Bread. Your friends aand family will love it when you serve up this “not-so-traditional” take on pumpkin dessert!   https://www.americandreamcakes.com/bakery-menu-2/baked-goods/

We’d love to see your creations!  Post pics of your creations aand tag them #adcpumpkins.

Have fun!