Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie!? Almost everyone I know gets excited every year for pumpkin pie and it usually has to do with the filling. No one gets overjoyed for pie crust. Ever since I can remember, I ate squash soup — of every shape and variety — leading up to Thanksgiving, but never a pumpkin soup. Why not? It’s easy to make and tastes like you are eating a bowl of pumpkin pie filling. Um, yes please.

Pumpkin is also super healthy for you. It is very low in cholesterol and sodium. It is also a fantastic source of vitamins E, A, C and K, as well as iron, potassium and dietary fiber. So you can have your cake pie and eat it too! The best part about this recipe? You make it in the microwave! Read More »

We talk about pumpkin around here a LOT. A lot, a lot. But we can’t help it; the stores and restaurants only bring out their pumpkin goodness for a few months every year and we’re trying to soak up as much of the tasty goodness as we can before it goes away. And we’re left with nothing. Except winter-induced Seasonal Affect Disorder. Sigh.

But there’s another reason to be obsessed with pumpkin; beyond tasting amazing (especially in Hershey’s Kiss form), pumpkin is GREAT for you. It’s full of antioxidants, nutrients and a bunch of other great stuff your body needs. If the only pumpkin you’re enjoying comes in a pie crust, you’re doing your body a disservice. Look at these facts, grab yourself some pumpkin, cut a funny little face into it, then eat the rest.

Pumpkin is full of Vitamin A, most in the form of beta carotene, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals in the body! Sounds confusing, but believe us, it’s a good thing! Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in beta carotene are less likely to develop certain forms of cancer than those who don’t get enough beta-carotene in their diet. Nice.

“Is canned okay?” – YES! Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is still full of beta-carotene and great to use in recipes! One serving of canned pumpkin contains 300% of your Recommended Daily Intake for Vitamin A! One serving also counts as a serving of vegetables (look mom – I’m eating my vegetables at college!) and contains five grams of keep-you-full fiber. Canned pumpkin is faster than scooping out a pumpkin and preparing the flesh for use, and at only 40 calories per half-cup serving canned, it’s good for your insides and your outsides (AKA hips). Read More »

Kate Nash: Pumpkin Soup

Kate Nash seems to be everywhere these days! Haven’t heard of her? Check out “Pumpkin Soup” and if you like what you hear, get it here!