Look beyond triangle eyes and toothy grins

Pumpkins are very versatile. Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. The big, orange vegetables sit in the window or on the front steps to let children know there are treats being given out on Oct. 31. Some people decorate their yards with pumpkins, scarecrows, chrysanthemums and cornstalks to represent fall harvest.

The late Mr. John Van Dam is the pumpkin man in my mind. He grew approximately 900 pumpkins each year to sell at his Windmill Garden Centre. Four years ago, at age 78, John Van Dam started the Pumpkin Festival, at which he donated all of his pumpkins. The money raised at each festival has been donated to the local Children’s Wish Foundation. Mr. Van Dam passed away March 25, 2015 at age 80, so Eldorado Farms has stepped up to donate the pumpkins for his festival. The festival has been a grand success each year thanks to all the volunteers, musicians and local businesses for their donations. We always have such fun! Thank you for coming to participate.

To everyone that has purchased their pumpkin at the greenhouse, thank you. The money continues to go to the Children’s Wish Foundation until the pumpkins are gone.

After Halloween people don’t seem to bother with pumpkins, even though they have many uses. Pumpkins are related to the squash family. Like squash, they can be stored between 4-10C for several months. They are very nutritious – rich in vitamin A and potassium.

You can bake pumpkins to use their pureed pulp to make pies, cakes and muffins. Pumpkin smoothies, and pumpkin soup are great also. You have probably tasted a stuffed pepper, yes? But have you tasted a stuffed pumpkin? It is the same concept. Choose a small pumpkin and stuff it with rice, onions, minced beef, and your favourite spices and bake it. It is delicious, nutritious and a pretty centrepiece.

Don’t let those pumpkins go to the landfill. Bake them, puree them, and freeze the pulp for up to six months. When you feel like making a batch of cookies the following recipe will make anyone happy.

Drop by teaspoonful onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees Celsius for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.