Cooking With Pumpkin: Beyond the Pie

As the holiday season heats up, there's nothing quite like gathering friends and loved ones together for a satisfying meal. Why not wow them while you're at it? The gorgeous, Vitamin-A-packed pumpkin is your secret weapon for success. Learn how to buy and prepare this unique fruit — then try five delicious pumpkin recipes that will please even the most discerning guest.

With a tough skin, scaly stem, and hefty weight, a raw, whole pumpkin can seem intimidating — but trust us, cooking with pumpkin is not so scary. Now is the season to try your favorite recipes with fresh pumpkin.

Pumpkin-buying tips

Check the stem first. Whether it's long or short, the pumpkin stem should be firmly attached. A pumpkin with no stem, or with a loose stem, will spoil quickly.
Examine the outside. Marks are ok, as long as they're hardened over, but avoid soft spots — they indicate the pumpkin is going bad.
Follow your instincts. If a pumpkin looks good, it probably is good.

Once you've found your pumpkin, you can cook it just about any way imaginable: baked, boiled, steamed, microwaved, or grilled. Preparing the pumpkin is simple — just cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and fibers. Whatever method you choose, you'll know it's done when you can pierce an entire piece with a fork.

Pumpkin preparation tips

If the recipe calls for diced pieces, make sure to peel off the tough outer skin before dicing.
If you're baking or microwaving large quarters or halves, peel the skin off after cooking — it comes off easier that way.
Cutting pumpkins in half can be difficult. Try scoring the outer rind; then cut through the pumpkin with a knife.

Put your new pumpkin skills to good use with these off-the-beaten-path recipes. (Editor's note: In some recipes, canned pumpkin puree may be substituted for raw pumpkin.)

Top five pumpkin recipes

Classic pumpkin cheesecake is a seasonal restaurant favorite, but this home-cooked version will taste so much sweeter. With a ginger-snap-and-pecan crust, and dreamy swirls of creamy spiced pumpkin, Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake is frankly irresistible.
Want breakfast to impress? Try Pumpkin Pancakes. Fluffy pancakes spiced up with savory pumpkin and Chai tea will turn any morning into a special occasion.
Always on the go? Pumpkin Swirl Biscotti Bars are a fresh twist on the Italian cookie classic, with pureed pumpkin and a swirl of cream cheese. Easy to pack for traveling, and great for a quick breakfast, this crumbly, rich biscotti will get you into the spirit of the season.
Let's not forget lunch and dinner! Add a fresh twist to your usual pasta with a pumpkin-based sauce. Fast and easy, Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce is sure to become a perennial mealtime favorite.
Zucchini isn't the only squash that makes great loaves. This recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Bread is sweet and delicately spiced, and will keep your guests guessing.

The next time you crave a unique dish or a special treat, look no further than this brightly colored gourd.