Photo by Jeremy Seitz via Flickr.
Whether you’re a pumpkin addict or not, you may be forced to jump on the train because you’re surrounded by all things pumpkin. It could take time to acquire a taste for this seasonal fruit, but these five recipes may help you initiate that taste sooner:
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll
Anything cream cheese is on the rise nowadays—from fillings to icings, it’s everywhere. This dessert has the perfect cream cheese fix you’re looking for. A few main ingredients you’ll need are pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, softened cream cheese and pure vanilla extract. More ingredients can be found on delish.com. The actual “pumpkin cake” should be made separate from the cream cheese filling. It’s emphasized that the most significant step in this recipe is to roll the cake tightly when it’s warm to avoid cracks. The total time, which includes preparation, is said to be an hour; this is perfect for any fall holiday dessert or sweet breakfast food!
2. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Don’t have access to an oven? Don’t worry, there’s no need. This decadent cheesecake’s focus is the gingersnap crust…Yum! For the crust, you’ll need finely crushed gingersnaps, sugar and melted butter. Main ingredients for the pumpkin filling call for two blocks of softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Of course, toppings are optional, but Delish suggests whipped cream and/or crushed gingersnaps. The most crucial step the refrigeration of the cake for at least four hours before it is served.
3. Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites
In only a half hour, you can create the snack of your dreams. Some main ingredients are as follows: refrigerated biscuit dough, melted butter and pumpkin spice. After the pretzel bits are baked, roll them in the pumpkin spice mixture and… Voila! You’ve just wowed all of your party guests.
4. One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta
I know what you’re thinking, pasta mixed with pumpkin? In this case, try not to judge a book by its cover. What you’ll need: any pasta noodles of your choice, pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, butter and cream cheese. All of these ingredients can be mixed into one pot over medium-high heat. Salt is important to highlight all the flavors. Only one pot is needed; there’s no dirty dishes! More information on this dish at domesticsuperhero.com.
5. Cheesy Pumpkin Lasagna
Talk about uniqueness! This perfect Thanksgiving dish calls for a total time of an hour and 40 minutes. Your shopping list should contain butter, garlic, cider vinegar, onion, dried sage, pumpkin puree, nutmeg, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded fontina, eggs and no-boil lasagna noodles. The pumpkin mixture will serve as the foundation for this dish, following the cheese mixture and noodle layers. Mmm!
So, if you’re a pumpkin enthusiast or just conform to it this time of year, you may crave any of these dishes by now. Interested in these recipes or more pumpkin favorites? Visit delish.com or domesticsuperhero.com for a variety of options and ideas to prepare at your next party or family gathering!
Madison Starinieri is a second-year student majoring in English education and special education. MS882527@wcupa.edu