It seems pumpkin has gained quite a bit of popularity over the last few years—everything from pumpkin lattes to pumpkin desserts seem to get folks in a frenzy, especially during the fall months. I for one, want to enjoy pumpkin year round and recently got my hands on a great cookbook called, Pumpkin It Up! By Eliza Cross and now I’ve got 75 delicious pumpkin-infused recipes at my fingertips.
This cookbook will take you on a discovery of different ways to prepare pumpkin for any meal. The recipes range from savory meals to beverages and dessert (my favorite). There are actually hundreds of different varieties of pumpkins and some of the smaller, sweeter varieties are ideal for cooking. While you may not be able to find fresh pumpkin in the summer, you can get by with canned pumpkin or even plan ahead and freeze fresh pumpkin in the fall so you can satisfy your pumpkin craving all year.
As I mentioned, Pumpkin It Up! contains a wide variety of recipes, which includes both traditional favorites and some surprising and yummy new ways to prepare pumpkin. There are sections that contain more basic recipes like Pumpkin Butter and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds as well as more elaborate recipes such as Pumpkin Crepes with Brown-Sugar Filling and Pumpkin Turkey Enchiladas. You’ll also find a variety of tempting treats like Pumpkin Crunch Cheesecake and Pumpkin Cream Puffs in the Dessert section.
There’s something for everyone in this book—there are nine unique recipe sections with recipes that will liven up any meal. Some of the other recipes that I think are particularly interesting are:
• Pumpkin Dutch Baby
• Pumpkin, Corn and Shrimp Bisque
• Maple Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts
• Pumpkin Ravioli
• Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan Chicken
• Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
The recipes are all fairly easy to tackle, so this book would be perfect for new cooks, as well as more advanced cooks that want some simple, yet delicious recipes to introduce into their kitchens. I know that I’m looking forward to making the Pumpkin Swirl Brownies that are pictured on the cover. My mouth waters every time I look at it!
Pumpkin lovers will especially be happy to hear that Pumpkin It Up!
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Disclaimer: Kristine has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
THis sounds like a wonderful cookbook. I have come to like pumpkin more and more and would love to try different recipes using it. Right now the two which caught my attention were the Pumpkin, Corn and Shrimp Bisque and
the Maple Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts.
Pumpkin is a favorite in our house, and thanks to canned pumpkin, I bake with it year-round. You’ve highlighted some recipes in this book for things I’d never have thought to try with pumpkin, like the Pumpkin Dutch Babies. I’ve had butternut squash ravioli, and I imagine the pumpkin ravioli is similarly delicious. Thanks for the review!
I like more savory than sweet dishes and the Maple Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts recipe sounds delish. I have real maple syrup to use too, so must look that up. Looks like there are some pretty unique recipes here.