It’s Fall, and you know what that means- Pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin-flavored everything else stock the shelves of every store. And while you love a good pumpkin spice latte, you’re not too sure about the pumpkin-flavored Pringles, and we get that. That’s why we’re going back to basics with these three pumpkin-inspired ideas for Fall.
Pumpkin Butter
When it comes to crafting your own unique pumpkin butter recipe filled with your favorite Fall flavors, the possibilities are endless- Yet the process is actually quite quick and easy. Spread it, slather it, bake it, blend it, whip it, and go ahead, just bathe in it because yes, it is actually that good. Here’s what you’ll need.
- 3 1/2 cups fresh Homemade Pumpkin Puree or 2 (15-ounce) cans of store-bought pumpkin puree (not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling).
- 3/4 cups of unsweetened apple cider
- 1 cup of pure grade A maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 3/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
Method Of Preparation
Take a large deep pot (to avoid inevitable splattering), set over medium heat, and add pumpkin puree, apple cider, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Bring to a boil, immediately bringing back down to a low simmer to sit for 30 minutes, frequently stirring until thoroughly thickened. Add the lemon juice and vanilla and continue simmering on low for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally before allowing to cool. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months!
Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask
Pumpkins are packed with vitamin C to protect skin from free radicals and prevent wrinkles, zinc to maintain collagen, B vitamins to improve circulation, niacin to treat acne, and carotenoids to shield skin from UV damage. Take all that yummy, healthy pumpkin-goodness, add an egg to nourish and tighten skin, and you’ll be left with nourished, hydrated, and flawless Fall skin. Here’s what you’ll need…
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons of raw honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Method Of Preparation
Begin by mixing the pumpkin puree and egg in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the honey and apple cider vinegar and gently stir for 30 seconds. Apply the mixture to a clean face and let the mask sit for 20-30 mins before rinsing your face with cold water and patting your skin dry. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
Bonus:
Store any excess mask in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use 2-3 times per week, depending on skin’s sensitivity to enzymes. And voila, tighter, brighter, crisp-weather-ready skin for Fall!
Pumpkin Serving Bowls
Your pumpkins need not be left feeling purposeless post-Halloween, as they can still very much contribute to future fall festivities! It doesn’t have to be a special occasion for you to get festive with your pumpkins. You can enjoy them all over again and in a whole new way with this festive fall idea.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning out the inside of your pumpkins while placing their lids off to the side. Once you have allowed the inside of the pumpkins to fully air–dry, they’re ready for ice cream, puddings, soup, stuffings, hot apple cider, and dips straight away. But if you’re filling up your pumpkin bowls with snacks or candy, be sure to line their interiors with plastic–wrapbefore filling them up with those salty and sweet treats! Simply cover with lids, serve, and snap– you just spruced up your fall–game.
