50 creative ways to use a pumpkin

Forget the terms “fall” and “autumn.”
From pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin-themed Oreos and so many other products turning orange in pumpkin pride, there is little denying that the pumpkin should be the namesake of this season in the Valley.
And with local produce stands overflowing with countless varieties of gourds, squashes and especially pumpkins, it can be a little overwhelming in how to handle the squash-centric surplus. Fortunately, pumpkins are extremely versatile. Here are 50 ways to use a pumpkin … and there are many more options for those willing to think outside the box.
1. Jack-o-lanterns. The official symbols of Halloween will soon be showing up in front yards and porches throughout the Valley. There are few annual rites of passage more timely than cutting the top off a pumpkin and scooping out the “guts” before carving out some sort of artistic display to be illuminated by a tea candle. And for those who’d rather stay away from the dark elements associated with Halloween, spirits and scary faces, there are countless creative ways to carve out shapes ranging from animals to soccer balls to religious-themed messages.
2. Pie. Is there any better way to enjoy the unique blend of pumpkin and spices than through a traditional homemade pie? Check out the recipe above.
3. Cookies. There are oodles of ways to incorporate pumpkin into your favorite cookie recipes. Perhaps the most popular variation is pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with walnuts.
4. Soap. Making homemade soap has become increasingly popular, especially for those trying to avoid unknown chemicals. There are a variety of recipes on websites such as Pinterest that incorporate fresh pumpkin — which not only adds a nice scent to your soap for the fall season, but pumpkin is also good for your skin.
5. Vase. Cut a hole in the top of a small to medium pumpkin, clean out the innards and insert a bowl or glass inside filled with water. Suddenly you transform a typical pumpkin into a seasonal centerpiece everyone will be talking about.
6. Baby photo prop. There are numerous photos circulating online where people hallow out a pumpkin and use it creatively with their baby for a unique fall-inspired photo shoot.
7. Latte. Counter a cool fall morning with a warm pumpkin latte, laced with warming spices that go so well with the pumpkin flavor.
8. Roasted seeds. Don’t throw out your pumpkin’s “guts” after creating your jack-o-lantern masterpiece. Instead, pick out the seeds and bake them with whatever spices you desire for a healthy snack your kids — and you — will love.
9. Seed crafts. Whatever seeds you don’t roast can be used in a variety of craft projects. Simply dry them out and let your imagination run wild. Paint them to create neat three-dimensional flower petals or a fall-themed picture frame, among other things.
10. Educational tool. Looking for a unique way to practice counting and simple math with your preschooler? Dried pumpkin seeds can give you a unique fall-themed item to practice skills with.
11. Pancakes and waffles. Spice up your autumn breakfast choices — literally — by adding some fresh (or canned) pumpkin and the corresponding spices.
12. Skin cream. Pumpkin is not only filled with beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins C and A, it is also a good exfoliator. Pumpkin puree, when combined with natural ingredients like cinnamon and coconut milk, can create products that are good for your skin, and also smell delicious. Soothing scents such as pumpkin can help you relax and sleep better, especially if you add a touch of vanilla or calming lavender.
13. Pickles and chips. Sliced pumpkin can be pickled and you can reuse the skin by putting it in a dehydrator and salting to taste.
14. Whoopie and cream pies. A very popular way to use pumpkin in our region is to bake pumpkin whoopie pies, especially when combining with a buttercream-based filling.
15. Cooler. Carve out a pumpkin and fill with ice as a neat autumn-centric way to cool beverages for your next get-together.
16. Scarecrow heads. Scarecrows are another sign of the season, and pumpkins seem to make the perfect headpiece for your creative fall-inspired decorations.
17. Bowling ball. Need a fun game to add to your fall party? Set up soda bottles or other “pins” in a typical bowling formation and have your guests take turns trying to roll a pumpkin down your makeshift lane.
18. Target. Leftover small pumpkins can be a lot of fun to simply chuck in the air and take turns using a shotgun to see who is the best shot. Or you can keep them stationary and sight in your archery equipment, muzzleloader or rifle. Just don’t expect to see much of a pattern once the pumpkin receives the initial blast.
19. Soup. Many may not think that pumpkin soup sounds super appealing, but it can provide a nice warm and creamy way to battle the seasonal chills.
20. Chili. Some use pieces of pumpkin as a meat alternative for vegetarian chili, others add pumpkin pieces to regular chili recipes. It is another way to add extra nutrients to a seasonal staple.
21. Bread and muffins. A nice alternative to banana bread or blueberry muffins. Pumpkin and spices add a special flavor and can even be incorporated into other variations, such as corn bread (to go with your pumpkin chili).
22. Projectile. Pumpkin flinging has grown in popularity as people find new ways to launch them with catapults, large sling shots or other ways. Seeing them smash at the end of the launch adds to the excitement.
23. Beanbag toss targets. Hallow out and thoroughly clean pumpkins and then set them up at a distance for kids to take turns trying to throw beanbags or other items — such as ping pong balls — into them.
24. Makeshift bowl. Hallowed out pumpkins make great seasonal bowls to hold food items or other things for you parties or get-togethers.
25. Canning. Preserve your favorite cooked pumpkin or pumpkin puree so you can enjoy the taste and benefits of pumpkin year-round.
26. Grilling. Don’t put away your grill yet. Grilled pumpkin has a unique flavor and can be a nice addition to shisk-ka-bobs or other mixed grilling options.
27. Ravioli and pierogies. Inject some pumpkin into filling for time-tested treats such as ravioli and pierogies. Mixed with certain cheeses, the pumpkin adds to the creaminess and overall taste.
28. Sauces. Cooked down into a puree, pumpkin can be used to create unique sauces that can be used over pasta or on a fall-themed pizza. Find recipes at Pinterest.
29. Signs. Having a fall party? Mark the way to your gathering by painting pumpkins and placing them at important turns people need to take to get to festivities.
30. Stacking game. Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. Create a game where you remove the stems and see who can stack the most pumpkins before they fall over.
31. Bobbing. Who says that apples need to be the only fruit worth bobbing for? Try mini pumpkins to add a new twist to a popular game. Amp it up even more by hallowing out a large pumpkin and filling it with water for the bobbing to take place.
32. Search-and-find. Kids love Easter egg hunts. Incorporate that enthusiasm into the fall by hiding small pumpkins and seeing who can find the most.
33. Butter. Many people have heard of apple butter, but few know that pumpkin can be used in a similar fashion as a nice topping for toast or other treats. See a recipe at Pinterest.
34. Caramel sauce. Take the sauce idea mentioned above and make it more dessert-friendly by combining pumpkin and caramel into a creation for those with a sweet tooth.
35. Macaroni and cheese. Make your child’s favorite food a bit healthier by substituting some of the cheese for pureed pumpkin. It keeps things just as smooth and creamy while increasing the health factor and incorporating a new flavor.
36. Ice cream. Pumpkin and its corresponding spices make a tasty alternative flavor for ice cream. Check out recipes at Pinterest or enjoy the flavor at local ice cream shops, such as the Country Creamery in Kratzerville.
37. Balance relay. Hold a relay race where children (or adults) need to balance a pumpkin on their head and walk/run a certain distance.
38. Tic-tac-toe. Create a simple outdoor game by spray painting a tic-tac-toe board in the grass and using small pumpkins for the X’s and O’s. For example, orange vs. white pumpkins.
39. Hammer toss. Put a pumpkin in a pillow case and have people take turns trying to throw the creation the furthest by spinning around like an Olympic hammer or discus thrower.
40. “Snow” man. Stack three or four descending-sized pumpkins, anchoring them together with a stake, and decorate like you would a snowman.
41. Donuts. Like with pumpkin bread or muffins, you can make a variety of different pumpkin-based donut options.
42. French toast. Mix some cooked pumpkin with the egg, milk and cinnamon mixture you’d typically use for French toast and then grill to perfection.
43. Boats. Hallow out a pumpkin and cut down the sides to create a bowl-shaped boat you can float on a nearby creek or pond. Add a little sail and race them against friends.
44. Organic flower pots. Hollow out a pumpkin and fill with some potting soil and then plant your favorite mum or other plant. Can be a nice way to start seeds, too.
45. Volcanoes. Use small pumpkins as science experiments by hallowing them out and then mixing some baking soda and vinegar (and some food coloring if you want to get creative) and enjoy the reaction.
46. Art canvas. Not into carving up a jack-o-lantern? Get out the paints and let your kids’ imagination run wild. Pumpkins left whole and painted last longer than those carved up for a jack-o-lantern and offers a unique backdrop for art.
47. Cheesecake. Go beyond pumpkin bread, muffins and even cake/cupcakes by mixing with a cream cheese combination and ultimately creating the perfect creamy, cheesy and sweet dessert.
48. Ring toss. Use different sized pumpkins scattered on a table or in a yard to be targets for your party guests to throw rings around, just like the knife toss game popular at carnivals.
49. Night light. Using your pumpkin in jack-o-lantern form, you can drill holes or carve in designs that allow light from inside to shine out in a unique way. From a fire safety standpoint, it would best to use a battery-operated light instead of a lit candle or anything else with open flame.
50. Beverage dispenser. A do-it-yourself creation that is sure to be the talk of your fall get-together, hallow out a pumpkin and insert a spigot at the bottom and then fill with your favorite fall beverage.
Have additional creative ways to enjoy pumpkins? Feel free to share them in the comments section below.