The Great Pumpkin...

One of the reasons I love fall so much is the availability of fall vegetables. Pumpkin is one of my favorites and this week I have three dishes on the table using it. All three use pumpkin from a can, not pumpkin pie mix, but plain pumpkin puree.

Oatmeal with Pumpkin, Nuts and Cranberries

Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin Cornbread

Breakfast for me as soon as the weather cools down is oatmeal. I use Kashi Go Lean instant. It is mixed with hot soy milk and pumpkin, cinnamon and chopped nuts are stirred together. The oatmeal is topped with blueberries and dried cranberries. This is a filling way to start the day. Very tasty too I might add paired with a cup of tea.

Soups and stews are great ways to warm the body and soul as the seasons change. I have many variations of chili, but this one was new and quite good. Good quality ground beef is browned with chopped onions and minced garlic. Chopped green peppers are added and cooked until slightly softened. Canned diced tomatoes are added along with pureed pumpkin, drained kidney beans, chili powder and cumin. Salt and pepper to taste and served with sour cream and grated sharp cheddar cheese. The leftovers will make for great lunches since the weather is to be cool and wet in the next week.

Cornbread is a natural to accompany chili. This one has the addition of pumpkin and spices. Whisk together all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate bowl beat two eggs. Whisk in pumpkin, brown sugar oil and molasses. Make a well in the dry ingredients and gradually add the wet ones. Pour mixture in a greased square baking pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Served warm with cinnamon butter, this is excellent with the chili.

This weeks' table was all about comfort foods. My annual bottle of egg nog is in the refrigerator to add to morning coffee and hot tea. It does seem that our summer is gone and winter is in our future. Next weeks' menu is still in the works. Stop by and see what's on Marilyn's Table next week. Stay warm!