10/11/2024  FortMyersKids.com

Perfectly Pumpkin: 5 Cozy Fall Recipes You Need to Try

Even here in sunny Florida, we can still embrace the cozy flavors of fall! While the leaves might not change as dramatically, pumpkin season brings a warm and festive vibe to our kitchens. Whether you're planning a seasonal gathering or simply craving something comforting, pumpkin is the perfect ingredient to celebrate autumn. From sweet treats to savory dishes, we’ve rounded up five delicious pumpkin recipes that are sure to bring the taste of fall into your home, no matter the weather outside. Let’s dive into these must-try recipes that capture the essence of the season!
 

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

A quintessential fall dessert, pumpkin pie is a must-have for the season. The creamy pumpkin filling is spiced to perfection, all nestled in a buttery crust.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1 unbaked pie crust

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, spices, and evaporated milk.
  3. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes.
  5. Cool and serve with whipped cream.


2. Pumpkin Bread

This moist and spiced pumpkin bread is the perfect snack or breakfast treat. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree.
  3. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  4. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes.
  5. Let cool before slicing.


3. Savory Pumpkin Soup

Creamy, smooth, and full of fall flavor, this savory pumpkin soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
  2. Add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.


4. Pumpkin Spice Muffins

These light and fluffy pumpkin spice muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go or a sweet snack. Filled with warm spices, they’re a fall favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil.
  3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  4. Scoop batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes.
  5. Let cool and enjoy!


5. Pumpkin Risotto

This creamy and savory pumpkin risotto is the perfect side dish for fall dinners. The combination of pumpkin, Parmesan cheese, and arborio rice creates a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat broth over low heat.
  2. In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic in butter until softened.
  3. Add rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in wine and cook until absorbed.
  5. Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender.
  6. Stir in pumpkin puree, Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.


These pumpkin recipes bring the best of fall into your kitchen, offering sweet treats and savory dishes to enjoy throughout the season!

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