Talk to me about Pumpkins

[ali_kat]

Him indoors is one of those creative, arty types and wants to carve Pumpkins

Fairynuff, I've not done it before so I'll happily have a go

However - what can I do with the 'fruit' inside? I've never had pumpkin as well as never carved it (deprived childhood ) so have no idea if I like it or not

I've found one soup (with chilli & coconut) that would suit my tastes even if I find I don't like it (add more chilli ).

What do you like it in/do with it please?

(Oh and any top tips for carving would be good too please )

[thetapeworm]

I think most of the "carving grade" pumpkins you can pick-up at the moment probably aren't the most tasty items out there so I'd probably look to do something with plenty of seasoning

[Shaw Tarse]

Haven't cooked pumpkin myself, but have had spicy pumpkin soup
Eta carving linky http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=site:+pistonheads...

[calibrax]

Pumpkin pie. Perfect for Hallowe'en.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_pie

[Shaolin]

You scoop out and chuck the seeds and stringy stuff you don't want to eat when carving.

If the carved pumpkin is to be left a while and then lit, you won't want to eat it afterwards, they rot very quickly once the skin is broken.

As suggested get something less "carving grade" if you want to make something out of it. I did make pumpkin soup once which tasted pretty much of what I added to it only, pumpkins seem to be the vegetable equivalent of cornflour, they add texture but hardly any flavour.

[ali_kat]

[Bec]

Pumpkin or squash roasted in the oven with cumin, coriander, chilli, salt and pepper is good - http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/beef-recipes/si... gives an idea of how it can be done