How2Day: Canned Pumpkin Uses

Canned pumpkin is a convenient alternative to fresh pumpkin as processing fresh pumpkin is time-consuming and laborious. Canned pumpkin often gives a more consistent texture and concentrated flavor. While canned pumpkin is commonly used in pumpkin pie recipes, it can also be used to create some alternatives to otherwise traditional recipes.

For a refreshing nutritional beverage, pumpkin smoothies are a delicious alternative to fruit-flavored smoothies. Mix 1 3/4 cups of chilled, canned pumpkin with one 12-oz. can of evaporated milk, 1 cup of orange juice, 1 small sliced banana and 1/3 cup of light brown sugar in a blender. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg.

For a variation on traditional fruit and vegetable dips, this pumpkin-flavored dip offers a sweet alternative for dipping fruit or as a spread on toasted bagels. Beat 1 cup of canned pumpkin with one 8-oz. package of cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of white sugar and 2 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice.

An alternative to traditional pumpkin soup, this soup is popular in the fall and provides enhanced flavor with the addition of curry, apple, onion and garlic. Melt 1 tbsp. of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves of crushed garlic, 1 tbsp. of curry and 1 tsp. of ground cumin. Saute and stir often until the onion is soft. Stir in four chopped Macintosh apples, one 15-oz. can of pumpkin, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of water and 1 tsp. of white sugar. Bring to a boil and stir often. Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Puree in a blender and return to the saucepan to reheat over low heat.

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