Save the Pumpkin Guts!

If you're decorating with pumpkins this season, don't be so hasty to throw those Jack O' Lantern guts in the compost bin. While cooking with pumpkin can be intimdating it is well worth it. Check out these great nutritional benefits!

• Pumpkin Seeds contain about 7 grams of protein per ounce! They're great in trail mix or on salads.
• Free-radicals aren't safe around pumpkin thanks to the high amounts of carotenoids that neutrialize those devious free-radicals.
• Your eye sight benefits from the Leutein and Zeaxanthin slowing down free-radicals specific to the eyes and helping to prevent degenerative diseases.
• Pumpkin is a strong source for Iron, Zinc, and Fiber.

Here are links to some of my favorite recipes using pumpkin. I have made or taste-tested each. I love Chai so most of these recipes include it but another black tea or liquid could be substituted.

• Pumpkin Chai Coffee Cake
• Vegan Pumpkin Scones
• Spiced Roast Pumpkin Soup
• Pumpkin Chai Cookies
• Pumpkin Banana Chai Smoothie

What's your favorite way to incorporate pumpkin into cooking?

What's Cooking? aka Door-to-Door Organics New "Kitchen"

Eggplant and Artichoke Galettes

For many of us, the downside to having fruits and veggies delivered is figuring out what to do with them. Sure you can eat them raw, throw them in salads, but if culinary creativity isn't your strong suit, the fun ends there. Wisely, Door-to-Door Organics created their new "Kitchen" feature to help us out.

When I received a late summer Local Box of veggies I wasn't sure what to do. In all honesty, there wasn't a lot in there I would normally buy. I don't really eat squash and such but that is what we grow locally  so that's what I got. Then I remembered the recipe finder feature. I had submitted my own recipe not too long ago so I figured I would find something there.

The beauty of the Kitchen recipe finder is it allows you to search for recipes in various ways. It makes recommendations based on your current delivery or a submitted  list of items in your pantry or you can search by ingredient, meal or special diet needs. Even better, since the recipes are compiled by Door-to-Door Organics subscribers you know they're prepared in "real homes" not test kitchens. There is also the opportunity to rate the recipes.

I have grown to love this feature and use the Kitchen recipe finder even when I am not using my delivery items. If you've ever thought "I'd like to get my fruits and veggies delivered but what would I do with them?" well now is the time to find out. Still not sure? Enter the Coupon Code "CupcakeMafia" and save 40% off your first Bitty Box!

The Periodic Table Of Yumminess

As you may have guessed, I love cupcakes. So this morning when I came across Woman's Day Periodic Table of Cupcakes via the Presurfer I was intrigued. On this table you will find recipes for cupcakes grouped in five categories: basics, fruit, nature, holiday, and kids favorites.

I definitely find the list worthy of a little baking experimentation. I think I may try the Blushing Grapefruit or Caramel Apple soon. I wish that there were more pictures to accompany the recipes however they all sound delicious so I can't complain too much, right?