Pumpkin – A Super Food!

Think of the word pumpkin and images of jack-o-lanterns and whipped cream covered Thanksgiving pies will probably pop into your mind. Pumpkin is traditionally considered a holiday food and is a staple in our kitchen pantries and freezers during that festive time of the year. However, did you know that pumpkin now heralded as one of the ‘Super Foods?’

And pumpkin is something that we can benefit from in many ways

Such as:

Highly Nutritious and Particularly Rich in Vitamin A
High Antioxidant Content May Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Diseases
Packs Vitamins That May Boost Immunity
Vitamin A, Lutein and Zeaxanthin May Protect Your Eyesight
Nutrient Density and Low Calorie Count May Promote Weight Loss
Contains Compounds That Promote Healthy Skin
Has Potassium, Vitamin C and Fiber -May Benefit Heart Health

How can we add this wonder food to our diets through out the year?
We all know about pumpkin pie and lattes- especially during the fall. But what about the rest of the year?

Take advantage of the benefits and great taste of pumpkin with the following delicious Pumpkin Recipes.

Any day Pumpkin Pancakes

2-1/2 cups flour
1 cup of buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
2-1/4 tsp. soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup of pumpkin

Measure flour into bowl and add dry ingredients. Stir in buttermilk and add pumpkin. Mix Well. Cook on hot griddle or skillet until golden brown.

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
1/4 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl cream butter with brown sugar. Beat in eggs, then
pumpkin and milk. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, spices, salt and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Those are just a few ideas! The sky is the limit with pumpkin. Enjoy it year round and reap the benefits!