Pumpkins are members of the squash family and have been used for centuries. Pumpkin pie developed when colonists in the new world sliced the top off the pumpkin, removed the seeds and filled the inside with milk, spices and honey before baking in hot ashes.

Over the past twenty years Nova Scotia's fame as the home of giant pumpkins has grown and today you can attend the official weigh-in or grow your own gigantic pumpkins. Check out the details.

Cooked pumpkins make many great fall dishes, not just the traditional and much-loved pies.

To cook a pumpkin, wash it and cut it in half. Do not remove the skin. Remove seeds and bake it, skin side up, for about an hour in a slow oven (about 325 F degrees). When it's tender, scrape the meat out of the skin and put through a strainer or food processor. Or you can cook it in the microwave and then process in the same manner.

Increasingly families are enjoying the fun of decorating for Holloween and of course pumpkins are an important part of the celebration. Going to one of Nova Scotia's pumpkin U-picks and carving your own Jack-o-Lantern is something every member of the family can enjoy. A good hint - after you have carved your pumpkin try rubbing Vaseline along the cut edges to help it keep longer.

One of the following websites can give you some pointers to ensure you have the best-looking Jack-o-Lantern on the block and suggest other seasonal fun.

Jack-O-Lantern.com
Hints for Carving Pumpkins

For other pumpkin news check out these sites:
Pumpkin Patter
Pumpkin Regatta Wins National Award

Can you use your jack-o-lantern in recipes after it has been carved? Once a pumpkin has been cut mould tends to set in. If candles were burned inside, the flesh may be discoloured. Cut pumpkins should usually be recycled to the compost pile.

Pumpkin Cookies
Makes 20 large cookies.

2 cups flour
1 1/3 cups oats, quick or regular
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup pumpkin
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
3/4 cup raisins (optional)

Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter and both sugars in a large mixer bowl until light anf fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins if desired.
Scoop out the pulp. Add butter, salt and maple syrup. Beat well and place in a greased casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 350° Bake for 14-16 minutes or until cookies are firm and lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes and remove to wire wracks to cool completely. Decorate if desired.

For more Pumpkin and other Vegetable information, contact:

Horticulture Nova Scotia
Kentville Agricultural Centre, Blair House
Kentville, N.S. B4N 1J5
(902) 678-9335
(902) 678-1280 (fax)
Web Site: Web Site: www.hortns.com
E-mail: hortns@ns.sympatico.ca