Green Options » pumpkin http://greenoptions.com/tag/pumpkin Posts tagged 'pumpkin' Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:05:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Seasonal Foods: 5 Best Winter Vegetables http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/12/seasonal-eats-5-best-winter-vegetables/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/12/seasonal-eats-5-best-winter-vegetables/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:05:08 +0000 Jessica Mordo http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/12/seasonal-eats-5-best-winter-vegetables/ Winter veggies usually get short shrift, but there are many reasons to savor them. They add loads of vitamins and nutrients to our diets, do wonders for our immunity, and are wonderfully versatile. Plus, eating seasonally is eating green: as it takes us back to the old days of eating only the freshest available products, it’s a more sustainable eating model and it’s better for reducing our carbon footprints.

Here’s my guide to making the most of these five fabulous winter veggies:

1. Play Squash

winter squash I actually look forward to winter just for its squash varieties. Acorn, banana, butternut, spaghetti, delicata, hubbard, sweet dumpling, buttercup, and turban squashes—not to mention pumpkinwinter squash—add a colorful and sweet accent to your plate. Plus, they are among the healthiest types of complex carbohydrates (the best kind of carbs), with high fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C content. Roast ‘em, mash ‘em, or slow cook ‘em into a heaping bowl of soupy goodness for the perfect warm winter meal.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/12/12/seasonal-eats-5-best-winter-vegetables/feed/ Top 7 Posts About Ideas for a Green Thanksgiving http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/top-7-posts-about-ideas-for-a-green-thanksgiving/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/top-7-posts-about-ideas-for-a-green-thanksgiving/#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:04:46 +0000 Reenita Malhotra http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/top-7-posts-about-ideas-for-a-green-thanksgiving/ With the Thanksgiving Holiday just a few days away, you are probably focusing on how to have a green Thanksgiving. I have enjoyed reading tips and ideas from around the Green Options network and the blogosphere.  Here are some of my favorite green Thanksgiving posts:

1. A Green and Affordable Thanksgiving

NBC11 recorded a segment on how to have a sustainable Thanksgiving as part of their Green Week coverage. I got to spend the morning with them talking about heritage turkeys, organic vegetables and ways to create a natural Thanksgiving Centerpiece.

To view the segment click here.

2. How To Get The Kids Involved in Helping You Create a Green Thanksgiving

Do you want to get the kids involved in your green Thanksgiving plans? Watch this video to see how these kids helped out.

For full story go here.

3. Thanks, Earth

SustainLane, a green living company provides 5 top tips for a Green Thanksgiving.

Read here for full story.

4. Handmade Holidays: Thanksgiving Craft Ideas to Share with the Family

The talented crafters at Etsy have some very special holiday how-to tutorials to share this season. Earlier this week they featured this adorable “patchwork trivet for your table. You can spice up your home decor, whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or a potluck with friends!”

For full story go here

5. How Local Will Your Thanksgiving Be?

A local Thanksgiving is a green Thanksgiving. It is not hard to eat local during the Holiday. Beth Bader tells you how.

For full story go here

6. Beyond Pie: 10 Great Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Nothing like pumpkin at the Thanksgiving table. Here are 10 pumpkin recipes to satisfy your savory side and take advantage of the current farmers market bounty.

For full story go here.

7. Green Gorilla: Create a Natural Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Have the kids help you create a natural Thanksgiving centerpiece.  The folks at Green Gorilla show you how.

For full story go here.
]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/26/top-7-posts-about-ideas-for-a-green-thanksgiving/feed/ Beyond Pie: 10 Great Savory Pumpkin Recipes http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/14/beyond-pie-10-great-savory-pumpkin-recipes/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/14/beyond-pie-10-great-savory-pumpkin-recipes/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:40:55 +0000 Melissa Elliott http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/14/beyond-pie-10-great-savory-pumpkin-recipes/ We’ve all had pumpkin pie and it seems everyone has a favorite recipe or variation of it, but what about when you want to eat seasonally, but aren’t craving sweets? Here are 10 pumpkin recipes to satisfy your savory side and take advantage of the current farmers market bounty.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/14/beyond-pie-10-great-savory-pumpkin-recipes/feed/ Seasonal Food Recipes: The Great Pumpkin Soup http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/02/seasonal-food-recipes-the-great-pumpkin-soup/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/02/seasonal-food-recipes-the-great-pumpkin-soup/#comments Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:19:47 +0000 Bryan Luukinen http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/02/seasonal-food-recipes-the-great-pumpkin-soup/

Seasonal food is plentiful right now, much of it in the shape of squashes and gourds. Last night I took a page (literally) out of Barbara Kingsolver’s recent book, Animal, Vegetable Miracle. Ever since I read the chapter on smashing pumpkins, I knew I had to try the pumpkin soup experiment.

For the uninitiated, she took on the task of making pumpkin soup in the actual pumpkin. She describes the culinary feat in detail, including the collapse of the shell when she attempted to serve the soup!

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/02/seasonal-food-recipes-the-great-pumpkin-soup/feed/ Spiced Sugar Pumpkin Cake http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/29/spiced-sugar-pumpkin-cake/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/29/spiced-sugar-pumpkin-cake/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:00:08 +0000 Stuart Stein http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/29/spiced-sugar-pumpkin-cake/ Even those who cannot commit to an extravagant chocolate creation or a rich fruit dessert will find solace in the satisfying sweetness and texture of this simple and moist dessert.

This cake has the texture of a quick bread and the autumn flavors of pumpkin and “pumpkin pie” spices. Pumpkin is one of those tastes that you either love or hate. This cake is designed so there is no doubt that you are eating pumpkin.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/29/spiced-sugar-pumpkin-cake/feed/ Roasted Squash Gnocchi with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/10/roasted-squash-gnocchi-with-toasted-pumpkin-seeds/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/10/roasted-squash-gnocchi-with-toasted-pumpkin-seeds/#comments Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:23:16 +0000 Stuart Stein http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/10/roasted-squash-gnocchi-with-toasted-pumpkin-seeds/ After spending my first autumn surround by the amazing micro-climates of the Rogue Valley of southern Oregon, I was inspired to give the classic potato gnocchi recipe my own twist by adding roasted squash along with the roasted potatoes. Just like other dumplings, the key to making gnocchi is to make sure that the dough isn’t too sticky and that you don’t over mix or over knead the dough.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/10/roasted-squash-gnocchi-with-toasted-pumpkin-seeds/feed/ Winter Squash http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/09/winter-squash/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/09/winter-squash/#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:00:37 +0000 Stuart Stein http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/09/winter-squash/ In Alexander Dumas’ distinguished Grand Dictionary de Cuisine, he includes directions on how to cook an elephant. For many people, elephant cookery is less daunting than dealing with the large category of winter squash.

Winter squashes (member of the Cuburbita family that includes cucumbers and melons) come in a plethora of varieties, shapes, sizes and colors. Despite their outward differences, winter squashes, with few exceptions, are all handled alike, at least for cooking purposes.

Winter squash can be baked whole, peeled for purées and soups, cut in half and stuffed, dried, candied or sautéed. Winter squashes are in season from September through March and can be stored in cool (50°F, 10°C) dark, and rather dry (>65% humidity) place for several months.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/09/winter-squash/feed/ Fall Harvest Recipe: Amazing Pumpkin Spice Cookies http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/06/fall-harvest-recipe-amazing-pumpkin-spice-cookies/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/06/fall-harvest-recipe-amazing-pumpkin-spice-cookies/#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:43:53 +0000 Derek Markham http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/06/fall-harvest-recipe-amazing-pumpkin-spice-cookies/ Pie PumpkinsI love the smell of fall.

Dried leaves, roasting chilis, woodsmoke, and the aroma of fresh-baked cookies… Mmmm…

During harvest season, when we go to the Farmers Market, we make sure to stock up on pie pumpkins, butternut, red kuri, acorn, and spaghetti squash. Some go into savory dishes, like a soup or stir fry, and the rest go to feed my sweet tooth. Yes, vegetable cookies…

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/10/06/fall-harvest-recipe-amazing-pumpkin-spice-cookies/feed/ Entering Autumn: Beauty Tips For the Fall http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/23/entering-autumn-beauty-tips-for-the-fall/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/23/entering-autumn-beauty-tips-for-the-fall/#comments Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:00:26 +0000 Reenita Malhotra http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/23/entering-autumn-beauty-tips-for-the-fall/ Autumn leavesNow that we are just past the autumnal equinox, it is time to shake up your beauty routine to adjust for the cooler months coming. The Fall is a time of change. Making small and subtle changes now will help you look and feel your best this season.

Here are some Fall beauty tips that are easy to incorporate into your routine.

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]]> http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/23/entering-autumn-beauty-tips-for-the-fall/feed/ Five Fall Foods That Will Boost Your Health (And Meal Ideas, Too) http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/09/17/five-fall-foods-that-will-boost-your-health-and-meal-ideas-too/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/09/17/five-fall-foods-that-will-boost-your-health-and-meal-ideas-too/#comments Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:00:10 +0000 Kelli Best-Oliver http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/09/17/five-fall-foods-that-will-boost-your-health-and-meal-ideas-too/ >> Welcome Readers! Did you know that Green Options has 15 sites? If you like this post, please subscribe for our main RSS feed or the Green Options Newsletter!

When the summer heat breaks and the first cool days arrive, I feel melancholy, because it means the end of our local farmers market is nigh and the variety of summer produce will soon be gone.  While I savor the rest of our ripening tomatoes, my thoughts turn to fall’s produce, with its rich red and orange hues, mirroring the turning leaves.  Fall produce reminds me of rich, hearty dishes that fill you up during the harvest season.  Here are five fall fruits and vegetables (and meal ideas) that are great sources of nutrition and the basis of many delicious dishes.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/09/17/five-fall-foods-that-will-boost-your-health-and-meal-ideas-too/feed/ LED tea lights! http://serenityii.greenoptions.com/2007/10/02/led-tea-lights/ http://serenityii.greenoptions.com/2007/10/02/led-tea-lights/#comments Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:48:34 +0000 serenity_ii http://serenityii.greenoptions.com/2007/10/02/led-tea-lights/ Found these LED tea lights, and they’re awesome, and it’s a good deal!

http://www.cudge.net/candles_detail10.htm
No more using up lots of wax tea lights, no more blown-out flames, no more burning risks, hopefully no more toxins!
]]> http://serenityii.greenoptions.com/2007/10/02/led-tea-lights/feed/ Seasonal Eating: Ode to the Local Fall Pumpkin http://lisakivirist.greenoptions.com/2007/09/21/seasonal-eating-ode-to-the-local-fall-pumpkin/ http://lisakivirist.greenoptions.com/2007/09/21/seasonal-eating-ode-to-the-local-fall-pumpkin/#comments Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:34:39 +0000 Lisa Kivirist http://lisakivirist.greenoptions.com/2007/09/21/seasonal-eating-ode-to-the-local-fall-pumpkin/

Don’t call us the Grinches of Halloween just because we eat our pumpkin rather than prop it up as a doorstop decoration. Actually, we’re on a mission to resurrect the reputation of the poor pumpkin. Once a meaningful Fall mealtime staple, pumpkins epitomize seasonal autumn eating with hearty flavor that have, unfortunately, been relegated to craft supply.

For those wanting to incorporate more local and seasonal foods into their diet during the fall season, try pumpkin. These autumn wonders represents key qualities to look for in seasonal foods this time of year:

  • Locally grown. Chances are there are pumpkins growing near you. Cultivated throughout the world, the hearty pumpkin adapts well to various climates.
  • Great taste. Steer away from pumpkins bred for Halloween carving because these aim for size and not flavor. Seek out colorful and poignant heirloom varieties at your local farmers’ market, such as the French Cinderella pumpkin, vibrant orange-red in color and flat in shape, ranging from one to two feet across.

  • Nutritionally dense. Think like a squirrel and stockpile items that will provide powerhouse nutrients into the lean winter months. Pumpkins rank as an important winter vegetable (although, technically, pumpkins are botanically classified as a fruit) for the seasonal eater as they provide high levels of an important antioxidant, beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, in addition to providing high levels of iron and potassium.
  • Easy to store. Keep a pumpkin at a moderate 50 to 60 degrees (dry basement storage works well) and make sure there the shell is hard and the stem unbroken. Once a pumpkin starts to soften, we cut off the rind, clear out the inside seeds and pulp and cook the pumpkin by placing small cut chunks in a steamer over boiling water, simmering until tender. After mashing either with a potato masher or in a food processor, the pumpkin puree readily freezes for later use in soups or breads.

These moist muffins regularly appear on our fall Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast menu. This recipe, from our cookbook, Edible Earth: Savoring the Good Life with Vegetarian Recipes from Inn Serendipity, also works with other pureed winter squash, such as butternut and acorn.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins


Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 c. pumpkin fresh purée
1 stick (½ c.) butter, melted
2 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. ground ginger
½ t. ground nutmeg
½ t. ground allspice
1 t. baking soda
½ t. baking powder
¼ t. salt
¾ c. sugar
1 ¾ c. flour
¾ c. chocolate chips


Directions:

  • Grease 12 standard muffin cups.
  • In a large bowl, mix together eggs, pumpkin and butter.
  • Add spices, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar and flour. Mix until well blended.
  • Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Fill prepared muffin cups until almost full.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for about 5 minutes before removing from pan and placing on wire rack.


Yield: 12 muffins.

]]> http://lisakivirist.greenoptions.com/2007/09/21/seasonal-eating-ode-to-the-local-fall-pumpkin/feed/ Pumpkin http://serenityii.greenoptions.com/2007/09/11/pumpkin/ http://serenityii.greenoptions.com/2007/09/11/pumpkin/#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:50:46 +0000 serenity_ii http://serenityii.greenoptions.com/2007/09/11/pumpkin/ Sadly, our little green pumpkin that was doing so well deflated and turned yellow.  "Where’s my pumpkin go?" my poor son asked.  The plant hasn’t stopped blooming, but I don’t know if I expect more pumpkins or not.  Our raspberries look like they’re doing okay despite the fact that little bugs attacked the leaves this year.  We got maybe an ear’s worth of popcorn.

We’ve been kind of neglecting the farmers’ markets.  Sometimes they’re as much garage/bake sale as veggie market. . .there was a guy with an "edible lawn" sign last time, which intrigued me, but we just haven’t gotten back.  Bill never seems inclined to buy anything there, so it seems a bit pointless sometimes.
We have been buying more organic and local food, so that’s good.
One of our flood lights went out the other day.  I figured we’d get an LED flood bulb, but Bill’s talking about replacing the whole fixture, so I guess we’ll see what happens.
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