¿Qué Pasa, Calabaza?

I LOVE pumpkins and I am happy to report that after 4 years of trying we have finally managed to grow pumpkins in our garden. When you come to our house and see our pumpkins lining the walkway you may think “Oh, what nice festive decorations,” but I see pumpkin muffins, pumpkin black bean soup, pumpkin harvest bars and pumpkin pies for the making. And I LOVE this time of year because I get to pull out all of my favorite pumpkin recipes and bake the day away.

Here are two of my favorites:

Pumpkin Chip Cupcakes

Pumpkin Chip Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup canned pumpkin

½ cup canola oil

½ cup honey

1/3 cup water

1 cup chocolate chips

1. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Combine the eggs, pumpkin, oil, honey and water. Stir into dry ingredients just until combines; fold in chocolate chips.
2. Fill greased or foil-lined muffin cups there-fourth full. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes on rack before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Eat and enjoy!

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (16 oz) pumpkin puree

½ cup red onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 tablespoon olive oil

4 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

1. Place oil, red onions, garlic and seasonings into a large pot.
2. Cook on low-medium heat until red onions and garlic brown.
3. Puree the beans and tomatoes with half vegetable broth. Add puree ingredients, pumpkin and rest of broth to your pot.
4. Simmer uncovered until thick, about 40-45 minutes. Before serving garnish with sour cream and cilantro.
5. Eat and enjoy!

I share these two wonderful recipes in the hopes that you will share yours. I am searching for a good pumpkin curry recipe. Got one? Please share the goodness.