Pumpkins show up everywhere in the autumn months. You see them carved and set up as decorations around the house as well as the main focus in specialty drinks, such as the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Pumpkins can be used in all kinds of different ways that may have never crossed your mind before. These squash plants are loaded with wrinkle fighting vitamins such as Vitamins A, C and E. Plus they are packed full of antioxidants, which we all could use a little more of in our daily diets. After carving out your holiday pumpkin, start putting those leftover pumpkin guts to use by trying out these fun recipes and simple crafts.
Facial Mask:
This facial mask is sure to leave your skin soft with all the vitamins packed within pumpkin. Put those leftover pumpkin guts to work by creating a soothing and delicious smelling mask. To create a pumpkin facial mask we will use:
- 2 tbsp. canned pumpkin puree, or the leftovers of one small pumpkin
- 1/2 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. milk
To make:
- Make sure to start with a fresh face. Remove any makeup and wash your face with a cleanser before starting.
- Mix the pumpkin puree, honey and milk. If using fresh pumpkin, scrape the insides of the pumpkin out and remove the seeds. Beat the insides into a pulp and combine with the milk and honey.
- Apply mask to your face and neck. Avoid contact with eyes.
- Allow mask to set for about 20 minutes.
- Remove mask with warm water and finish with a moisturizer.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream:
This delicious low-fat mixture between ice cream and cheesecake will blow your mind. In as quick as 40 minutes you will have a naturally healthy, protein packed desert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup low fat milk
- 2 tbsp. sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
To make:
- Mix all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Place mixture in a covered container.
- Place the container in the freezer, and stir the mixture every half hour until it reaches desired consistency and temperature.
Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Combine the following ingredients to create your own!
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
Mini Pumpkin Candles:
Do you ever go to the pumpkin patch and want to take home all the mini pumpkins and gourds because they are so cute, but you have nothing to do with them? In these easy steps you can transform these useless little buggers into functional holiday decorations.
Ingredients:
- Gourds and mini pumpkins
- Sharp knife
- Spoon
- Wax flakes
- Candle wicks
- Candle scent
- Spoon
To make:
First you need to carve the pumpkin. Using the sharp knife, you can cut off the top of the gourd and scoop out all of the innards with your spoon (Remember to save these innards for a lovely facial mask). Be sure to clean the inside of the gourd as well as you can.
Next you will need to heat the wax over a low heat, for which I recommend using a double boiler. Continue to stir the wax until fully melted. Stir in a few drops of the scent you have chosen. I recommend something fall related, such as pumpkin or cinnamon. Remove the wax from the heat and let it stand until thick.
- While the wax is melting, fix a wick to the inside of the pumpkin using hot glue.
- Pour the melted wax inside the pumpkins, filling them 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full.
- Let the pumpkin sit 24 hours before lighting the candle. Leave the pumpkin in room temperature or cooler so the wax doesn’t melt.
Pumpkin Coffee:
Tired of ordering that PSL over and over again? Try ordering a Pumpkin Spice Macchiato instead. This blend of pumpkin spice and caramel will have your taste buds begging for more. Have the barista substitute the vanilla flavoring with pumpkin spice. Make sure they still give you that delicious caramel drizzle! Add whip cream on top for an extra sweet treat.Next time you find yourself at the pumpkin patch make sure to pick up pumpkins of all sizes. You can use the little ones for candles or other crafts, and carve those plump ones to your hearts content. Save all the pumpkin guts for delicious recipes and refreshing facemasks and homemade lotions. You can never have too much pumpkin in your life!