Fun Facts about Pumpkins…
Pumpkins are grown on six of the seven continents. Antartica is the only continent they’re not grown on.
Morton, Illinois is the self-proclaimed Pumpkin Capital. Coincidently, it’s also the home of Libby’s canned pumpkin corporation.
Irish immigrants brought the pumpkin carving tradition to America. They found pumpkins to be much easier than turnips to carve.
80% of the pumpkin supply available in the US is available during October and November.
Pumpkins aren’t a vegetable, but are fruits. They are completely edible and chockfull of potassium and Vitamin A. They’re actually members of the Cucurbita family which also includes squash and cucumbers.
In early colonial times, pumpkins were considered the crust or container in what we would think of as the precursor to pumpkin pie. Colonists would slice off and remove the pumpkin tops, remove seeds and then fill the insides with milk, spices and honey to be baked in hot ashes.
Pumpkin Flan
A wonderfully flavored flan that is a good substitute for pumpkin pie
2½ cups plus 1 Tbls sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1½ cups cooked pumpkin, pureed
5 large eggs
1½ cups undiluted evaporated milk
1/3 cup water
1½ tsp vanilla
Whipped cream sweetened with sugar and vanilla
Melt 1½ cups of sugar over low heat until the sugar forms a golden syrup. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Pour immediately into a 1 ½ quart soufflé dish, turning and rolling dish from side to side to coat bottom with caramel. Set aside.
Combine 1 cup of the remaining sugar with the salt and cinnamon. Add pumpkin and eggs. Mix well. Stir in the evaporated milk, the water and vanilla. Mix well and turn into the caramel-coated soufflé dish. Set soufflé dish in a large bowl or pan of hot water. Bake for 1 ¼ hours or until a knife inserted into the center of the filling comes out clean. Cool and chill.
To serve, run a knife around the sides of the pan. Turn flan onto a serving plate. Cut the flan in wedges. Top each serving with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.
Canned pumpkin works just as well.
