Let’s Talk About Pumpkins
BY MARYANN MIANO
Happy Halloween! If you have visions of orange pumpkins dancing in
your head, it’s a good bet you associate Halloween with this particular
squash. Pumpkins and squash have long been revered for their
unusual and eye-catching appearance. They are characterized by a rounded
shape and yellow to orange color. Probably the best known pumpkin is
the C.Pepo, which can weigh as much as 100 lbs. and is popular for carving
at Halloween. We know this pumpkin as the famous jack-o-lantern.
Our present-day jack-o-lantern originated from Irish folklore. Good
ole jack really began as a turnip, but when the Irish came to America due
to the potato famine, they found the turnip not as readily available and
substituted the pumpkin as their jack-o-lantern. In the Irish tale, Jack
crossed the devil and could not make it into heaven or hell. The devil
and Jack carved a turnip to keep the ash inside, using it as a light to endlessly
wander the earth.
Pumpkins have a long history going back many centuries. It is
estimated to date as far back as 7,000 BC, possibly with its beginnings
FALL PUMPKIN BREAD
•
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 large eggs
• 1 16-ounce can solid pack pumpkin
(not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
46 OCTOBER 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
in Mexico and Central America. Pumpkin got its name from the Greek
“pepon,” which means large melon. The pumpkin is a fruit growing on
vines on the ground. After about 90 to 120 days, pumpkins grow to their
full size. Ripe pumpkins are harvested in October.
nutritional value, thinking in terms of its usefulness as a Halloween decoration
only. However, pumpkin is for more than carving. The uses for pump-
Not only are pumpkins interesting to look at, easy to grow and fun
-
lesterol, is low in fat and sodium and rich in vitamins, in particular beta
carotene and vitamin A. The seeds are wonderful, too, when removed and
toasted in the oven.
The pumpkin is often underrated as a useful ingredient. It will sur-
and give it a try with a pumpkin dish or baked good for fall. Surprise your
family this Halloween by serving this fast and easy pumpkin quick bread!
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan.
2.
3. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat brown sugar, sugar, shortening, eggs, and pumpkin until blended; with
Top with remaining nuts.
4. Bake for 75 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. If top of loaf browns too quickly, loosely cover
cooling on rack. Makes one loaf or 12 servings.
/TheJournalNJ.com