Campus Press

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Entertainment

Pumpkins have many uses and are found inexpensively during the fall. (CU Independent File Photo/Danielle Alberti)

Pumpkins have more uses than they are often given credit for. This year spice up an ordinary pumpkin with these fun and tasty ideas.

Pumpkin ravioli

For some fun with food, add fresh-pureed pumpkin to a ravioli filling recipe. According to The Better Homes and Garden Cookbook, mixing ricotta cheese with pureed pumpkin and a pinch of salt for the stuffing can make a tasteful treat.

The cookbook recommends using dough that is made from flour, eggs and olive oil. Each bite is a surprise in itself; the pumpkin flavoring just gives it a little extra punch.

Pumpkin coffee

This is a great way to start the day right. This festive drink is roasted with pumpkin spices and coffee beans. Starbucks advertises pumpkin spice coffees in various drinks - both hot and cold. The drinks range from frappuccinos and lattés to regular coffees.

For pumpkin coffee at home, buy a bag at the grocery store and keep it for year-round use.

Pumpkin bowling

Looking for a way to use leftover pumpkins after Halloween? Knock around some old pumpkins in a game of pumpkin bowling, according to pumpkinnook.com. Take this game outside and set up some liter-sized soda bottles as the pins and take aim at the pins with the pumpkin. After knocking around some pins see who can get the pumpkin to burst first.

Pumpkin dip

Making a unique dip is an easy way to entertain guests for the Halloween season. Similar to the ravioli, this dish this is a perfect snack for the fall season. According to The Better Homes and Garden Cookbook, all it requires is confection sugar, cream cheese, pumpkin pie filling and cinnamon. Mix it all together and voilá - homemade pumpkin dip.

Pumpkin vase

Martha Stewart's Web site has a creative suggestion for people who need extra storage this fall. With a regular pumpkin that is any size, cut out the top and take all the guts out from the inside and let the pumpkin dry for a couple of days.

The new gourd will be the perfect vase for festive flowers. If there are no flowers on hand use the pumpkin vase as a cup holder for loose pens lying around. The dried pumpkin will add a festive touch to the room and is a decoration for any occasion.

Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Sara Handing at sara.handing@colorado.edu.

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