It's Fall . . . the season of pumpkins and delicious recipes

Article courtesy of Kristina Vanni, host of {BetterRecipes.com}

With the coming of fall our thoughts turn to pumpkins. Those lush, orange objects are more than just Jack O’ Lanterns for Halloween.  One pumpkin can create several meals making it not only a multipurpose ingredient but a cost-efficient and nutritional powerhouse. “Whether you purchase canned, make your own puree, there are so many ways to use this most versatile squash,” explains Chef Kristina Vanni. “Pumpkins can be turned into soups, casseroles, side dishes, breads, cakes, cookies, pies, and preserves. In addition to its wonderful flavor, pumpkin brings a host of nutrients to the table, particularly Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium.” 

photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market

 

As a chef, Kristina Vanni is known for her "Easy, Elegant, and Everyday" approach to cooking. Her recipes are approachable but have "that certain something" that makes them unique and special.  She is the food writer and on-camera talent for BetterRecipes.com (part of the Meredith Corporation Food Sites). As we head into fall, Kristina shows home cooks how to take a single pumpkin and transform it into a fabulous, affordable fall meal.

 

“You won't believe how easy it is to make your own fresh pumpkin puree and use it in delicious recipes that everyone will love. The dishes I have created here offer a new way to enjoy the entire pumpkin, all the way down to the seeds! “ 

 

Once you buy your pumpkin, Kristina has these time-saving tips on how to get the most out of your pumpkin:

 

How to Cook a Fresh Pumpkin

Start with small pumpkins, about 2-3 pounds. The smaller pumpkins are not only easier to handle, they are sweeter in taste. First, wash the pumpkins over running water and pat dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel. Next, cut the pumpkin into large chunks and scoop out all the seeds (save them for roasting!) and stringy bits. Now you are ready! Here are some easy options on how to cook the pumpkins chunks. Use whatever method is best for you.   

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Hot Trends for Fall Weddings

Article Courtesy of Susanna from K.i.s.s. Wedding Ideas

Fabulous fall is upon us, and it's time to fall in love… with all the great new styles, shades and decorations we’re seeing at fall weddings! This season, forget the typical tired old fall fashions – it’s all about hot colors and even hotter ideas. The weather might be cooling off, but the mercury on our trend-ometer is going through the roof!

Fall Wedding Colors
Cool turquoise and sunny yellow might have been the hot choices for summer, but I’m guessing we’re going to see a move towards a much richer palette of jewel tones this season. Think luscious emerald, glittering garnet and rich, romantic ruby. Think dark and delicious and hot, hot, hot!

Fall Themes
Vintage is the catchphrase this season… I’m imagining the Mad Men era, with its elegance and classic charm. Can’t you just picture it? Cigars, whisky bars and sultry tunes – what could be classier? I’d give the bridal party a real 50s look, have some gorgeous pics taken in a classic car, and use real vintage pieces sourced from antique shops or flea markets to create centerpieces and favors. Click here for more fabulous wedding reception decoration ideas.

Food for Thought
Foodies are the new yuppies, I reckon, so you really can’t cut corners on your fall wedding menu. I think there’s going to be an emphasis on seasonal fare and dishes created out of typical fall foods – pumpkin, squash, nuts, apples, and so on. That goes for serving too! I love innovative ways of dishing up each course, and what could be cuter than pumpkin soup in mini hollowed-out pumpkins?

Shabby Chic Centerpieces
Forget perfectly coifed centerpieces – they’re so 2010. Instead, I’m envisioning a move towards a really unique look, a kind of mix-and-match of vases, glass jars and other eclectic finds. The look is funky and unusual and definitely not run-of-the-mill. Best of all? It’s cheaper, and easier. Remember ladies – keep it simple and special. You can’t go wrong.

The great thing about a fall wedding is that you can move away from conventional flowers and really get creative with pumpkins, candles, squashes, sheaves of wheat, nuts and leaves. Looking for inspiration? You’ll find some great fall wedding centerpieces here…

Bridal Looks
Just as vintage style dresses are making a comeback, so too are retro hairstyles and accessories. No more too-tight chignons ladies – the look for fall is long, loose and curly. If you're set on an up-do, make it a simple one… a loose bun with a few curls pulled out is perfect. And who says you need a full-on long veil? I'm anticipating a lot more brides are going to go for chic Art Deco hairpieces, with feathers and pearls and crystals. Classy and contemporary – what’s not to love??

K.i.s.s Wedding Ideas, created by Susanna, is full of inspiration and tips to help you keep it simple and special for perfect weddings on any budget.