Pumpkin Time

There are pumpkins everywhere you look this week. Here are some new and easy ways from Real Simple's website to use pumpkin, beyond the usual pie.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Serves 4
Prepare 1 cup dry pancake mix according to the package directions.
Whisk in 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree.

Pumpkin Milk Shake

Makes 1 milk shake
Blend until smooth 1 cup vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Pumpkin Whipped Cream

Makes 2 cups
Beat together 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree until soft peaks form.