5 Ways to Use Pumpkin That Aren’t Spiced Lattes
If you’re a #fallfangirl like me, odds are you probably found yourself at the entrance of a Trader Joe’s, pumpkin spiced latte in hand, eyes on all of the perfectly orange pumpkins ready for carving and all of the pumpkin baked goods galore. In my case, I just get really excited and pick up tons cans of pumpkin purèe, with the anticipation that I’ll come up with a bunch of amazing fall-worthy treats that’ll use up dozens of pumpkin cans.
Well, after a few rounds of nostalgic pumpkin musings and the ultimately just making (yet again) my favorite, pumpkin-spiced latte and keto pumpkin-cheesecake bars, I find my investment in cans of pumpkin isn’t always well allocated.
It took a visit to the adorable Gallagher’s Pumpkin patch in St. Pete to inspire some autumnal creativity and really push my pumpkin potential — but seriously, isn’t this place just the cutest?! If you’re living in Tampa Bay, you need to stop by to pick up some (HUGE) pumpkins and snag some holiday-card grade-cuteness family photos.
So instead of stocking up on pumpkin purèe like it’s the apocalypse with no direction in mind, I found five brand new ways to incorporate one of my favorite (and most affordable) seasonal ingredients. If you found yourself pumped up on the gourd this month, keep on reading for some of my favorite ways to use pumpkin purèe this year!
1. Pumpkin Latte Facial
Not joking with you, pumpkin enzymes do some wonderful things for your skin. They’re full of natural antioxidants that reduce the signs of aging, while fighting free radicals and providing natural protection.
Pumpkins are also loaded with zinc, which has been proven to reduce irritation and redness caused by acne, as well as vitamin A & C which boosts collagen production. Pumpkins are also stocked with alpha hydroxy acids, a natural and gentle exfoliant. Many of the best pumpkin face masks come at a pretty penny, like the incredible Pumpkin Enzyme Mask from Peter Thomas Roth. These benefits are exactly why you want to incorporate pumpkin into face mask this week. But instead of breaking the bank for the ultimate fall facial glow-up, you can easily use of those cans (with a few other ingredients that you definitely have in your pantry to create an easy and effective “pumpkin latte facial,” which will exfoliate and slough away those dead cells, while moisturizing and protecting the skin.
2. Pumpkin oatmeal
Adding a few spoonfuls of pumpkin purée into your oatmeal is probably the healthiest (and one of the most delicious) ways of getting your pumpkin fix in the morning. Find the easy recipe below!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled oats
1½ cup almond milk, or milk of choice
¼ cup pumpkin purèe
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
¼ tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp cloves
⅛ tsp nutmeg
STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS
Add oats to small pot with milk. Cook over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Add in the purèe, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and syrup. Stir to combine.
Cook for about 10 minutes, until oats are softened.
Top with additional syrup, nutmeg and a small amount of heavy cream for a fall treat!
3. Pumpkin Body Sugar Scrub
This great recipe from Pennywise Mama, utilizes the enzymes and nutrients from pumpkin to moisturize flaky skin resulting from the drier fall weather. This is an inexpensive, quick and easy recipe to make at home, that works to exfoliate the skin and combat dryness and flakiness. Not to mention, you can make a big batch of this, package in cute little glass jars, label and gift to your friends for the holidays! *Spa day is every day*
INGREDIENTS
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin purèe
1/2 cup coconut oil
1-2 tbsp. olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well.
Scrub on body where moisture and renewal is needed and rinse of with warm water.
4. Pumpkin Pie Moscow Mule
I LOVE a moscow mule anytime of year, so when I stumbled upon this recipe from Freutcake.com, I knew it would be my fall go-to libation! The best part about this cocktail is that you can gauge the sweetness by switching out the flavored vodka that you use — using vanilla or standard based on your preference and you can also add lime to cut the sweetness.
Image courtesy of Freutcake.com
INGREDIENTS
2-4 oz vanilla or standard vodka of your preference
1 heaping tablespoon of pumpkin purèe (reserve more for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Ginger beer
Lime
Cinnamon Sticks
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill shaker with ice adding pumpkin, pumpkin purèe, pumpkin pie spice & lime juice.
Pour into a copper mule mug filled with ice and top with ginger beer.
Garnish with sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice (and dollop of puree if desired) and add a cinnamon stick and you’re ready to sip!
5. Pumpkin Hair Mask
Let’s face it, dry fall-weather, definitely doesn’t help any of our pores, be it face or scalp. Did you know that a serving of pumpkin contains a ton of vitamin C, niacin, zinc, iron and many key vitamins that are extremely beneficial for your hair. Additionally, cucurbitacin, is a biochemical compound in pumpkins that has been shown to promote hair cell growth and cell turnover. This easy DIY pumpkin hair mask will not only exfoliate and moisturize your scalp, but it will renew hair follicles, promoting quicker and fuller hair growth. Check out the easy recipe below!
So there you have it, some of my favorite {new} ways to enjoy fall’s favorite fruit/vegetable (specifically in it’s purèe-iest form). Be sure to comment if you try any of these for yourselves or if you have any recipes that I may have missed in the above! Would love to continue adding to the #GALALIFE pumpkin list :)
Remember to always keep galavanting! xx Alexia ♡