After the fall holidays, many people throw their pumpkins away without considering how useful they can be. Pumpkins can be turned into delicious recipes, festive decorations, and even natural skincare products. Here are eight clever ways to repurpose your pumpkins this holiday season!
1. Pumpkin Puree
Making pumpkin puree is a fantastic way to extend the life of your pumpkins and save money during the holiday season. Use the puree for pies, cakes, muffins, and more.
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove seeds (save them for roasting).
- Place the halves cut-side down in a baking dish with a cup of water.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 90 minutes until the flesh is tender.
- Scoop out the flesh and blend it in a food processor until smooth.
2. Donate Them to Farmers
Farm animals love pumpkins! Donate your leftover pumpkins to local farmers or use them to attract wildlife in hunting areas. Pumpkins are a sweet and nutritious treat for animals.
3. Pumpkin Butter
Turn your pumpkin into a delicious spread with this easy recipe:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water or apple cider
- Pinch of salt
- Pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger)
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes. Store in a glass jar in the fridge and enjoy on fresh bread.
4. Heal Your Skin
Create a DIY exfoliating face mask with your leftover pumpkins:
- 1 tsp green tea (brewed)
- 2 tsp pineapple (diced)
- 4 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp aloe vera gel
- 1/2 tsp jojoba oil
- 4 tsp cornmeal
Mix the ingredients, apply to your face, and leave for 15–20 minutes. Rinse and moisturize for refreshed skin. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
5. Floating Candle
Turn small pumpkins into festive floating candles:
- Cut out the stem and trace the outline of a tea candle on the pumpkin.
- Carve out the traced area just deep enough to fit the candle.
- Place the candle inside the pumpkin and float it in a bowl of water for a beautiful decoration.
6. Pumpkin Biscuits
Add a unique twist to your Thanksgiving table with pumpkin biscuits:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine. Roll out the dough, cut biscuits, and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.
7. Air Freshener
Create a festive air freshener with your pumpkin:
- Rub your favorite spices (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg) on the inside of the pumpkin.
- Light a tea candle inside the pumpkin for a warm, seasonal aroma.
8. Flower Pot
Transform your pumpkin into a decorative flower pot:
- Cut a hole in the top of a medium-sized pumpkin, wide enough to fit a mason jar.
- Clean out the pumpkin's insides.
- Place flowers in a mason jar filled with water, then insert the jar into the pumpkin.
Display your pumpkin flower pot as a centerpiece or gift it to a friend.