by Peter Cassell
by Peter Cassell
The Halloweens of childhood were feverishly anticipated. Costumes were planned for weeks before those chilly autumn eves. My prankster friends and I strategized fiendish eggings and toilet paper wrappings. Expectations rose, anything could happen in the ghostly light of jack-o-lanterns.
Although I've grown older, I still have that tickle of anticipation, but these days, Halloween is about entertaining ghouls and goblins and a few good friends at a smashing pumpkin party. The pumpkin, that very magical squash, whether carved or cooked, its presence nails the coffin shut on summer. This year we are planning an entire menu of pumpkin delights.
When you think pumpkin, you might think pie, but it is a much more versatile gourd. Imagine rissoto, soups, pastas, ice cream, roasted whole, sauteed, baked, mashed and grilled pumpkin. There are almost as many recipies as Gump's buddy Bubba knew for shrimp. Just about anything you can think of, you can do, which is a good thing because the harvest is abundant in October and November. So, starting from soup to nuts, we offer "Cucurbita Pepo - The Melon Of Autumn," or "What can you do with the great Pumpkin Charlie Brown?" We have seen some very creative uses for the orange orb. Some of our favorites have been chef Marc Salonsky's Pumpkin Puree with Japanese BBQ Sturgeon (light, fluffy, incredibly flavorful) and Pumpkin Cheese Cake (tall, rich, thick, creamy, with a graham cracker crust).
While you are on your pumpkin shopping spree, pick a few extras for carving. Nothing says Halloween like a room full of leering, fire-filled jack-o-lanterns. If you've always wanted to sculpt...here's your chance. Plan early, feel the bite in the air and have a howl.
TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
Rinse seeds to remove all strings and pulp
Pat dry with paper towels, spread on a baking sheet and let stand a few hours until dried out
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Toss dried seeds with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and salt to taste
Spread seeds on baking sheet and bake for approximately 25 minutes, mixing them every 5 minutes
Let cool completely.
Pop a beer and start munching
