Boo! It seems Halloween is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment, and although not an overly celebrated holiday in Australia, we love any excuse to get a little festive alongside our US sisterhood. So, in the true tradition of this trick-or-treat holiday, we thought it was necessary to cook up some Pumpkin-y recipes for you to try.

Due to its bright, orange hue, pumpkins pack a powerful punch of beta-carotene, commonly known for its immune boosting powers and an essential ingredient for improving eye health.

To get into the full swing of Halloween, grab yourself a pumpkin and try one of these healthy halloween recipes. Sweet or Savoury? We really couldn’t decide, so we made both.

Choc Pumpkin & Walnut Brownie

Makes 15 serves, Cook time: 15 minutes

What you’ll need:

500g pumpkin
500g almond meal
1 cup dates
½ tsp. bi-carb soda
2 eggs
100g 85% dark chocolate
½ cup chopped walnuts

How To Make It:

• Prepare the pumpkin puree at least an hour in advance.
• Chop the pumpkin into small pieces, then steam or boil until soft.
• Mash the pumpkin and then suspend it in a sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a clean, dry chux cloth) to drain out the liquid from the pumpkin.
• Preheat oven to 160 degrees. Temper the chocolate over a bay marie, ensuring the bowl containing the chocolate is not touching the water
• In a saucepan, heat the dates with a dash of hot water. After the dates melt a little, take it off heat and then add the bi-carb soda.
• Combine all ingredients into a bowl. You can either spread the mix onto a lined baking tray or roll into little balls and make little individual brownies.
• Cook in the 160 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until the brownies are firm to touch

Immunity Boosting Pumpkin Soup 

FUN TIP: Make a mini pumpkin bowl – Simply carve out the flesh of one of these mini pumpkins and serve your soup to party guests. Such a fun presentation idea!

Which Pumpkin Recipe will you try… sweet or savoury? 

MNB
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