This week I introduce you to P. Monica Lobo, a Registered Dietitian hailing from Chicago.  After this post, I’m rarin’ up to make something pumpkin-y this week!  Thanks Monica!

In this economy, the thought of anything going to waste breaks my heart. Whether it is leftover food, pieces of paper or what’s left of my chapstick, I refuse to let anything to go waste! Given this mentality, join me and my fellow wizards, goblins and vampires (Team Edward, by the way) to ensure that no bright, plump pumpkin goes to waste!

First things first…why bother? Pumpkins can do more for us than entertain our autumn spirit. They are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and folate meaning they will help us from getting sick, good for our eyes (which will come in handy when adjusting sight in haunted houses) and help produce and maintain new cells. Those benefits alone ought to get you to make the most of your pumpkins this season!

Pumpkin Palette Pleasers

Horror Flick Snack Attack. Try cutting pumpkin into cubes, sprinkle with salt, pepper and olive oil and bake at 350 degrees 30-45 minutes until tender. Roast the seeds separately (seasoned in salt) for two great snacks while watching your favorite horror flicks.

Pumpkin for Comfort. Discover your ultimate comfort food by falling in love with a recipe for pumpkin risotto, casserole or soup. Serve in a small pumpkin that’s about the size of a grapefruit to get your costumed-guests in the Halloween spirit.

Beyond Pumpkin Pie. Go wild with your imagination and go beyond that annual pumpkin pie. This season, try pumpkin cupcakes, frosted pumpkin cookies, or a pumpkin cheesecake for a change.

What are some of your favorite things to do with pumpkins? Which of the above will you try this season?

For more on P. Monica Lobo, RD, please visit her blog at http://sincerelynutrition.wordpress.com.  You can also follow her on Twitter @dearnutrition.