If you live in the northeast and are thinking about buying a pumpkin this season, you may have to shop around.
In some areas of upstate New York, Tropical Storm Irene destroyed about one third of the pumpkin crop. Other farms, however, were left with a bumper crop where pumpkins are quickly selling out.
But don’t delay!
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| Pumpkin Soup
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Pumpkin Soup
1/4 cup water
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cup unsalted vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup half-and-half*
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, optional
Directions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/4 cup water and the chopped onion. Cover, and cook on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, or until onions are soft.
2. In a medium-sized pot add the onion, pumpkin, broth, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings, if necessary. Stir in the milk and cook until hot. Don’t boil.
3. Ladle into individual bowls and garnish with freshly ground black pepper, if using, and a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds (pepitas). Serve immediately.
And don't forget the most famous Armenian pumpkin dish, ghapama (which, according to the song, will bring in over 100 guests if you ever make it)!