Here are two yummy pumpkin recipes from the Food Network:

Pumpkin Smoothie

2 C canned pumpkin

½ C vanilla soy milk

½ C vanilla yogurt

1 TBS pumpkin spice

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 dash vanilla extract, plus 2 dashes

1½ C crushed ice

1 naval orange

1 C low-fat whipping cream, plus garnish

5 tsp. powdered sugar

Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

 

In a blender, combine pumpkin, soy milk, yogurt, pumpkin spice, juice of half a lemon, and 1 dash of vanilla extract. Blend together until smooth, and begin adding the ice while continuing to blend. When mixture is thick and creamy, stop and hold in refrigerator at least 30 minutes. Cut off the top 1/3 of the orange. Remove the inside of the orange and reserve the rind. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream, powdered sugar, and the remaining vanilla extract; then whip on high until a stiff peak forms. Transfer the smoothie into the orange rind, and garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.

And another:

Pumpkin Spiced Pancakes

 

Pecan Syrup:

1 C maple-flavored pancake syrup

5 TBS pecans, toasted and chopped

 

Pancakes:

1 C buttermilk pancake mix

1 C cold water

1/3 cup canned pumpkin

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. ground ginger

Nonstick vegetable cooking spray

Butter, room temperature

 

Pecan Syrup Preparation:

Combine maple syrup and pecans in small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave on high until hot, about 25 seconds. Set pecan syrup aside and keep warm.

 

Pancake Preparation:

In a medium bowl, whisk pancake mix, water, pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger until just blended (do not over mix; mixture should be lumpy).

 

Spray a heavy griddle with nonstick spray and heat griddle over medium heat. Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto griddle to form each pancake. Cook for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear, then turn pancakes over and cook for 2 minutes longer. Transfer pancakes to plates. Top with butter and serve with warm pecan syrup.

I’ve always wanted to try pumpkin pancakes; every time I drive by I-Hop and see their sign advertising such I make a mental note to go in and order before Halloween comes and goes. In the interim I plan to try the above recipe, although I will probably leave out the syrup.