As you are well aware, the coming of the autumnal season signifies the reappearance of one of our favourite and most versatile fruits (yes, fruits): the pumpkin!

 Oh yes, you can now find your standard run-of-the-mill Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte or mass-produced pumpkin pie, but how can you really show your appreciation for our orange friend?

 Well you can do much more than you think (including win; read to the bottom); just read the list.

1. Make a facemask- pumpkins are powerhouses for zinc and A, C, and E vitamins. Get the recipe for a fabulous facemask here.
2. Create some awesome-sounding Mexican pumpkin candy.
3. Stir up some super easy pumpkin butter– great on toast, and an easy way to autumn-up your morning.
4. Prepare a warming pumpkin soup.
5. Serve your pumpkin soup (see above) in super cute and creative pumpkin bowls! (I know we are all responsible etc., but if you are not good with knives please oh please get a responsible adult to do any pumpkin cutting for you).
6. If gardening is something that interests you, feel free to construct a pumpkin planter for any small autumn flowers or plants you have!
7. Brew a pumpkin spice latte with REAL pumpkin in it. Bet it’s better than the Starbucks one you had this morning.
8. Assemble a beautiful pumpkin bouquet/centerpiece (the flowers/plants are inside the pumpkin- go to the third picture on the page)- if you want to go to the next level, replace the little berry things with ADORABLE pumpkin peppers (sold at Trader Joe’s).
9. Prep a plethora of pumpkin puree– the great thing with puree, is that it can be frozen and used in place of canned pumpkin for the best pie ever or even for one of the recipes listed here (hint hint).
10. Spice up your pumpkin seeds- no really– with this Cajun pumpkin seed recipe.
11. Carve a Disney themed jack-o-lantern.
12. Squash is a kind of pumpkin. So with that in mind, let nothing stop you from making this delectable Butternut Squash Mac ‘n Cheese.
13. For you advanced chefs out there, a great dessert: chocolate pumpkin tart (with a gingersnap crust!).
14. These pumpkin fries will reassure your faith in humanity.
15. Traumatize your neighbourhood with this pumpkin spider. This could also be useful if you wish to ensure that you get no trick-or-treaters at your house on Halloween.
16. After another pumpkin that will keep people at bay? Enter the masked lady pumpkin.
17. Hark, Harry Potter fans: pumpkin juice is a real thing, and you can make it right now.
18. Pumpkin ravioli with sage butter. I don’t believe any further explanation is needed.
19. When two of humanity’s great loves come together, what do they make? Pumpkin Nutella Bread.
20. And finally, the old classic: traditional pumpkin pie. Traditional, as in the pumpkin comes from a fresh pumpkin, not a can.

Now that you have read this article in full, you will know that The Anchor is holding a competition! Pick one or more of the items on this list to create, and submit a picture of you and your creation and you could win a pumpkin themed prize! Email your submissions to Ms. Bostic, or to Noor Jahanshahi.

Good luck, and have fun!