These 139 creative recipes for soups, salads, drinks, main dishes, and desserts show off the versatility and year-round appeal of pumpkin and other winter squash.
I'll start by saying that I'm obsessed with pumpkins. Ever since I was a child, I couldn't wait to visit the markets and patches to pick our ginormous, orange beauties for the year. Well, now we grow our own and always have an abundance of pumpkin and winter squash to store and cook over the winter, so when I saw this book, I had to read it.
This has to be one of the most thorough pumpkin cookbooks I've found that covers the different types of pumpkins, storing, preparing, cooking them and so much more. There are facts about pumpkins included as well as tons of recipes. The only subject I would've liked more on is canning it, but that's a fairly simple process we're already familiar with.
So far, we love the roasted corn pumpkin chowder, traditional pie, breads, and mashed potatoes with pumpkin. We ended up buying the book and if you love pumpkin, this cookbook is a staple in the kitchen. I can't wait to try every single recipe and the recipes we've cooked so far have all been keepers.
When I saw that The Pumpkin Cookbook was available for review, I was so excited! I don’t want to wish away the summer quite yet, but the fall and all of those yummy foods that come along with it are my absolute favourites. What is notable about this book of pumpkin inspired recipes is the fact that there are many ideas to incorporate the nutritious benefits of this vegetable all year long.
I always like to try a few of the recipes for my reviews because knowing whether or not the instructions are clear and easy to follow is key to any cookbook. Also, taste is a big factor here, and I can honestly say that The Pumpkin Cookbook delivers in its ability to provide simple, tasty recipes for all of the pumpkin-loving chefs out there.
It is sometimes difficult to assess the quality of the images in an eARC, however, I was quite pleased with this one and its ability to convey all of the different types of pumpkins and pumpkin dishes that are included in the recipes. There are some stunning pictures that will absolutely have you drooling for one of those delicious pumpkin breads.
Not only is this a book of recipes and ideas for creating meals and pumpkin inspired treats, it is a guide on all things pumpkin. Readers will learn how to select, store, and prepare pumpkins for enjoyment year round. I have bookmarked so many recipes, that I am definitely considering purchasing a copy of this book.
Pumpkins, most of us have eaten them in various ways. We see them in coffee, cookies, and soups. I love Pumpkin in many recipes, cook with it often, and will readily admit Autumn is my favorite season. Food, cooking for others, is my love-language so I was beyond thrilled to get The Pumpkin Cookbook, 2nd Edition, by DeeDee Stovel.
This is not a lightweight endeavor. The book is simply visually stunning, full of images that are bright, beautiful, evoking the ingredients, recipes, season. It's a big, colorful, book that spans a vast variety of offerings. From first read you realize this is THE Pumpkin Cookbook. DeeDee Stovel knows her subject, loves her craft, and conveys both in a way that is easily accessible to both experienced chefs and new cooks alike. The recipes are well presented and throughly explained in a thoughtful manner. The book is chock-full of practical informative advise on equivalencies from fresh to canned, how to prepare several ways, store, and freeze. All is easily accessible and referenced up front, not hidden within individual recipes. This is something I constantly hunt for, and I zeroed in on right away. Well done, and thank you!
There are sweet, savory, recipes you are hoping will be included, and recipes that are totally unexpected that you absolutely can not wait to try. From drinks to appetizers, soups to sides, main dishes to desserts, everything is covered! A few of my favorite recipes; Southwest Chicken Pumpkin Soup, Wild Mushroom Pumpkin Risotto, Apple Cranberry Pumpkin Stuffing, Creamy Fusilli Sausage and Pumpkin, and Pumpkin Panna Cotta. I can't wait to try more of these amazing recipes as I work my way through. If you buy one new cookbook this season I highly recommend The Pumpkin Cookbook by DeeDee Stovel. It's a wonderful addition to any kitchen as well as a great gift.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from Storey Publishing through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.
I would like to thank Storey Publishing for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.
Okay, as you can guess by the score that I wasn’t such a fan of ‘The Pumpkin Cookbook, 2nd Edition’ as I had hoped to be. I mean, I wouldn’t have requested it to review if I hadn’t thought it looked interesting. And please, don’t get me wrong, I can see this being just the right sort of pumpkin cook book for certain readers and cooks. I feel I am just the wrong person and that is probably due to the fact I cook and eat pumpkin near daily as it’s not a novelty item here in Australia, like it is in the USA and Canada. So, please realise the flaw causing my low score and less than glowing review comes from me the reader not being suited to the book, rather than ‘The Pumpkin Cookbook, 2nd Edition’ being a bad book. It’s not, honest. It has a lot of potential - for the right audience… which wasn’t me.
Though I will also add, before getting into the positives, that I was actually surprised this was a Storey Publishing book as it doesn’t seem to have the usual sparkle they give their work. I mean, the layout was perfection as usual - simple, easy to follow recipes, well laid out formatting and all in all easy to read. What images there were, however, didn’t seem to have the usual Storey Publishing ‘glow’ to them. Oh, and although it doesn’t affect my way of cooking, some modern cooks may not like this book that much as their isn’t a glossy image to go with each and every recipe. Me? I don’t need it so not affected. People more used to the hand held, step by step, must have a picture to compare their work with it reader… they won’t be as happy with ‘The Pumpkin Cookbook, 2nd Edition’ - sorry.
As for the recipes themselves… well, there were some really good ones, some really interesting ones and ones I just wouldn’t try. I am putting it mostly down to the cultural thing again, as in pumpkin isn’t a novelty ingredient here in Australia, it’s a staple. I also found there were just too many recipes that used pre-mades. Things like cereal, pretzels and - the most mind boggling one to me - canned pumpkin. Wasn’t this book all about learning to cook with fresh pumpkin? Again, I am blaming my cultural background on the canned pumpkin thing as I don’t even know if you can BUY canned pumpkin here… it’s fresh or nothing I think.
And, despite there being some attempts to use healthier ingredients, there was still too much refined sugar and the like for my wholefood, unrefined heart.
But I will say the dedication to making such a wide variety of interesting and different recipes where pumpkin was the key ingredient was impressive. Weird thing is the sweets section interested me more than the savoury. As, here, pumpkin is used in both sweet and savoury dishes, but more so in savoury ones.
All in all it looked to be a very interesting book that would help the adventurous try using pumpkin in ways they may not have done so in the past. But, again, I feel I must emphasise that I wasn’t the best reader for this book as I am simply in the wrong country. Storey Publishing is USA based and cater to the USA market - which is why the recipes are always only ever in imperial measurements. They were decent enough to allow me an ARC, but I simply wasn’t the best person to review it. Fault all mine.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Possibly. I mean, if any of my friends in the USA or Canada who wanted to do more with pumpkin all year round in all sorts of dishes - then yes. This is a book they should check out. People here in Australia or even over in the UK? No, not one I would recommend. Not the fault of the book - it is perfect for the market it is aimed at.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yeah, we all know the answer to this, right? This is a great book, a perfect way to allow those in the USA to explore how to use delicious and versatile pumpkin in more meals… but not a book for me. Australia’s see and use pumpkin a lot differently, and that is something I have learned from this book and will remember next time I go looking at pumpkin cook books. ;-)
In summary - a cook book that truly allows those who see pumpkin as a novelty ingredient explore other options.
This pumpkin themed cookbook, geared toward less experienced cooks, contains recipes you would expect but if you are looking for new and interesting ways to cook pumpkin, you won't find them here. If you are seeking ways to sneak pumpkin into dishes that normally don't include pumpkin as an ingredient, which I don't get at all, then this is a book you should check out.
As someone who loves pumpkin soups, baking with pumpkin substitutes, pumpkin seeds and everything pumpkin the fall can bring, I jumped at the chance to read, review and then test things from the book itself. I love that this book starts with the author getting personal about how she felt about pumpkins, and how the people in her life reacted on both sides of the fence when she said she was writing it. This whole personal beginning made it feel more like I was sitting down with a friend to swap secret recipes, rather than diving off a ciff into dangerous uncertain cooking waters.
I loved the early helpful charts on how what equalled what, how you could cook things, and then a breakdown of what all the cooking words meant (which was well done, especially if someone entirely new jumped into this book). The extra pages with data and details, special and rare throughout the book were delightful, especially about Halloween, Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Festivals, and the Pumpkin capitol of the world, and on.
The recipes after were absolutely divine and I can't wait to try a good number of them: Roasted Ginger Pumpkin-Pear Soup, Creamy Kale Pumpkin Soup, Grated Candied Pumpkin, Storey Publishing, Blue Cheese & Pumpkin Galette, Cheddar Pumpkin Tarts, Punkin' Joes, Pumpkin Lasagna, Pumpkin Pear Galette Pie, Lemon-Pumpkin Strudel, Peachy-Pumpkin Crisp.
The Index pages don't exist yet, but I'm certain they will be just as helpful and detail laid out as the rest of this book. This is definitely a five-out-five release and I can't wait to pick up my own solid copy!
Thank you to Netgalley and Storey Publishing, LLC for a for review ARC.
Review: The Pumpkin Cookbook by DeeDee Stovel Published by: Storey Publishing (1st August 2017)
ISBN: 9781612128337
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4*
Description: From Currant-Pumpkin-Oat Scones to Chicken-Pumpkin Tacos, Pumpkin-Filled Ravioli with Fried Sage, Ginger-Pumpkin Ice Cream, and of course (seven!) pies, this comprehensive cookbook reminds us that the iconic symbol of fall is so much more than jack-o'-lantern material. These 139 recipes offer diverse and delicious options for enjoying pumpkin and other winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, and kabocha, year-round. With recipes for many forms of pumpkin, including both fresh and canned pumpkin puree, and inspired by world cuisines, the versatility of this superfood shines through in snacks, drinks, salads, soups, main dishes, and desserts.
Review: I love pumpkin and squash and relish this time of year. In fact, I think it's such a shame to see all the pumpkins that just get carved for Halloween and discarded, when all that yumminess could've been used for so many different recipes.
This is a fantastic book. It's full of different ways to use pumpkins and squashes to create delicious savoury and sweet dishes. Wild mushroom pumpkin risotto and chocolate pumpkin brownies are particular favourites, although I do love the soups too. The comforting dishes are prefect for the autumn and winter seasons here in the the UK and I'm sure many of them will become familiar favourites in my kitchen.
I received an advanced egalley from Storey Publishing via Netgalley on a voluntary basis.
The Pumpkin Cookbook - 139 Nutritious Recipes for Year-Round Enjoyment by DeeDee Stovel is a gem for those who love pumpkin and those who'd like to incorporate more pumpkin into their cooking and baking repertoire.
The Pumpkin Cookbook contains a tonne of recipes (139 in fact) in a variety of categories although I was surprised to find so many recipes calling for canned unsweetened pumpkin in their list of ingredients. Very interesting.
Some of my favourite recipes included: - Roasted carrot and pumpkin soup - Roasted corn pumpkin chowder - Roasted potato pumpkin salad - Golden pumpkin corn pudding - Pumpkin cornbread - Pumpkin doughnut muffins - Traditional pumpkin pie - Graham cracker pumpkin tannies - Surprising pumpkin-orange cheesecake - Pumpkin rice pudding - Pumpkin panna cotta - Pumpkin fudge
I'm a visual person and while there are a number of stunning photographs throughout the book, I would have preferred more photographs of the finished dishes in place of photos of pumpkins and autumn scenes. The fact that there's no photo to accompany the recipe for Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins seems an absolute tragedy to me.
The Pumpkin Cookbook was a delicious read and will be published on 25 July.
* Copy courtesy of NetGalley and Storey Publishing *
Disclaimer: I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy of this which I got from NetGalley and Storey Publishing, thank you to both.
This book was not just a book of recipes featuring pumpkins but a handbook on how to prepare various types of pumpkin dishes and other interesting facts about pumpkins. I mean who knew there was such a thing as Mexican Pumpkin Lasagna or Pumpkin Turkey Medley. I never knew there were this many ways to use pumpkin in cooking because to be honest, I'm more of a pumpkin dessert fan but when I saw the very enticing cover, I knew I would want to read through this book and review it. The photos of the dishes being prepared are awesome. I think I would like to see less filler photos of pumpkins themselves and more of the actual recipes being made but maybe that was something that was addressed in the final book.
Of course my favorite was the dessert section and yes, there are other ways to use pumpkin in pies along with the traditional method. Trust me, there are more than enough yummy pumpkin desserts in here to satisfy any pumpkin dessert lover's palate. I would say you probably wouldn't need another book with pumpkin recipes if you get this one, it seems very thorough.
Do you love pumpkin? we tend to get a lot of pumpkin from our garden in the fall and I never know quite what to do with it all besides pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread.
Here are some fun new recipes to try!
My kids loved being taste testers to this fun book. I did convert them to gluten-free and dairy-free and I'm pleased to say that most of them did amazing with these substitutions. Some became crumbly with the substitute of coconut oil for butter. Also, applesauce can be used for the eggs but you might need to eat with a fork.
There are 139 different recipes and a vast majority of them are not desserts and snacks. I was excited to try using pumpkin in main meals like chilli. The soups were particular favorites of mine.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
A special Thank you to Netgalley for this one! Oh my! This cookbook is filled with so many yummy and delicious pumpkin recipes . I absolutely loved the authors' introduction of the book. The way she shared tips and pumpkin stories and history throughout made this cookbook even more enjoyable. Beautiful photographs of only some of the recipes in the book were provided. I would have liked a photo included with all the recipes. My favorites so far are the recipes for punkin' joes and pumpkin mashed potatoes. I am definitely excited to try others especially the northern Italian pumpkin Lasagna also, the white bean chicken and pumpkin chili. Full will really great ideas for how to cook your fall pumpkins or can even substitute pumpkin for squash. If you love pumpkin, fall recipes, tips and ideas this cookbook is an absolutely must for adding to your collection. It's just everything pumpkin fabulous!
Fall is on its way, and with it you are already seeing pumpkin everywhere. I get a little fed up with everything being "pumpkin spice" flavor, but I do like cooking with pumpkin in the fall.
I love that this book is not just focused on your classic pumpkin dishes, but includes international dishes such as Caribbean Black Bean Pumpkin Soup, Afghani Sweek Pumpkin (Kadul), Italian Pumpkin Soup with Crushed Amaretti Cookies, Armenian Lamb Stew and more.
Give the Chocolate Pumpkin Cake a try! You don't taste the pumpkin, but it makes it a little healthier option, and is so moist! I like the twist in Banana-Pumpkin-Nut Bread.
This is a great cookbook for pumpkin lovers everywhere. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and am happy to recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from Storey Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pumpkins are magical to me, not sure why, but they are.
I am not a great baker/cook so I was a little intimidated by this cookbook. Fortunately, it is extremely well structured and written and the recipes are extremely easy to follow. I especially like the muffin section!
I have made 4 of the recipes so far and they have all been amazing.
Some pumpkin information at the beginning of the book serves as the "help" section of the book.
My only negative? Where are the pictures? There are barely any pictures of the completed meals and absolutely none of the "this is how you do it" type of pictures.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As the author states in her introduction, she usually gets 2 reactions to her writing a pumpkin cookbook: either "I love pumpkin" or "Why are you writing about pumpkins?" I am definitely in the 1st category and this valuable cookbook is right up my alley. Roasted, steamed, raw, seeds, delicious recipes with great pictures make this a must book for my shelf.
At first glance, this recipe book looked quite exciting. I made a couple of the recipes and they were pretty good - the Caribbean soup was nice. However, there were quite a few that didn't interest me and a couple that I wouldn't consider making as it included ingredients that I can't get here in the UK and did not give suitable alternatives. I think that this cookbook must be for US primarily which is why it does not translate well.
I judge cookbooks based on the photos of the food. I’m a visual person and in order for me to WANT to cook a recipe, I want to see beautiful pictures of the final result.
This cookbook had minimal photos of the actual food in the recipes (particularly in the “main dish” section). If you like stock photos of pumpkins, this book is great!
Why read a book on one ingredient? When that book features a versatile and powerfully nutritious superfood. From savory to sweet this cookbook cover all a pumpkin can deliver. Personally I can’t wait to try the Mexican Pumpkin Lasagna Sauce. Tonight’s menu will be the Pumpkin Bread spiced beautifully. Book includes poetry, information and basic pumpkin spice mix recipe. Make your own
Has a lot of wonderful recipes and fun stories about new places that you wouldn't expect to be the pumpkin capital of the world! I highly recommend this as a beginning of fall cookbook. Everything we made in the cookbook club was delicious.