Turns out that Pumpkins are not just a Halloween decoration – they boast lots of nutritional benefits!

They’re packed with fibre, which will keep you fuller for longer, and Vitamin A to keep you eyesight in top condition.
They’re also a good source of protein, magnesium, copper, zinc as well as the amino acid tryptophan, which can improve mood and help you sleep better.

So we’ve come up with 2 really easy pumpkin recipes for you to try this halloween weekend!

Recipe 1: Pumpkin Soup with Healthy Croutons

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 425g Pumpkin Puree
• 350g Butternut Squash
• 1 x Onion
• 1 x Garlic Clove
• 10g Wyldsson Italian Tomato Sprinkles
• 1 pint Chicken/Veg Stock
• 1 pint Water

Method:

1. Make some Pumpkin Puree (see instructions at bottom of post)
2. Lightly sauté onion & garlic in a deep pan.
3. Add butternut squash,pumpkin puree, stock & water.
4. Bring it to the boil, then lower down the temperature & leave it simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Use a hand blender to blitz mixture to desired consistency. Add pepper to taste.
6. Sprinkle Wyldsson Italian Tomato Sprinkles on top & enjoy!

Serving suggestions: Instead of 1 x pint water, try adding 1 x can coconut milk for a creamy taste.

Recipe 2: Pumpkin & ProMix Muffins

Ingredients (makes 8 muffins)

• 140g Wyldsson Banana muesli
• 30g of your favourite Wyldsson ProMix – ProMix 5 Mulberry & Belgian chocolate works great!
• 3 x teaspoons of cinnamon
• 250g Pumpkin puree (see below for instructions on how to make it)

Method:

• Combine banana muesli, your favourite ProMix & cinnamon in a bowl.
• Add in the pumpkin puree & mix well.
• Spoon the mixture into muffin tray or bun cases & place in a preheated oven at 1800C for 15 minutes.

Serving suggestion: Great with a cup of coffee as an elevenses snack!

PS: Both of these recipes use pumpkin purée, which is actually really easy to make…

1. Chop the Pumpkin up into cubes, removing the skin
2. Cover with cling film & microwave for 5 minutes
3. Blitz it in a blender / Nutribullet et voila!