Beyond Pumpkin Spice: Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin and Best of Holiday Guide #1

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From:

Maria Liberati

For Immediate Release:

Dateline: New York, NY

Friday, October 24, 2025

?? Why Pumpkins Deserve More Love Than Just Fall Decor
Let’s be honest—when you hear “pumpkin,” your brain probably jumps straight to jack-o’-lanterns or pumpkin spice lattes. But these cheerful orange globes are way more than seasonal eye candy. They’re packed with history, nutrition, and all kinds of creative potential.

?? Where Pumpkins Came From (And Why That’s Cool)
Pumpkins have been around for thousands of years. Native to North America, they were a staple crop for Indigenous communities long before they became the unofficial mascot of autumn. Today, you’ll find pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and even colors—white, green, blue, and of course, classic orange.

?? Why Your Body Loves Pumpkin

Pumpkins aren’t just pretty—they’re seriously good for you. Just half a cup of canned pumpkin gives you:

4 grams of fiber
Loads of vitamin A (hello, healthy eyes!)
A boost of vitamin C for your immune system
Antioxidants that help fight inflammation

And all that goodness comes with barely any calories or fat. Win-win.

??? Pumpkin in the Kitchen: Not Just Pie

Sure, pumpkin pie is delicious, but there’s so much more you can do:

Whip up creamy pumpkin soup or savory ravioli
Bake pumpkin muffins, cookies, or even cheesecake
Stir pumpkin puree into oatmeal, yogurt, or pancake batter

Pro tip: Go for 100% pure pumpkin—not the pie filling with added sugar and spices.

?? Pumpkins Outside the Kitchen

Pumpkins aren’t just food—they’re fun. People race across lakes in giant hollowed-out pumpkins (yes, really), decorate their porches with them, and even turn them into art. They’re the ultimate fall mood.

?? Final Thoughts

Pumpkins are like that friend who’s good at everything—nutritious, festive, and endlessly creative. So next time you see one, think beyond the pie. Whether you’re cooking, decorating, or just soaking up the fall vibes, pumpkins are here to make life a little brighter.

Here is the recipe from this weeks podcast on The Maria Liberati Show .Thanks to Erin from the Sticky Fingers Cooking School

Mystical Miso Caramel Pumpkin Bread Pudding Nibbles

Equipment Checklist

Muffin pan
Paper cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Cutting board
Kid-safe knife
Can opener
Liquid measuring cup
Dry measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Ingredients

4 to 6 slices of thick, crusty bread **(for GLUTEN ALLERGY sub gluten-free/nut-free bread)**
1/2 15-oz can pumpkin purée
1 C brown sugar, divided
1 C water
1/4 C unsalted butter, softened **(for DAIRY ALLERGY sub dairy-free butter spread, like Earth Balance brand)**
2 T white miso paste **(Omit for SOY ALLERGY or sub 2 T sesame seeds)**
Food Allergen Substitutions
Mystical Miso Caramel Pumpkin Bread Pudding Nibbles
- Gluten/Wheat: Substitute gluten-free/nut-free bread.
- Dairy: Substitute dairy-free butter spread, like Earth Balance brand.
- Soy: Omit white miso paste OR substitute sesame seeds.
1-dice + soak
Start by large dicing 4 to 6 slices of thick bread. Stale bread works best for bread pudding. Place the diced bread in a large bowl. In a liquid measuring cup, measure 1/2 can pumpkin purée, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup water. Stir to combine, then pour the mixture over the bread. Stir a few times and allow the bread to sit and soak for roughly 5 minutes.
2-measure + stir
In a small bowl, measure 1/4 cup soft butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons miso. Stir until a dark brown paste forms.
3-preheat + fill
Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Scoop roughly 2 tablespoons of pumpkin bread mixture into each of the cupcake liners. Then, place a teaspoon-sized dollop or two of the miso-butter mixture on top of each.
4-bake + devour
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and eat while warm or cool them down for a tasty breakfast snack. Enjoy and have a happy and fun Halloween!
This weeks starts our Best of Products Holiday Guides, I will be reviewing and sampling products that brands have sent me. I will only recommend the products that I love! If you try any of the products that have been selected as Best of Holidays 2025 please let us know if you love the product as much as I did, you can #TheMariaLiberatiShow and we will share also!
FOODS and BEVERAGES
**Java Planet–Sustainably grown, low-acid coffee that’s smooth, mold-free, and perfect for health-conscious coffee lovers. Decaf also!
**Mantra Matcha Elevate your energy with ceremonial-grade matcha infused with superfoods—smooth, vibrant, and never bitter.
**Local Hive Sweet & Heat Sampler-A bold blend of raw, regional honeys with a spicy twist—crafted for the honey connoisseur.
FASHIONS/ACCESORIES
**bbfonts-A vibrant lifestyle brand offering heritage-inspired accessories and textiles with bold, expressive design. Their totebags are great for gifting!
**Wallaroo Hat Company-Stylish, UPF 50+ sun hats crafted for travel, gardening, and everyday elegance—where fashion meets function.
**Traveling Pendants-Inspirational jewelry designed to be worn, shared, and passed on—each piece tells a story of strength.
BEAUTY
**Mekaluna Shampoo-A botanical-rich shampoo that soothes dry scalp and restores shine with natural melaleuca oil.
**Madami ShineSerum-Lightweight gloss meets frizz control—this serum adds radiant shine with macadamia and buriti oils.
**Lino Cosmetics All-in-One Serum-This SPF 50 serum replaces five skincare steps—brightening, hydrating, and protecting in one radiant formula.
GAMES
**Family Dates Game with scratch off dates-Scratch-off cards reveal surprise activities for unforgettable family bonding—screen-free and joy-filledCREATIVE gU
**Tell My Story Teen Game-A heartfelt card game that sparks meaningful conversations between teens and parents
CREATIVE GIFTS
The Acorns Project Paint Kit-A heartfelt gift of hand-painted acorns designed to inspire hope, strength, and personal reflection.
TOYS
**Tiny Land Wooden Train Set-A 39-piece wooden railway kit that sparks creativity and hands-on learning—compatible with major brands.
HOME and FAMILY
**Truuce Bedding-Zip-together duvets and sheets for effortless bed-making—designed for comfort and elegance.
**Silent Beacon-A wearable panic button that connects instantly to loved ones or emergency services—safety with a single press.
**Mug Hug– Cozy up with a comforting message—these mugs wrap warmth and inspiration into every sip.
BOOKS
The following books published by Two Rivers- TeNeus Publishers-all these books can be found at teneus.com
**The Watch Book of Rolex Next Generation-A stunning tribute to Rolex’s legacy and innovation—perfect for collectors and design lovers.
**Creating a New Home in Mallorca-Designer Malene Birger’s visual journey of restoring a historic Mallorcan home—elegant and inspiring.
**Basketball the Ultimate Book-A dynamic coffee table book celebrating the sport’s legends, lifestyle, and global impact.
**Get your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions-2nd edition or give as the perfect Holuday gift for any Foodie on your list!
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