Pumpkins and cranberries aren’t just for fall. Explore these creative recipes to boost the nutrition of your meals while keeping preparation simple.

PUMPKIN

Pumpkin Spaghetti Sauce

Boost the nutrition of your pasta sauce and sneak in some vegetables with this clever recipe. Great with any pasta or in casseroles.

Ingredients

1 14 oz can of pumpkin

1 14 oz can of tomato sauce (any variety)

1 or ½ tsp salt or garlic salt

Optional: cooked ground beef or Italian sausage

Instructions

Combine pumpkin and tomato sauce and heat through. Serve over pasta or add to casserole. Especially delicious with cheese!

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Upgrade your Mac & Cheese with canned pumpkin! It’s a great way to stretch your meal, enhance the flavor, and add nutrients without adding extra steps.

Ingredients

1 7.25 oz box of macaroni and cheese and ingredients to prepare as stated on package (usually requires ¼ cup milk and 4 T butter)

¾ Cup or ½ of can pumpkin

Instructions

Prepare the macaroni and cheese as directed on the package. Stir in the pumpkin along with the noodles. Heat gently to warm through.

Note: You can double the recipe by using two boxes of mac and cheese and a whole can of pumpkin.

Pumpkin Hummus

Another great way to sneak in a vegetable, this pumpkin hummus is a lovely orange color with a smooth and silky texture.

Ingredients

1 14 oz can pumpkin

1 14 oz can chickpeas/garbanzo beans drained

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

3 cloves garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 Tablespoons olive oil or other vegetable oil

Optional additions

2 Tablespoons tahini or peanut butter

½ teaspoon chili powder or paprika

½ teaspoon ground cumin

1 Tablespoon honey

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Drizzle in more oil until you reach your desired texture.

Enjoy with veggies, crackers, or tortillas as a dip or spread.

CRANBERRY SAUCE

Cranberry Tea

Canned cranberry sauce isn’t just for the holidays. Add jellied cranberry sauce to your tea to boost the Vitamin C and add a natural sweetness.

Ingredients

1 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce

6 cups boiling water

6 teabags. Unsweetened black or green tea works best, caffeinated or decaf. You can also omit the tea entirely.

Optional additions: Lemon or orange slices or peel

Instructions

Heat water to a boil. Stir in cranberry sauce until it’s dissolved. Let cool.

Pour over ice and serve. Can also be served hot.

Cranberry BBQ Sauce

Give your BBQ a boost by adding jellied cranberries for a sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful red glow. Try this sauce on chicken or ribs, or put it in a crockpot with meatballs or weenies.

Ingredients

14oz can jellied cranberry sauce

12-14 oz bottle of BBQ sauce or make your own with the ingredients below.

Instructions

Combine cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce in sauce pan, heat gently stirring to melt

cranberry

Use as BBQ Sauce, good as sauce for meatballs or mini weinies in a crockpot.

Substitiute for BBQ sauce

1 cup ketchup

½ cup brown sugar

¼ vinegar white or apple cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons mustard

1Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon black pepper

Optional hot sauce to taste