Pumpkins are a fall favorite for many reasons. We especially like the cooking & health benefits they offer. Did you know that pumpkins are an amazing immunity booster thanks to being high in riboflavin, folate, & vitamin C? Pumpkin seeds are also a tasty & healthy treat. Like many nuts & seeds, they offer a concentrated source of proteins, minerals & vitamins. With all of the great ways to use  pumpkins, be sure to enjoy them during their peak season. We hope you enjoy some of our favorite pumpkin recipes this month.
Ingredients
3 small pie pumpkins (about 2 pounds each)
1/2 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage
1 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups cooked long-grain rice
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Preheat oven to 450°. Cut a 3-in. circle around each pumpkin stem. Remove tops and set aside. Remove strings and seeds from pumpkins; discard seeds or save for toasting. In a large skillet, cook sausage, vegetables and garlic over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain. Remove from heat; stir in rice, 3/4 cup cheese, eggs, parsley, salt and thyme. Place pumpkins in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan; fill with rice mixture. Replace pumpkin tops. Bake 30 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 350°. Bake 25-35 minutes longer or until pumpkin is tender when pierced with a knife and a thermometer inserted in filling reads 160°. Sprinkle remaining cheese over filling. Cut to serve.
