The name of the article today is not about the rock band. I am thinking more along the lines of the British term and decorating to have an awesome looking pumpkin door display. As my husband and I were out and about the city last week, I couldn’t help but notice the huge amount of Autumn decorations in the stores and in my neighborhood.
I guess I am out of the loop, because I just don’t get it. It’s not just about Halloween either. It is about the season of Autumn: Haystacks, corn stalks, decorative wreaths hanging on the doors, and of course, pumpkins. Today is not about just one pumpkin on the doorstep to frighten away unwanted spirits, but several pumpkins, and a whole lot more. When I was young, we had one pumpkin. All of the family gathered around the table and carved the messy thing as an afternoon or evening of entertainment. Then we would happily lug it to the doorstep, stick a candle inside of it, and my mom or dad would light it (that was the dangerous part, so it was left up to the adults), and we children would shout with glee and laugh at the funny face we had made.
The inside of the pumpkin meat was for pies, and the seeds were roasted. So, it was a whole different story, that still holds nice memories. Now, you can buy pre-lit, pre-carved, foam-type pumpkins in any size and color, and, if you are as zealous about pumpkins as one of my neighbors, you can buy two large, foam pumpkins for $150 each and place them by your front door. (No, I did not add too many zeros in that dollar amount.)
As for myself, I’m not sure. I’m either an old-fogey, a party-pooper, or too lazy (inject whatever adjective you like), but one pumpkin, maybe two, if I am in the mood, is all my front door gets. And those are usually uncarved, real pumpkins from the market, which I will cut up and bake with later. When my kids were at home it was different, as they always wanted to decorate, and I would for their enjoyment and memories. And, if I know my grandbabies are going to be in town, I decorate too, but that’s not often.
However, the point I am trying to make is that doesn’t it seem like the season of Autumn is all of a sudden overkill as far as being commercialized? I mean, check out Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens and other such magazines. They are loaded with ideas to decorate your house inside and out. It is almost like Christmas. On the front page of Southern Living for October, I can’t imagine how much it would cost, or how long it took to put that display together! Although there are professionals who will come and do all the set-up, and maybe, if weather permits, your elegant display will last until winter arrives, and then it’s time for Christmas lights.
Well, should you drive by my house this Fall, you might find a few potted Mums (as in flowers and not my mother), and one or two pumpkins, of which the seeds have been roasted. I will also hand out candy on Halloween because I love seeing all the little kiddos. However, that’s about it. As I said before, use any adjective above for me, but in my opinion, as much as I love this weather and the colors of this season, the decorating is getting a bit out of hand.
Pumpkin Muffins
3 1/2 cups self-rising flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup Canola oil
2 cups fresh pumpkin, pureed
1 cup pecans pieces
Preheat oven to 350 degrees; butter muffin pan. In a small bowl, combine pumpkin, vanilla, eggs, oil and sugar. Sift flour, and cinnamon. Combine dry ingredients, and whisk until blended, but still slightly lumpy. Add pecans. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full. Bake for 30 minutes until lightly browned.