Put Some Green in your Orange & Black

No reason why all your holidays can't be a little greener.

Let's start with Halloween...don't be scared, we'll help you through this.

• How about buying an organic pumpkin for carving.
• Don't forget to toast those seeds-they're a yummy snack or taste great on a salad. Get creative and try adding some fun herbs & spices before you bake 'em.
  
• Make sure you use non-toxic paint when painting on skin
• Try giving our candy that is organic and not full of junk.
  
• Costumes from Goodwill or children's consignment stores- there are so many there! Or better yet- make your own. Here are some funny (different) ideas.
  

Pumpkin Carving Primer
What a fantastically green idea! Carving organic pumpkins. Keep it low, keep it real low...you carbon footprint that is. Think about it.

1. Go buy an organic pumpkin from your local farmer's market (not the darn chain grocery store)
2. Invite family and friends over for a pot luck carving.
3. Use only one oven or pan to toast or roast (respectively). Putting a few seeds aside to plant next year, of course.
4. Any of the caved pumpkin meat gets made into a lovely autumn soup. (See recipe below)
   
5. lastly make shoes from the skin. (I kid)

How's that for cradle to cradle? Simple Pumpkin Bisque Recipe

Pumpkin Bisque

1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin or fresh pumpkin
1 cup water
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 Vegetable stock cubes, crushed
2 cups half and half
1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

1. In a saucepan, saute chopped green onion in butter until tender.
2. Add canned pumpkin, water, brown sugar, salt, white pepper, cinnamon, and crushed chicken bouillon cubes; mix well. Heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in half-and-half and just heat through, but do not boil.
4. Garnish with slices from lemon and chopped parsley.

Makes 5 servings.