The "Other" Pumpkin Recipes: Creamy and Smooth for Kids and Adults

When you're ready to break tradition and offer something besides pumpkin pie, try these cold and creamy ideas

Let's face it - by the time you reach the Thanksgiving Day pumpkin pie - which is a course in itself - there's not much room left in most stomachs to warrant a race to get in line for the biggest piece. The down side is that for many of us, this the only time of year we indulge in the guts of a pumpkin.

With a little advance warning, it may be possible to fly in the face of tradition with a selection of other pumpkin desserts - the smooth and creamy ones.

Here are a few quick and easy pumpkin desserts that should tickle anyone's fancy. The first version is for the kids; the second includes rum for the adult palate. Even better, they're light enough to not require much space on top of the turkey, gravy, sweet and mashed potatoes and dressing.

Easy (and fast) Pumpkin Pudding

1 package vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 can evaporated low fat milk
1 can pureed pumpkin
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream (ready made in tub or pressurized)

Follow directions for pudding and pie filling by adding the evaporated milk and beating. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes. Remove and blend in canned pumpkin and the pumpkin pie spice. Fill parfait or pudding bowls and refrigerate until ready to serve. Leave for a few hours if possible. Top with the whipped cream and serve.

Pumpkin Mousse - Adult Version
(This one includes rum for an added treat)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2/3 cups sugar
4 eggs
¼ cup rum
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon mace
1 cup heavy cream
Whipped cream for topping

Use a small saucepan and place on low heat. Add rum and keep it warm only. Add gelatin - stir gently and constantly until dissolved. Remove from heat. Beat eggs in a large bowl, adding sugar until it thickens and becomes lighter in texture. Use a second bowl to blend pumpkin and the spices. Combine all the mixtures and stir. Add the heavy cream and blend thoroughly, but gently. Fill small dessert bowls and refrigerate, preferably overnight. Mixture should become firm. Top with whipped cream and serve.