Senior News October, 2002 Vol. 21. No.  10

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Mayoral Hopefuls: Largest pool of candidates say why they want to lead Eureka

Remembering Spirit: Dreams come for my health and wholeness

Eureka Veterans Clinic: Dr Phillip Wagner receives well-deserved honors

Good health: How sweet it is

The Center for Integrated Health and Welness comes to Eureka

NutriMinute

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NutriMinute
by Colleen Fillman

When the word pumpkin comes to mind, the word pie soon follows. However, pumpkins can have other uses. This delightfully healthy vegetable can grow to range in size from 20-200 pounds. For the recipe that follows, if you decide not to use canned pumpkin, choose the smaller sugar pumpkins, as the flavor and texture are more appropriate. Buy an extra one to hollow out and place the soup in after it is finished cooking. A hollowed out pumpkin also makes a good vase to hold a fall flower arrangement.

Pumpkin Soup
(adapted from the American Cancer Society)
2 t. olive oil
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 t. powdered ginger
2 t. sugar
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
pinch of cinnamon
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) pumpkin
1 potato, peeled and cut into cubes
4 c. vegetable or fat-free, reduced sodium chicken broth
1/4 c. nonfat sour cream (or plain yogurt)
2 green onions, chopped

In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, ginger and sugar and cook 4 minutes until tender. Add nutmeg and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper, stir to coat. Add pumpkin, potato and broth. Bring to boil Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover and simmer 20 minutes until pumpkin and potato are tender. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with
sour cream (or yogurt) and green onions.

Colleen Fillman is a Registered Dietitian living in Ferndale with her sons Matthew and Andrew. Andrew very much enjoyed the Pumpkin Soup! All three can be reached at info@nutriminute.com.