Now that we’re in October, I’ve been spotting pumpkins at grocery stores, and my mind turns to some of my favorite pumpkin recipes.  Growing up, my mom always planted a few different kinds of pumpkins, so we had some for carving, and some for cooking.  I love cooking with pumpkin, and I think I’ll spend some time trying some new recipes this month, when I’m home in between shows.

This Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter recipe looks like a good place to start!  I’m not a huge breakfast eater, but sometimes, pancakes just hit the spot.

Good morning, indeed! These tender, moist, pumpkin pancakes will make everyone wake up early. The cinnamon butter makes a flavor combo that is out of this world! —Courtney Shay, Gaithersburg, Maryland

After I graduated from college, I worked in a bakery before joining Taste of Home, and one of my favorite breads was the pumpkin chocolate chip bread.  The combination of chocolate, pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon is soooo good!  I’ll definitely be trying this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread recipe.  And, because it makes two loaves, I can either share with friends or freeze the second loaf to enjoy later

A touch of cinnamon helps blend the chocolate and pumpkin flavors you’ll find in this tender bread. And since the recipe makes two loaves, you can send one to a bake sale and keep one at home for your family to enjoy. -Lora Stanley Bennington, Kansas

Of course, there are more ways to enjoy pumpkin than in baked goods.  Soups, pastas and more can all be made with pumpkin, like this Black Bean ‘n’ Pumpkin Chili recipe or this Sausage and Pumpkin Pasta.

“Our family loves this slow-cooked recipe, especially on cold days. It’s a wonderful variation on standard chili that freezes well and tastes even better as leftovers.” —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan

My family really enjoys this meal. Cubed leftover turkey may be substituted for sausage. Just add to the skillet with the cooked pasta for a fast meal. —Katie Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri

There are many more recipes using pumpkin on www.tasteofhome.com (609, to be exact!), so feel free to browse and find something new to try this fall.  If you find something you like, be sure to let me know!