Eight sweet and savoury pumpkin recipes

For many of us, it's almost a guarantee that a pumpkin dessert will be served (and eaten with pleasure) at our Thanksgiving dinner. Not only is this vegetable delicious, but it's also good for you. Cooked pumpkin is high in beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient that may help in the prevention of heart disease. This holiday, whether you're using pumpkin for dessert, or have lots of leftovers, I have tons of ideas for all you pumpkin lovers.

Here are some pumpkin desserts to serve at your Thanksgiving feast:

Our delicious traditional pumpkin pie can be made with oven-roasted pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree. 

If you're not a fan of pie, how about serving a pumpkin coconut cheesecake or pumpkin and chocolate cheesecake bars instead? 

Don't have a sweet tooth? No sweat - serve up these crunchy pumpkin spice biscotti with coffee and tea after dinner.

I find that I always have leftover pureed or raw pumpkin after I make my batch of desserts (no matter which recipe I choose). Short of using it for another dessert, why not try adding pumpkin to one of these savoury dishes:

Give the Italians a run for their money with a homemade pumpkin gnocchi with sage.

This creamy pumpkin soup with whipped nutmeg cream is the perfect antidote to a cool, autumn night.

Baking this harvest pumpkin and sage risotto in your oven might get your neighbours sneaking by for a sniff.

Serve up a kid-friendly pumpkin mac n' cheese and your family will gobble it up.

Follow me on Twitter @IreneNgo for more tips, tricks and recipe ideas.