Today’s article on first-graders and their knowledge (or lack of) about their food’s origins was cute and enlightening (11/18, FYI/ Food, “A taste of first grade; We asked KCK kids where food comes from and got some surprising (and funny) answers”). But it really isn’t a surprise that urban and suburban kids think that food comes from the market or McDonald’s. However, we adults assume we know better.
So after that, when I read of a canned pumpkin shortage (11/18, Business), I expected to be reminded that supermarkets sell real pie pumpkins, from which pie can be made. But no, the article only reassured us that other canned brands are available.
Do our business leaders and writers need to go back to the first grade or take a trip to the pumpkin farm?
Karin McAdams
Prairie Village
yum!
Posted by: Smarter Than You | November 21, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Very true, Gary. Look for the sugar pie pumpkins that are more like the size of a large grapefruit and a half. Cut it into chunks and remove the seeds and gunk, bake, covered at 350 for 45 minutes or so, remove the skin and grind up in the food processor. Squeeze out some liquid through cheesecloth and use the pumpkin where it says "can o pumpkin" in your recipe. Delish.
Posted by: ggbridge | November 21, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Using a jack o' lantern pumpkin for pie actually does not work well. It is a hybrid that was developed for display, not taste.
Posted by: Gary | November 21, 2009 at 08:58 AM