You can tell it’s Halloween as the shops are bedecked with orange-themed displays and decorations and I’m sure you’ve already spotted the array of price tags on the most essential ingredient for a good Halloween, pumpkins. Don’t throw the remains of the kids’ lanterns away, you can put them to very good use.

Starting with the seeds, take 100g and fry lightly in oil until they are plumped up and brown; season with celery salt, paprika or salt and pepper for a tasty snack.

Adding diced pumpkin to your Sunday roasties gives a delicious twist to an old favourite, sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika or chilli powder if you like your food spicey.

There are dozens of other recipes for pumpkin, but you don’t need to eat it. Pumpkin is very good for skin care as it contains: vitamin C, beta-carotene, riboflavin, niacin, folate and B6.

Scoop out the flesh, trim to leave the best bits and simmer in a little water to make a smooth puree which you can turn into a face mask.

Face mask for oily skin

Mix one tablespoon of cooked pumpkin puree with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply the paste to damp skin and leave it on until it dries, or up to 30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and then rinse with cold water. Dry and apply your regular moisturiser.

Face mask for dry skin

Mix two teaspoons of pumpkin puree with half a teaspoon of honey, quarter teaspoon of milk and quarter teaspoon of double cream. Apply evenly, avoiding the area around your eyes and relax for fifteen minutes as the mask exfoliates, nourishes and conditions your skin. Rinse off with warm water and moisturise.

If you have a favourite recipe for pumpkins, why not tell us about it?