Pumpkin Stew

This is a recipe I try to make every Halloween for supper. It is nice and hearty so it fills up the Chiles and keeps their tummys warm for a couple hours of trick or treating. It also ensures they get something healthy before the onslaught of sugar!
It seems like it takes a long time but is really super easy. It also make an impressive presentation if you're having company. Just serve with cornbread or breadsticks and a salad if you choose.

Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 cup water
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, sliced
1 large green pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pumpkin (10 to 12 pounds)


Directions:
In a Dutch oven, brown meat in 2 tablespoons oil. Add water, potatoes, carrots, green pepper, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Stir in bouillon and tomatoes. Wash pumpkin; cut to 6 to 8 in. circle around top stem. Remove top and set aside; discard seeds and loosen fibers from inside. Place pumpkin in a shallow sturdy baking pan. Spoon stew into pumpkin and replace top. Brush outside of pumpkin with remaining oil. Bake at 325° for 2 hours or just until the pumpkin is tender (do not overbake). Serve stew from pumpkin, scooping out a little pumpkin with each serving. Yield: 8-10 servings.




Happy Cooking!

-Apple