Pumpkin Lovin' Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Slices

Let me start this series of recipes with a recipe that magically transports me back home into my childhood when this particular dish was one of the most favorite foods of my dearest granddad Nagyapuska as well as it still is one the of the favorites of my beloved mum Anyuci. Just the aroma that fills the apartment while preparing this oh so simple yet delicious and healthy dish magically brings back so many heart-warming memories of my childhood... 

It is a very simple recipe and a healthy and cheap one as well... 

...and seriously: all you need is a pumpkin. 

Ingredients:
1 pumpkin :-)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. 

2. Find a really strong and sharp knife and cut the pumpkin in half first. 

3. You will see how in the middle of the pumpkin there are seeds and what can be called 'guts'. Spoon all of this out into a separate bowl (no need to throw any of it into the garbage - I will post recipes above that will show you how to utilize the entire pumpkin without wasting any of it!)
4. Now that you have a hollow pumpkin half cut it up into small pieces - 10cm/4in long strips that will be easy to hold and eat with your hands.
5. Place the pumpkin pieces on parchment paper on a baking tray and bake int he oven for about 30-45 minutes or till golden and soft (if you poke a fork into one of the pieces it should have the consistency of a overcooked potato :-))

Variation: I remember we used to eat the pumpkin just plain: without any oil or butter as well as without any spices... honestly the taste of the pumpkin is rich and unique and I don't think it needs any addition... 

HOWEVER: if you want, you can have two variations of this recipe by adding simple touches: 

1) Savory snack: by adding olive oil or butter and salt or even pepper or chili this can become a healthy afternoon or game day snack. 

2) Healthy desert: by adding honey, maple syrup or brown sugar as well as cinnamon, cardamon, cloves or vanilla you can easily transform this dish into a healthy and unique desert.

Note: This is also the basis of how to prepare pumpkin puree that can be later used for a bunch of different recipes - I will post more about this later...

ENJOY! ... and let me know how you liked it or if you have any suggestions... :-) 

PS: Soon I will post a Fact-Sheet about the health benefits of pumpkins - once you check that out you will be even more pleased knowing that this scrumptious dish also benefits you :-)