Planet Garden Cinderella Pumpkins

Cinderella Pumpkins by Patti Robinson
Have you ever had a pumpkin so fairy-tale beautiful it could be an enchanted carriage? Now you can and the name of these vibrant orange pumpkins that have a custard like texture is appropriately “Cinderella” –grown locally in Lizella by Elliott Farms.  This local area Georgia grower opens to the public on October 2nd for sunflowers, pumpkins and an amazing Corn Maze which Russ Elliott put in by satellite.
Last week we took a little visit to this top local grower and could not believe the wonder of You-Pick zinnias, sunflowers, pumpkins, and a corn maze ready for holiday fun. We went into the pumpkin field and harvested these beautiful pumpkins and brought them back to Bluebird Market for sale on Saturday mornings. I have not seen them anywhere locally…most of the pumpkins, even those we checked at Whole Foods in Atlanta are shipped from Michigan, some from Tennessee. They are grown for sturdiness, packing houses, long road trips and they are hard with tough skins. Cinderella pumpkins are grown locally by Elliott Farms for nutrition and taste and when you make a pumpkin pie with this custard-like textured pumpkin your family will enjoy a slice of heaven! Why is pumpkin delicious and also so nutritious that it is among the 14 “superfoods?” Pumpkin is rich in nutrients like C and E Vitamins and is loaded with fiber, potassium, magnesium and carotenoids. It is perhaps the most underused superfood but very simple to bake in your oven when you choose pumpkins with softer skins like Cinderella and use a pumpkin carving utensil that will cut a pumpkin like butter.
You will be delighted you made the short ride to Lizella to visit Elliott Farms, a top area grower, as you find out why everyone loves to play in the corn maze and the corn box. The corn box is like a sand box except with corn. Your family will have fun and you will enjoy fresh cut pumpkins with a bright green stem that are so pretty they would make a perfect ride to the ball to meet Prince Charming.
The corn maze is a popular tradition at Elliott Farms. Russ Elliott is a modern grower using techniques like black plastic in the pumpkin field and when I spoke with him about the corn maze I was amazed! He stated, “I used a satellite for the corn maze design.”
Because of this local family owned and operated small farming operation and their hard work and dedication to growing, we now have the opportunity to reap the rewards of local, vine-ripe, fairy-tale inspired produce and fun! The trip to Elliott Farms will be a highlight of your fall season and you will find directions and more about all the fun at www.elliottfarmsga.com. For memorable family fun, the Elliott Farms gates open on October 31st at 4 pm and there will be candy, prizes and a movie at the barn in addition to the corn maze fun which the Elliotts call the “Field of Screams” because of creatures from all planets that visit you there.
Slice of Heaven Cinderella Pumpkin Pie
2 cups of Cinderella Pumpkin pulp puree’
1 and 1/2 c. heavy cream
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 t. salt
3 eggs
2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. each of nutmeg, ginger, cloves and lemon zest
1 deep dish butter crust
Cinderella Pumpkin Puree’ Directions: Start with a Cinderella pumpkin, cut out the stem and scrape out the insides and discard. Save the seeds for planting or toasting. Cut into sections and steam in a saucepan with a couple inches of water at the bottom until soft. Scoop out the custard like pulp from the skin. Alternate: Bake whole or halved in a 350 degree oven until fork tender.
Pie Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix sugar, salt, spices, lemon zest in large bowl. Beat eggs and add. Stir in Cinderella pumpkin puree’. Stir in cream, whisk together and pour into pie shell. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for another 45-50 minutes until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Be sure to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours to set. Serve Cinderella Pumpkin Pie with Bluebird Blend Coffee for a slice of heaven that is fairy tale inspired.
Enrich your life on Saturdays at the Bluebird Market, 215 Barnesville Street, Thomaston. Explore with us each week to discover simple ways we can affordably contribute to sustainable and renewable eco-friendly living. Find resources online at www.yougottabekidding.org and www.bluebirdmarket.com.

Locally grown by Elliott Farms, Cinderella would love a ride in these pumpkins.