Ahhh fall. That time of year when the air gets brisk, the leaves change colors, and Starbucks starts serving pumpkin lattes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin tea, basically anything of the pumpkin variety. Social media is filled with folks espousing all the various qualities of pumpkin pie in anticipation of the holidays. And the grocery store has been hawking cans of pumpkin puree at constantly decreasing prices for the past few weeks. My point is, that at this time of year, most of America goes a little coo-coo for pumpkin-flavored eats (and drinks). Except me, that is. I don’t drink lattes. I like my tea green, not orange. I think pecan pie beats pumpkin pie any day of the week. And, though I won’t kick a pumpkin muffin off my plate, it doesn’t excite me like it seems to excite the pumpkin-eyed masses.

This year, however, I felt like I couldn’t turn my back on pumpkin season. As a healthy-ish food blogger, I felt obligated, make that mandated, to embrace this in-season produce which actually has a myriad of health benefits when it’s not mixed with cream and sugar and dumped into a buttery pie crust. But, I decided, if I was going to do pumpkin, I was going to do it my way. No trendy lattes or baked goods. Instead, during Halloween, I roasted some pumpkin seeds in a moderate amount of yogurt butter and sea salt. Amazing snack, by the way. As an aside, I fully acknowledge that there was complete radio silence on this blog during the Halloween holiday — my favorite holiday. That’s because Halloween fell on the day before our D.C. wedding reception weekend began. So, like last year, when we closed on our new house on Oct. 31, I was a little too preoccupied to celebrate Halloween. And, if I can’t do it right, then I refuse to do it at all. Next year, though, watch out Halloween. I’m waiting for you.

Anyways, regardless of the craziness that was our lives on the 31st, I did manage to roast some pumpkin seeds while handing out Halloween candy. Then, I got to work on a fall appropriate pasta dish, complete with pumpkin, rosemary and these amazing spiced pecans I had at Tupelo Honey Café in Asheville, NC. Doesn’t that combination make your mouth water instantly? Just me? Ok, I’ll admit – at first, I was hesitant, because dumping a whole can of pumpkin puree on some penne pasta had the distinct possibility of turning out, how shall I say this politely? Disgusting. But I needn’t have worried. The combination of nutty, sweet, savory and cheesy pasta is so unexpected but so right that I think I may be a pumpkin convert from here on out.

Healthy Recipe Ecstasy? I mentioned that pumpkin has a few health benefits. Well, like its orange cousins the squash, sweet potato and carrot, pumpkin has plenty of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Pumpkins also have a ton of potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You know what else contains a whole ton of fiber? Whole-wheat pasta. The combination of the fibrous pumpkin and pasta means that you can eat less and feel full way longer than other pasta dishes. Top it off with some healthy fats from the nuts and this vegetarian pasta delight is like a bowl full of healthful fall treats!