Halloween is now over.
I knew this to be true not just because October is done. Not just because I put my dogs’ Halloween costumes (yes, I am one of those people, but only once a year…well maybe once or twice a year). And not just because the kids I see are all hyped up on candy. I knew this to be true because the Christmas commercials started and all the Christmas decorations are being put up.

But, just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy pumpkins. Pumpkins are a great source of carotenoids and vitmain C, both of which can help the immune system. With H1N1 news plastered everywhere and every other person coughing, sneezing, and sniffling, all of us could use some extra help with our immune systems, so here’s a yummy treat for immune boosting.

Pumpkin Fritters

1 medium pumpkin, cut into thick slices
1 1/2 cups plain wholewheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cumin
yolk and white of 1 egg
3/4 cup water
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed (also great support for fighting off colds and flus)
2 tsp olive oil

Steam the pumpkin for 10 minutes, then leave to cool. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and cumin, then add the egg yolk and the water, a little at a time, stirring to form a smooth paste. Add the onion and garlic, then whisk the egg white and fold it ino the mixture. Heat the oil in a skillet, then dip the pumpkin slices in the mixture and fry a few at a time, turning regularly until crisp and brown. Serves 2.

From the book “The Top 100 Immunity Boosters” by Charlotte Haigh