Creating jack-o?-lanterns this weekend? Make the fun last beyond the season! On November 1, don’t plastic-bag the pumpkins and put them out on the curb. If they’re in decent condition?and if your weather’s been cool they should be?you can roast them for cold-weather salads or steam, strain, and freeze the pumpkin ?meat? for future recipes.

Alternatively, since pumpkins are plant material, they can be composted. Or check with your local waste service; you may be able to put them out with the yard waste, where they’ll be turned into mulch.