Sept. 18, 2003

This is the time of year when pumpkins are blossoming like giant orange beacons in the fields of northern Indiana. Most Amish don't use pumpkins for carving jack-o-lanterns. They use this bright delight for pies, butters, and casseroles. Following is Lovina's recipe for "pumpkin butter", which is mouth-meltingly delicious smeared on a piece of homemade bread.

PUMPKIN BUTTER

  2 oranges, sliced

  3 lemons

  4 pounds sugar

  3 pounds pumpkin

Shred pumpkin. Combine with sugar and let stand 10 hours. Add thinly sliced citrus.   Simmer until thick. Seal in sterile jars and place in boiling water for 10 minutes.