Oh, my sweet punkin. When we begin making acronyms (#PSL), living on all things pumpkin for two weeks, and rolling out a large majority of “Pumpkin Spice” products that don’t even include actual pumpkin (not these, though! Real pumpkin included)… have we gone too far? Nope. Pumpkin is a great ingredient. The bright orange is appetizing and alluring and ever-so-subtly sweet that it can just as easily amp up a creamy, decadent, coconut soup or brighten a dense loaf of sweet bread. It can be an appetizer, a snack, a dessert, or a main course. It is versatile, delicious, and really awesome for you (antioxidants, vitamins, and loaded with beta-carotene!). Sorry, punkin. These recipes will convince you: Pumpkin Everything is here to stay. 1. Pumpkin Turmeric Soup is the easy, rich soup you want to serve family you’re trying to impress. Waiting for the pumpkin to cook is the hardest exercise of patience as you begin to smell the crispy shallots fill your kitchen with their sweet and intoxicating aroma. Packed with flavor, this soup will transport you to the open air of a spice market. The Kitchen Paper 2. Baked Pumpkin Fries prove that pumpkin is more than a soup or dessert kind of food. My mother-in-law was the first person to ever serve me baked fries, and I’ve adopted and adapted her recipe ever since. From your standard russet, to sweet potatoes, to rutabaga, to pumpkin: baked fries remove half the guilt and give you all the munching satisfaction of a basket of fries. Back to Her Roots 3. Pumpkin Chili is a better-for-you twist on this fall comfort classic. The subtle flavor of pumpkin is an antioxidant-rich, nutrient-dense addition to the heat and flavor of a bowl of warm chili. Serve up a big bowl with chips on the side to win over any football viewing party you throw this fall. Way Better Snacks 4. Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Chimichangas are almost too good to be true. There is a reason that pumpkin pie is one of the most iconic American desserts. It is delicious. Mix it with cheesecake and deep fry it? I think I might be in pumpkin pie heaven. The Kitchen McCabe 5. Pumpkin Bread is the height of gluten-free and vegan deliciousness. For breakfast or dessert, this sweet bread will have your non-vegetarian, gluten eating friends screaming, “I love Pumpkin Spice!” well into the new year. The creamy and moisture-packed pumpkin (and banana) keeps this sweet bread tender and decadent with all of the pumpkin spiced goodness a girl needs this time of year. The Minimalist Baker Are you convinced? Is pumpkin everything here to stay? Share with us your favorite recipes on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #waybetterfall!