National Pumpkin Day

Hip hip hooray – today is National Pumpkin Day! Depending on the calendar, this special day is observed annually on Oct. 26 OR the Sunday prior to Halloween. Regardless of which day you celebrate, National Pumpkin Day is dedicated to all-things pumpkins. And let's face it - pumpkins are just plain fun whether you carve ‘em, decorate 'em or eat ‘em.

High in potassium and Vitamin A, did you know pumpkins are 90 percent water? And in case you don't think pumpkins are big business, think again. In 2008, the United States produced about 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins. Up to 95 percent of pumpkins are grown in Illinois.

In honor of National Pumpkin Day, why not whip up a delish pumpkin dishes, desserts and/or even an pumpkin-inspired cocktail recipe?.