Candied Pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha) for #SundaySupper

Pumpkin is classic symbol of Halloween. Jack O Lanterns glow throughout the night. Homes, businesses, and yards are decorated with all types and sizes. What I discovered recently is what some consider pumpkin is really squash. It depends on where you are too. All winter squashes are called pumpkins in many parts of the world. So it can be confusing that Candied Pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha) is made with a winter squash that is also called a pumpkin.

So what lead me to posting about pumpkin? It all started with the announcement of a Halloween event for Sunday Supper. I wanted to do something different. That lead me to searching for Day of the Dead recipes. Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that coincides with Halloween. I found where candied pumpkin is one of the dishes commonly served for Day of the Dead. I became very excited about the recipe because it gave me the opportunity to cook with ingredients I haven’t used before.

What are those ingredients? First is the pumpkin or rather squash… let me clarify. It’s calabaza squash which is a winter squash also known as West Indian pumpkin. I’ve only seen it used to decorate with and never imagined cooking one. Then there is Piloncillo which is pure, unrefined cane sugar formed into cones. It tastes similar to brown sugar with a slight molasses flavor. A new sugar to try? Oh yea! Finally is the large Mexican cinnamon sticks. These sticks are much thicker than the ones typically found in the spice section at the grocery store. I found both the Piloncillo and cinnamon at a Latin market. The only ingredient I’ve used before is an orange.

Notes on the candied pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha): If you make this for one reason only it will be for the syrup. When you reduce down the cooking liquid into the dark brown syrup you will have something special. I will use it for much more than drizzling over the squash. And speaking of the squash… I thought baked acorn squash topped my list however this now ranks higher. The sweet, tender, cinnamon-infused pumpkin is a real treat for sure. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream and it’s perfect for the season. Oh, one other other note: you will need a big, heavy-duty knife to cut the squash. It’s hard like butternut squash.

Are you looking for Halloween recipes? Scroll down to find ones by Sunday Supper bloggers. They have really outdone themselves with fun, spooky, tasty, and delightful recipes for your celebration. Big thanks to Kathia of Basic N Delicious for hosting the event. Also, check out my Vampire Delight Martini for a great beverage to enjoy.

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Candied Pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha)

A recipe for candied pumpkin aka Calabaza en Tacha. Calabaza squash (West Indian Pumpkin) is cooked in a sweet syrup and served with whipped or ice cream.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 2 hours

Author Renee

Ingredients

• 1 calabaza squash or other winter squash like butternut or sugar pumpkin 4-5 pounds
• 2 cones brown sugar cane Piloncillo
• 1 orange zested and juiced
• 3 to 4 Mexican cinnamon sticks
• Whipped cream or ice cream for serving optional

Instructions

1. Cut squash in half. Scoop out and discard seeds and stringy flesh. Cut squash into 12 wedges or 3-inch pieces.
2. Add 8 cups of water to a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add brown sugar cane cones and bring to a boil.
3. When sugar dissolves, stir in orange juice, zest, and cinnamon sticks.
4. Add the squash wedges and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Loosely cover and simmer until squash is completely tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Transfer the squash to a platter using a slotted spoon. Cover squash with foil.
6. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks. Strain liquid into a bowl to remove cinnamon bits, zest, and any solids.
7. Pour the liquid back into the pot and bring to a boil.
8. Cook until liquid reduces to a syrup (similar consistency to maple syrup), about 30 to 45 minutes.
9. Serve squash warm or at room temperature. Drizzle squash with syrup and top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Recipe Notes

Calabaza squash is also called West Indian Pumpkin.

Recipe adapted from one on the Goya website.

More Halloween recipes by Sunday Supper bloggers:

COCKTAILS

• Bloody Maria by La Cocina de Leslie
• Heads Will Roll Cocktail by Noshing with The Nolands
• Wicked Pomegranate Blueberry Sangria by The Messy Baker

SWEETS AND DESSERTS

• Snickers Fudge by I Run for Wine
• Halloween Pumpkin Chocolate Parfaits by Daily Dish Recipes
• White Chocolate Monster Munch by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Soft and Chewy Chocolate Candies by What Smells So Good?
• Candy Corn Puppy Chow by Pies and Plots
• Pumpkin Dirt Pudding Graveyard Parfaits by Neighborfood
• Candied Pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha) by Magnolia Days
• Snickerway Truffles by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups by The Texan New Yorker
• Jack Skellington Oreo Pops by Big Bear’s Wife
• Halloween Crunch Truffles by The Weekend Gourmet
• Candy Corn Parfait by The Urban Mrs.
• Shrek’s Dirty Q-tips by Shockingly Delicious
• Frozen “Boo” Nana Pops by Momma’s Meals

CUPCAKES, COOKIES AND MORE

• Bourbon Caramel Glazed Pumpkin Donuts by Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Candy Corn White Chocolate Pretzels by Alida’s Kitchen
• Soft Apple Cider Cookies by Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Spooky Cookies by Basic N Delicious
• Spiced Pumpkin Bomb Cupcakes by My Other City By the Bay
• Cinnamon Rolls à la Great Pumpkin by Ninja Baking
• Trick or Beet Brownies by Foxes Love Lemons
• Caramel Surprise Witches’ Hat Cupcakes by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
• Dark and Stormy Gingerbread by girlichef
• {Flourless} Monster Cookie Dough Dip by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Monster and Mummy Cupcakes by Hip Foodie Mom
• Pumpkin Cut-out Cookies by Take A Bite Out Of Boca
• Candied Pumpkin Cheese Cake with Maple Cream by Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes by The Dinner-Mom
• Zombie Cupcakes by Treats & Trinkets

APPETIZER, MAIN MEALS

• Green Tomato Chilli by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• It’s the Great Stuffed Pumpkin by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Mummy Calzone by Curious Cuisiniere
• Pumpkin Soup by Juanita’s Cocina
• Pizza Bones by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Sincere Pumpkin Patch Spicy Cheese Ball by Food Lust People Love
• Spooky Stew by Happy Baking Days
• Bloody Rice by Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Ghost Flatbread Pizzas by Family Foodie
• Witch Hats by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

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