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Sugar Pumpkin Appetizer

INGREDIENTS
Sugar Pumpkins (1 per person)
Goat Cheese or Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh Basil
Red Onion
Pesto Sauce
Grape or Cherry Tomatoes

Sugar pumpkins are mini pumpkins that almost look like squash.  If you can get them, use the ones that are about the size of a grapefruit or softball if its a starter or appetizer.  It is obviously a perfect starter for October through November because it looks so festive.  Getting the basil in late November might be a problem, but if you have a garden, certainly you should have some fresh left around Halloween time. 

Carefully cut the tops off the sugar pumpkins and scoop out the inside seeds and "guts".  Set the tops aside but keep in tact.  Sautee or sweat the diced red onion in a pan of olive oil for a minute or two.  Mix with your cherry or grape tomatoes once you have dut them in half and toss with shredded basil leaves.  Spoon into your sugar pumpkins and then put your goat cheese and mozzarella on top (you can also just mix the goat cheese in with all the other ingredients if you like). Put the tops of the sugar pumpkins have on so that it vents while cooking  

Be sure to brush the outside of the pumpkin, the top and the inside of the top with olive oil.  Put on an oiled baking try or pan, cook at 400F for about 30-45 minutes, but certainly check it after 20 minutes, it all depends on the size of your sugar pumpkins. Obviously proceed with caution as contents will be very hot.  Warn your over-anxious guests too. 


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