Don't toss that pumpkin: 7 surprisingly clever ways to use it

From homemade dog treats and pumpkin facials to crunchy snacks and a backyard smashing session, these seven ideas give Halloween leftovers a surprising second life.

Halloween pumpkins have a pretty short career. They spend a few weeks decorating porches, survive one night of trick-or-treating and then, for millions of them, it's straight to the trash.

But before you throw yours away, consider what else it could become. From homemade dog biscuits to a fall flowerpot, pumpkins have some surprisingly useful second acts.

The key is knowing which parts you can safely reuse. Fresh pumpkin flesh and seeds saved during carving can be used in recipes, while old jack-o'-lanterns that have been sitting outdoors should be kept out of the kitchen. And resist the temptation to leave discarded pumpkins in the woods for wildlife. The University of Illinois Extension warns that rotting pumpkins can harm animals.

Here are seven ways to put your pumpkin to work long after Halloween.

1. Bake homemade dog treats

Your dog can get something out of Halloween besides barking at everyone who rings the doorbell. Fresh pumpkin flesh can be cooked and puréed into homemade dog biscuits. The American Kennel Club recommends combining 1 cup of plain pumpkin purée with ½ cup of dog-safe peanut butter and 2 cups of flour, then rolling out the dough, cutting it into shapes and baking at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Pumpkin contains fiber, but treats should be given in moderation. Plain pumpkin can help some dogs with mild digestive problems. But check the peanut butter label carefully! Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is toxic to dogs. Never use pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin that has been sitting outside.

2. Give yourself a pumpkin facial

Your leftover pumpkin might also have a place in your skincare routine. Renown Health recommends a homemade mask made with 2 tablespoons of plain pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon of unsweetened yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix the ingredients, apply to clean skin while avoiding the eyes, and rinse after 10 to 15 minutes.

Pumpkin naturally contains beta-carotene and vitamins, while the yogurt and honey create a creamy mask. Patch-test the mixture first, and avoid applying it to irritated or broken skin. Use fresh, properly prepared pumpkin, not an old Halloween decoration.

3. Make pumpkin chips or fruit roll-ups

Who knew your Halloween pumpkin could become an afternoon snack? Jennifer Lee of Kirbie's Cravings makes crunchy pumpkin chips by slicing fresh pumpkin into thin wedges and baking them at 220 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, then leaving them in the cooling oven to crisp up. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a sweet snack, or try salt for a savory version. The chips are best eaten the same day because they soften over time.

For something chewier, the National Center for Home Food Preservation offers instructions for turning cooked pumpkin purée into fruit leather, a homemade version of fruit roll-ups. Combine 2 cups of cooked pumpkin purée with ½ cup of honey, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Spread the mixture about ¼ inch thick on a prepared drying tray and dry at 140 degrees for approximately six to 12 hours, until the center no longer leaves an indentation when touched. Cut it into strips, roll them up and store them according to the center's instructions.

4. Swap pine nuts for pumpkin seeds in pesto

Pesto is another savory option for pumpkin seeds. Utah State University Extension recommends blending 2 cups of hulled pumpkin seeds with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, salt and water. The result can be tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or served with roasted vegetables. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture also recommends using pumpkin seeds in sauces and seed butter. It's a useful alternative to buying pine nuts, which can be expensive.

5. Make pumpkin seed brittle

If you've had enough roasted pumpkin seeds to last until next Halloween, try turning them into candy. Utah State University Extension suggests substituting hulled pumpkin seeds for nuts in homemade brittle. The green kernels, also called pepitas, provide a crunchy alternative to peanuts in the familiar caramelized candy. You'll need to remove the tough outer shells from seeds collected during carving or use already-hulled pumpkin seeds. It's a particularly good way to turn something usually scooped into the trash into a homemade holiday treat.

6. Turn an uncarved pumpkin into a fall flowerpot

For pumpkins that never made it under the carving knife, there's still time for a little porch makeover. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension recommends cutting the top off a fresh, intact pumpkin, scooping out the inside, making a drainage hole and filling it with potting soil and fall flowers such as chrysanthemums or pansies. The result is a seasonal planter that fits right in with autumn decorations.

Choose plants suited to your local temperatures and watch the weather: Frost and freezing conditions can damage plants, while excessive moisture can accelerate the pumpkin's decay. Once the pumpkin begins to deteriorate, move the plant to a more permanent container and compost the pumpkin.

7. Smash your pumpkins with the kids, then compost what's left

Here's one last Halloween activity for the kids or grandkids: Remove any candles, paint or decorations from that old jack-o'-lantern, take it into the backyard and let them smash it to pieces. It's messy, satisfying and actually useful. According to the University of Illinois Extension, breaking pumpkins into smaller pieces helps them decompose faster in a compost pile. Gather up the pieces and mix them with dry autumn leaves. Decomposition slows as temperatures drop, but the scraps will continue breaking down when warmer weather returns, helping nourish next spring's garden.

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