Make Me Something Sundays: Samhain Sweet Potatoes in a Pumpkin Shell

Another gem from my friend, Madame Defarge!

"When working with pumpkins and gourds , talk to the child(ren) about the things that happen at Samhain. The task of cooking or handicrafting with seasonal items will be forever imbued with the qualities you evoke in these lessons.

Recipes are a dime a dozen and some are just too awful for today's palate but here's a nifty seasonal yummy which kids will love as well as adults. It's decadent and rich and very pumpkiny!"

Samhain Sweet Potatoes in a Pumpkin Shell 

2 quart sized pumpkin
1/3 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans 
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup brown sugar 
3 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes (or canned yams)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk 
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup melted butter 
2 beaten eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional and not to my liking but what the heck)

1. Combine potatoes, sugar, vanilla, coconut, spices, flour and pecans. 
2. Mix well. Cut the top of the pumpkin open and scoop out the seeds and fibre. 
3. Fill the hollowed pumpkin with the potato mixture. 
4. Mix the butter, milk, and eggs together. Sprinkle over the top of the potato mixture. 
5. Place the filled pumpkin in a large baking dish. 
6. Replace the pumpkin top. Bake at 375 degrees (F) for forty-five minutes. (45 min) 
7. Remove the lid and place the mini marshmallows on top (if used). Bake until the marshmallows are melted and turning golden. Allow pumpkin to cool for 10 minutes before serving directly from the shell.