Dinner in a Pumpkin

submitted by Missy




serves 6


1 small to medium pumpkin (cut off top and clean out seeds) be sure to select a pumpkin with a stem! It serves as a handle
2 T. vegetable oil
1 onion chopped
2 lbs. lean ground beef
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1-4 oz. can sliced mushrooms
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 C. cooked rice
1 can water chestnuts drained (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°. Using sharp knife, cut 3-inch circle around stem of pumpkin. Remove seeds and pulp; discard (or save the seeds and roat them after dinner). Brush inside of pumpkin with margarine. Brush outside of pumpkin with salad oil; placed in center of a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375º for 30 minutes.

Brown meat and onion in large skillet. Drain fat and add soy sauce, brown sugar, mushrooms, soup and rice. Simmer for 10 minutes. Fill the inside with the mixture. Replace pumpkin lid and put on a cookie sheet. Bake for about one hour.