Sweet pumpkin shell dessert

Here's one way to make yummy use of a decorative pumpkin.

Ingredients

1 10- or 12-inch pumpkin
4 apples, cubed (unpeeled)
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped nuts
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 oranges, peeled and chopped, or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey

Directions

To prepare pumpkin

1. Scrub the pumpkin.
2. Carve out a 5- or 6-inch circle from the top and save for a cover.
3. Dig out seeds and soft interior and discard.

To prepare dessert

1. Combine all ingredients, except pumpkin.
2. Spoon recipe ingredients into the pumpkin shell.
3. Put the pumpkin lid back on and place the filled pumpkin in a 350-degree oven on a pie plate.
4. Bake until a fork can easily penetrate the shell (1 to 2 hours).
5. Remove the cover and serve from the shell.
6. Serve with ice cream or frozen yogurt, if desired.