while tasty in desserts like pie, it is actually a squash.
pumpkin a great budget stretcher because you can get a fresh 10 pound carving (squash) pumpkin for around $1.99 - $4.99 at the grocery store.
some people claim that the big pumpkins are too tough or too bland to eat. i disagree. the small (pie) pumpkins are sweeter which is nice for pie and desserts. however, the big pumpkins work just as well with the right combination of pumpkin spices.
if you think your pumpkin dishes are too bland, check your pumpkin spices. the spices are what gives pumpkin dishes and desserts their kick of flavor. my favorite pumpkin spice is trader 