Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are just the mere tip of the iceberg.

From starters, to main dishes, to side dishes, to desserts, pumpkin can be introduced all over the plate. And the autumn-enhanced dishes will entice anyone who loves the creamy and earthy quality of the squash plant.

Savory apple pumpkin soup, warm pumpkin bacon pasta and fresh pumpkin feta cranberry salad are among the countless recipes floating around the internet.

Pumpkin can mimic squash, which is often used in some Mexican dishes, and it can be used as a healthy dish to add subtle, nutty flavor. It can also add richness, and unique texture to countless dishes, including Cheesy Bean-and-Rice Bites with Pumpkin-Sage Sauce, Pumpkin Mac and Cheese, Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas and Pumpkin, Barley and Sage Soup.

Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole with Chicken pairs fiery jalapeno sauce with roasted pumpkin seed toppings and cumin-spiced pumpkin. Pesto-infused pumpkin puree can be paired with crusty baguette slices or hearty crackers for Pumpkin Pesto. And Pumpkin-Shrimp Bruschetta is a tasty option, created when one combines goat cheese, boiled shrimp, arugula and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Whether you're cooking with canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin, know that there are a few tips and tricks to consider when addressing that pumpkin. For fresh pumpkin, choose a four-pound, flavorful sugar pie pumpkin that will yield about 1.5 cups of puree.

To make pumpkin puree:

1. Cut the pumpkin in half and bake cut-side down, covered with foil, in a 375-degree F oven for about 90 minutes or until flesh is tender.

2. Allow to cool, scoop out the flesh, and puree.

3. Strain the puree for extra-silky smooth soups and custards.

Some other achievable pumpkin recipes are Thai Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Stew, Pumpkin Turkey Chili, Vegetarian Four Cheese Lasagna, Pumpkin Fritters, Spinach-Stuffed Pumpkins, Roast Pumpkin and Feta Risotto, Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread, Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll, Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Gingerbread, Pumpkin Cheesecake in a Gingersnap Crust and Iced Pumpkin Cookies.

Also, try Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust & Caramel Sauce, Pumpkin Grilled Cheese, Pumpkin and Fried Sage Flatbread, Pasta Al Forno with Pumpkin and Pancetta, Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi, Pumpkin Empanadas, Pumpkin and Sweet Onion Quesadilla and Creamy Pumpkin Pasta.

Find out how to make Dulde de Calabaza below: