Q: I received a bottle of very good quality Austrian pumpkin seed oil for Christmas. What should I do with it?

Lynne: I don't think I've ever worked with pumpkin seed oil. Many seed oils can be very flavorful and often taste just like what they're made from. Why not make a Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette for a salad? Use a gentle Asian rice vinegar with the pumpkin seed oil. Add some chopped shallots and coarsely chopped toasted pumpkin seeds. Add the tiniest pinch of a not-too-hot chile powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend all the ingredients together. Make a salad of tart greens and sliced ripe pears. Scatter some toasted whole pumpkin seeds over the salad and drizzle on the dressing.