Ingredients

  • From pies and cakes to quick breads and pastries, pumpkin is one versatile veggie for baking. shopping list
  • And there’s certainly no shame in using canned pumpkin. Even professional bakers do it. shopping list
  • But if you are baking with fresh pumpkin, here are a few tips to keep in mind. shopping list
  • Smaller is Better shopping list
  • Large field pumpkins, which are bred for jack-o’-lanterns, are too stringy for baking. Choose sugar pie pumpkins or other flavorful varieties. Small and sweet with dark orange-colored flesh, they’re perfect for pies, soups, muffins, and breads. shopping list

How to make it

  • A medium-sized (4-pound) sugar pumpkin should yield around 1½ cups of mashed pumpkin. This puree can be used in all your recipes calling for canned pumpkin.
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  • Choose Your Method
  • There are three ways to transform an uncooked pumpkin into the puree used in baking:
  • Baking Method
  • Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the stem section and stringy pulp. Save the seeds to dry and roast.
  • In a shallow baking dish, place the two halves face down and cover with foil.
  • Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for about 1½ hours for a medium-sized sugar pumpkin, or until tender.
  • Once the baked pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree or mash it.
  • For silky smooth custards or soups, press the pumpkin puree through a sieve.
  • Boiling Method
  • Cut the pumpkin in half, discarding the stringy insides.
  • Peel the pumpkin and cut it into chunks.
  • Place in a saucepan and cover with water.
  • Bring to a boil and cook until the pumpkin chunks are tender.
  • Let the chunks cool, then purée the flesh in a food processor or mash it with a potato masher or food mill.
  • (NOTE: I do NOT like to boil any squash as I fell it loses its flavor, however, if this is the only thing you can do, then do it.)
  • Microwave Method
  • Cut the pumpkin in half, discarding the stringy insides.
  • Microwave on high power for seven minutes per pound, turning pieces every few minutes to promote even cooking. Process as above.
  • You can refrigerate your fresh pumpkin purée for up to three days, or store it in the freezer up to six months, so you can enjoy fall pumpkins for months to come.

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