Puree Those Pumpkins

Now that all the trick or treating is done what to do with all those pumpkins. Well believe it or not pumpkin puree is actually made from pumpkins and you can in fact make it. Now most people might think this sounds crazy but its very simple. Not quite as easy a opening a can of orange goo labeled pumpkin filling but easy none the less.

Don't toss them, bake them

First you will need to cut open and clean those pumpkins. You can use your jack-o-lanterns if you like since there already clean. Just make sure the bugs haven't gotten to then and there still firm. I will typically quarter the smaller ones and the bigger ones just cut into pieces. You will also find that cleaning is much easier when the pumpkin is in pieces.

Once you have cleaned out you pumpkins, place onto a clean cookie sheet skin side down. Place in a oven that has been heated to 350 degrees. Bake for about one hour or until the skin can be peeled off easily.

Quartered and clean, ready for the oven

Allow to cool then peel the skin by hand or use a knife to cut off the skin. Next cut your baked pumpkin into pieces and place into a rotating cutting device of  your choosing.  Blender, food processor or whatever else might do the job. Once its puree it doesn't really matter how it go there.  All pumpkins are different so you may need to add water to get the correct consistency. Semi-liquid would be the best way I could describe the texture.

Food Processor, Blender or Juicer all will work

That's it, your fresh puree is now ready for your favorite pumpkin recipes. Use instead of the canned garbage in pie, bread or whatever pumpkin treats fit your fancy. A favorite around our house is pumpkin bread. It's similar to zucchini bread in texture and ease of making.

Puree Goodness

This recipe comes from Simply Recipes .

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (makes one loaf)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup olive oil
•  1 cup pumpkin purée
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 cup  chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1 Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.
2 Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, but do not mix too thoroughly. Stir in the nuts.
3 Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a thin skewer poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.
Can easily double the recipe.