Once you learn how to cook fresh pumpkin (promise, it’s easy!
), you’re able to put local produce to delicious use in sweet and savory recipes.
We’ll explain how to cook fresh pumpkin both ways.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
How Many Cups in a Can of Pumpkin, Really?
Fifteen ounces of canned pumpkin is just shy of 2 cups (16 ounces would be 2 cups).
Buy one from a local pumpkin patch orfarmers market, or discoverhow to grow your own!
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Here’s how to do it in the oven.
Step 1: Bake Pumpkin
Preheat oven to 375F.
Clean your pumpkin for cooking.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Cut pumpkins into 55-inch pieces.
Remove and discard seeds and strings (saveseeds for roasting, if desired).
Arrange pieces, rind sides up, in a single layer in foil-lined baking pans.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Once done, continue with step 2.
Step 2: Remove Rind
Bake, covered, until tender, 1 to 11/2 hours.
When cool enough to handle, scoop pulp from rind into a food processor or blender.
Cover and process until smooth.
Let stand 1 hour to drain.
Lightly press puree to remove any additional liquid; discard liquid.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Filling
Prepare as directed through Step 3.
In a large bowl combine 7 cups strained pumpkin puree, 3 cups packed brown sugar, 5 tsp.
ground cinnamon, 4 tsp.
ground ginger, 2 tsp.
salt, 1 tsp.
ground cloves, and, if you like, 1 tsp.
Divide filling into four portions (about 2 cups each).
To use, thaw in refrigerator.
How to Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin pie recipesare a stellar option, of course!
It’s no longer just for fall when you’ve got some in the freezer and the pantry.
So are you ready to pump up your menu all year long?
