Cooking a Pie Pumpkin

Cooking your own sugar or pie pumpkin for puree is useful for several of our recipes, like Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Oat Crust, and Pumpkin-Peanut Butter Soup. Although not quite as easy as opening a can of pumpkin, homemade puree has a brighter, fresher taste. The process is especially easy when you use the microwave! For more cooking options, the Pick Your Own site has a wonderful step-by-step process for cooking your own pumpkin. 

1. Wash and dry the pumpkin.
   
2. Using a large knife, cut pumpkin in half. 
3. Use a tablespoon to scrap out the seeds and stringy parts. Turn the seeds into a delicious snack by roasting them.
   
   
   
4. Place pumpkin halves in a very large microwavable bowl, and add a few inches of water.
5. Microwave for 10 minutes. Use a fork to see if it is tender. If not, continue to cook in 5-minute increments.
   
    
6. Scoop out the cooked pumpkin (or remove the skin; it should slide off easily) and place in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. (We were able to process half of the pumpkin at a time.) 
   
7. Refrigerate until ready to use.