How to Make Pumpkin Puree

Each year, eighty percent of the pumpkins grown in the USA are harvested in October. Commercially canned puree is probably the most familiar edible form of this popular autumn produce, however the mild, slightly sweet flesh of fresh pumpkin makes an excellent dish when baked, boiled, sauteed, steamed or microwaved. The pumpkin seeds, as well, may be toasted to create a marvelously tasty and healthy snack.

This article will discuss the process of selecting the proper cooking pumpkin and the technique for preparing homemade pumpkin puree.

Selecting and Storing Fresh Pumpkins...

For cooking, select the small 'pie' types, often called sugar, cheese or milk pumpkins - the 'jack-'o-lantern' pumpkins are not as sweet and the flesh is tough and stringy. (If uncertain, ask your grocer to help select the proper variety.)

Always select firm, sound pumpkins that feel heavy for their size. The rind should not have any blemishes or soft spots and a 2- to 3-inch stem should be intact.

Fresh pumpkins may be stored in a cool, dry dark place for up to 2 months. Ideal temperature range for storage is 55 to 59F (12.5 to 15C). Do not store below 50F (10C) and do not store fresh pumpkin in a refrigerator or wrap in plastic.

How to Prepare Homemade Pumpkin Puree...

The following recipe will yield a minimum of 1-3/4 cups of puree -- equal to 1 (15-oz.) can of solid pack pumpkin puree. (Three pounds of fresh pumpkin will yield about 3 cups mashed cooked pumpkin.) Any leftover puree may be frozen - see freezing instructions below. Use this puree in recipes or substitute it in the same amount in any recipe calling for solid pack canned pumpkin.

1. Choose a 3 to 4 pound sugar ('pie') pumpkin for preparing puree. (Under no circumstances cook or eat a carved Halloween pumpkin as the cut surfaces breed bacteria.)

2. Preheat oven to 350F (175C).

3. Just prior to baking, rinse the pumpkin under cold water to remove any dirt or debris from the outside of the pumpkin; wipe dry with a cloth or paper towel.

4. Split the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy fibers by scraping the insides with a metal spoon. Discard fibers and save seeds for toasting, if desired.

5. Rub the cut surfaces of the pumpkin with canola oil and place the 2 halves (cut-side-down) in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water.

6. Bake in preheated oven until pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a knife (approximately 90 minutes).

7. Remove the pumpkin halves from the oven and place them on a cutting board or other flat surface to cool.

8. When cool enough to handle, scoop the baked flesh out of each pumpkin half with a spoon.

9. Puree pumpkin in a food processor fitted with a metal chopping blade or mash by hand.

10. Place the puree in a sieve lined with a paper-towel or coffee filter and set over a deep bowl. Let drain, stirring occasionally until the puree is as thick as canned solid pack pumpkin, approximately 1 to 2 hours. (Important: Do not allow cooked pumpkin to set at room temperature longer than two hours in the process of making puree.)

Note: Pumpkin may also be cut into chunks and steamed or cooked in boiling water until soft. Remove pulp from rind then mash or run through a food mill or food processor. Because this technique yields a more 'watery' puree, it is important to drain out moisture as mentioned above, or by gently warming in a heavy-bottomed saucepan to remove any excess water before use.

How To Preserve Pumpkin Puree...

Homemade pumpkin puree freezes beautifully for later use.
To freeze:

1. Allow prepared puree to cool completely.

2. Measure puree into 1-3/4 cup portions and place in clean ridged freezer containers (leaving 1/2-inch headspace).

3. Label, date, and freeze for up to one year.

Cooking With Pumpkin Puree...

Not only is pumpkin puree an excellent source of vitamin A, low in sodium and fat-free -- it is also very versatile. Whether using homemade or commercially canned puree, it is an ingredient that may be used in preparing an endless number of pie, cake, cookie, muffin, sweet bread, pancake, creamy soup and elegant bisque recipes.

Why not try swirling some into a steaming bowl of cream of wheat cereal along with some maple syrup? Maybe consider perking up ordinary mashed potatoes by mashing in some pumpkin puree and sour cream. Just be creative and use your imagination - also keep in mind that most recipes that call for winter squash or sweet potatoes may be successfully prepare by substituting pumpkin.

Copyright 2005 Janice Faulk Duplantis

About the Author: Janice Faulk Duplantis, author and publisher, currently maintains a web site that focuses on Easy Gourmet and French/Cajun Cuisine. Please visit http://www.bedrockpress.com to see all that Bedrock Press has to offer. Janice also publishes 4 monthly complementary ezines: Gourmet Bytes, Lagniappe Recipe, Favorite Recipes and Cooking 101. Subscribe at: http://www.bedrockpress.com/subscribe.html

Pumpkin For Your Dog's Health

Believe it or not, canned pumpkin is a wonderful food for your dog. It can be used for many different things. And, most dogs seem to love canned pumpkin.

Canned pumpkin, since it is low in calories, can help your dog with weight loss. Pumpkin puree is the consistency of canned dog food and can be mixed in with his canned food or used with dry food. Do not use pumpkin pie filling which has added sugar and spices. These extra calories and sugar are not good for your dog.

I've mentioned adding green beans to your dog's food as a way of reducing calories and helping him feel full. Many dogs do not like green beans but will readily eat pumpkin. Reduce your dog's food by about a third and replace it with canned pumpkin.

A can of pumpkin will last a long time. To keep it from going bad put it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Defrost the number of cubes you need every day.

Pumpkin is also very nutritious. It contains vitamin A, beta carotene and potassium.

If your dog is suffering from constipation canned pumpkin is very high in fiber and water. It will help to relieve constipation. And as contrary as it may sound pumpkin is also a remedy for diarrhea. It can also be used to stop vomiting. You may feed your dog from 1 teaspoon for small dogs, and anywhere from 2 teaspoons to a tablespoon for medium to large dogs. What a wonderful versatile food.

So when you are doing your shopping pick up a can of pumpkin for your dog and start feeding it to him with his main meal and you will be astonished at how his health will improve.

For more information on how to keep your dog healthy visit my blog IsYourDogOverweight.com. Information about nutrition, supplements, food, and healthy lifestyle as well as how to help your overweight dog is all available at Is Your Dog Overweight.com

Thanksgiving Pies - Homemade Pumpkin Pie

The holidays will soon be upon us, complete with all of the tastes of the season. There is nothing that signifies the holidays are here like pumpkin pie with whipped cream. The thought of making a pie from scratch may be daunting, but pumpkin pie is actually much easier than it sounds. So, if you've just visited your favorite farmers market or harvested a pumpkin out of your own garden, then keep reading for some homemade pumpkin pie tips.

The first step is to prepare your pumpkin. This includes giving it a good wash and slicing the pumpkin in half. Scoop out the stringy part and the seeds inside each half. While you won't be using the seeds in the pie, they make great snacks when roasted and lightly salted.

Bake your pumpkin for an hour, shell side up. The insides will become very soft, almost like butter. Scoop out the insides leaving just the shell. An ice cream scoop works well with this. If the pumpkin does not have the consistency of canned puree, you can puree it lightly in a food processor. It should not need it, however.

Last, but not least, follow the pie recipe for the filling and the crust. You will be able to find many different recipes in various cookbooks and online. Each varies in different aspects like spices and sugar content. Choose one you think sounds yummy and meets any special dietary needs you may have.

Whether you make your pie from canned puree, buy it frozen, or make it from scratch, a pumpkin pie is a great holiday tradition!

The author is a contributor for Popup Gazebos & Outdoor Gazebos, and compares dozens of products & supplies on the internet.