How do you prepare pumpkins for pies, etc.?

Answer 1

Hello =)

One peels the hard shell off (dangerous...the knife can slip), and remove the nasty stuff inside.

Then, you cut it into chunks.

Put it in a large pot, with about 1/8" of water on the bottom, and start it over low heat. Once liquid begins to accumulate on the bottom, you can bring the heat up to a simmer or low boil, stirring occasionally. Eventually, it will be a soupy, thick, mass, with all of the chunks cooked apart.

Then, it must be strained, through a foodmill, or strainer, or it can be cooled, and processed through a blender or food processor.

Then it's ready to use, or it can be frozen for future use.

Namaste,

--Tom

Answer 2

I cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, place it cut side down on a jelly-roll pan. Bake it at 350 degrees Farenheit until it is soft.

Then I scoop out the meat, leaving the shell. Throw away the shell. [you can also roast the seeds after you clean them.]

Once you have the meat out, you can use an electric mixer to make a puree, or a blender, or a food processor.

However, this is a lot of work, so I have been known to take the lazy route and buy a can of pumpkin.

Answer 3

You boil them until soft and then mash them. Follow the rest of the recipe instructions. Some recipes require for the pumpkin to bee cool, so let it cool off after you mash it.