Homemade Fresh Pumpkin

Homemade Fresh Pumpkin 

Who doesn't love homemade pumpkin pie on the holidays? 

Do you ever feel like you want to make homemade pumpkin pie but the only thing readily available is pumpkin in the can? 

Well.... here is how to take a pumpkin(s) at Halloween, preserve them and use them for various uses later! WEEEEE!!!! 

Here is how to pick your pumpkin: The smaller ones are a little more sweeter and the larger ones are just a bit more tart. So, it is ultimately up to you what flavor you would like to have more. I think they are both delicious. 

***Note: DO NOT use already carved pumpkins that have been sitting outside. You don't know what has been around them, animals,etc.***

Here is how to cook and can your pumpkin: 

1. Boil a large pot of water. (preferably a stock pot or something similar)

2. Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin like you would normally do if you were going to carve the pumpkin for Halloween. 

3. Pull out the insides and set them aside for later. DON'T THROW THEM AWAY! :)

4. After all the pulp is pulled out. Cut the pumpkin up into large portions. To be precise. Slice the pumpkin side so that you have pieces that are 4-5 inches by 4-5 inches. Then throw them into the pot.

5. Depending on the pumpkin you get you will have to boil them for various amounts of time. If the meat of your pumpkin looks like:  Deep orange=15 minute boil or Light Orange=20-25 Minutes

6. You will know that the pumpkin is ready to go when it is soft enough to stick a fork in. Very much like a baked potato. 

7. Pull the pumpkin out of the water and either into a strainer or a bowl. I like to use a bowl because the water the comes off of the pumpkin tends to keep the pumpkin warm until I'm ready to use it. 

8. Next, you want to peel the skin off of the pumpkin slices and either mash them with a potato masher or blend them. You are looking for an applesauce type consistency. 

Preserving

1. After the pumpkin is done and pureed. Pour the pumpkin into ziplock bags or tupperware. Make sure that you don't fill it all the way to the top. You want to leave at least 2 inches of space at the top. This will help with storing it. 

2. Write the date on the bag, push out all the air and put it in the freezer! 

3. Pull a bag out for pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin curry,etc. 

 Happy pumpkin'n!

CHEERS!!!