Fresh Pumpkin Puree

Ingredients

• 1 Culinary Pumpkin (See below variety recommendations)
• Really any pumpkin can be used for cooking, however some are better known for their desirable flavors. Typically pumpkins used for cooking tend to have more of a squatty shape and vary in shades of orange and white. Varieties commonly used for carving can also be used, but will likely have a slightly different texture and lack the familiar flavor used throughout the culinary industry.

Best Pie and Puree Pumpkin Varieties

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400F. Cut your pumpkin in half and remove the seeds. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

2. Bake for 45-60 minutes. You will know it is done when a knife can easily cut through the pumpkin. The exact time needed may vary depending on how large and thick the pumpkin is. Allow to cool when done.

3. Seperate the flesh from the skin with your hands, or by cutting and scraping. Place the seperated flesh over a wire colander and press the excess juices out. Be sure to place a bowl under the colander to collect the pumpkin juices for use in soups or stews.

4. After pressing the excess liquid out of the flesh, blend the pumpkin into a puree using a blender or food processer.

5. If using for baking, place the pureed pumpkin into a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to further remove excess liquid for at least 30 minutes. It should be about the same consistency as canned pumpkin.

6. Refridgerate until you are ready to use your homemade pumpkin puree.