How to Serve Pumpkin
- 1). Start by making your own puree for pumpkin pies. It's a little messy and it takes more time than opening a can, but the fresh, delicious taste is worth it. To make puree, wash the pumpkin, and cut it in half or into pieces. Remove the seeds and the strings. Boil, steam, bake or microwave it in a few inches of water. Spoon out the pulp and blend or mash it. If you have extra puree, you can freeze it in a sealable plastic bag.
- 2). Go beyond pies. Fresh pureed pumpkin adds wonderful moisture and flavor to muffins, cookies, breads, cheesecakes, puddings, scones and even creme brulee. Love homemade ice cream? Use pumpkin in that, too.
- 3). For something different, add pumpkin puree to your traditional favorites. Make an apple pumpkin pie, chocolate pumpkin cupcakes or banana pumpkin muffins. Jazz up savory dishes with pumpkin, too--think vegetable curry, ravioli, quiche and more. Pumpkin puree also makes a delicious soup base.
- 4). Serve stew (or soup) in a 10-pound pumpkin. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and stringy parts. Put in your favorite stew recipe and bake the whole thing in the oven. At the table, serve the stew by ladling it from the pumpkin right into your guests' bowls.
