Here's a question for all you cooks out there: how many of you have ever made a pumpkin pie? (I'm imagining a big show of hands.) Okay. Now, how many of you have made a pie from a real pumpkin?
To be honest, it's only recently that I used a real pumpkin for my pies, too. Like most folks, I reached for those cans on the supermarket shelves, never realizing how bland the pureed pumpkin actually was. Then I tried a fresh pumpkin, and ooh la la...the difference in taste and texture is amazing!
The key to baking a delicious pumpkin pie, of course, is starting with a delicious pumpkin. You don't want to use one of those grocery store giants; they're bred to have thin rinds and few seeds, for carving into Jack o'Lanterns.
Instead, pick out a nice, orange pie pumpkin, which should have a label to identify it. You want one that's about 8" around, without any bruises or mushy spots. A pie-type punkin' will have thicker, sweeter flesh for cooking than other types, and if you find an heirloom pie variety--better still!
To prepare your pumpkin, start by rinshing it in cool water, drying it (so it doesn't slip in your hands), and then cutting it in half. I use a sharp, serrated and a sawing motion for more control. Don't slip and cut yourself! Next, scrap out all the seeds and stringy stuff. You can roast the seeds for snacks, if you like, or if they're from an heirlom variety, save them for planting next year.
Next, put your pumpkin halves into a microwavable bowl. Cut them smaller to fit, if necessary. Add a couple of inches of water, cover, and microwave for 15 minutes on full power. Check to see if the pumpkin flesh is soft enough to scoop out. If not, microwave a few minutes more, and repeat until the flesh is nice and soft. If you prefer, put the pumpkin chunks in a large pan, cover them with water, and cook them on the stovetop until they're soft.
Use a big spoon to slide the cooked pumpkin out of the skin. Puree the pumpkin, after it's cooled, in a blender or mash it up with a hand mixer. Now you're ready to get out your favorite recipe and whip up a Thanksgiving dessert!
Happy Thanskgiving, everyone!
Lynn
www.LynnCoulter.com
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