A cheaper alternative to canned pumpkin is to buy a fresh pumpkin and make your own puree. Not only will it cost less, it will be fresher. Homemade pumpkin puree can be frozen and used later. Buy a big pumpkin to use, and you’ll have a whole year’s worth of pumpkin for pies, breads, and bars. Plus, you can do this with your Halloween pumpkin leftovers to create another use for the Jack ‘O Lantern after it has served its purpose.
How to Make Pumpkin Puree from Fresh Pumpkins
Step #1: Preheat your oven to 350.
Step #2: Cut your pumpkin in half. I used the smaller, pie pumpkins (pictured here) but larger pumpkins can be used as well.
Step #3: Scoop out the insides of the pumpkin, making sure it’s pretty clean.
Step #4: Add about a cup of water on the bottom of your pan. For a smaller pumpkin, a cake pan works well. For larger pumpkins, a roasting pan may be necessary.
Step #5: Place the pumpkin face down in the pan, and bake in the preheated oven for about an hour.
Step #6: Remove from oven, and let sit for 15-30 minutes to cool.
Step #7: Scoop out the fleshy part of the pumpkin. Discard the skin.
Step #8: Puree the pumpkin in a blender or food processor. Strain with cheesecloth or a coffee filter if it is too watery; or heat in a pan on your stove until it reaches the desired consistency. It can now be frozen or used immediately.
Was the cost of the gas/electric figured in and hour in the oven could be quit a cost depending on rates/your location?
I did this year before last and plan on doing it this year as well, as I am out. As far as the cost, etc. being figured in, I personally did not, but for me, it was worth it regardless. There wasn’t a can of pumpkin to be found in my area all through fall and winter. Luckily, I had pumpkin puree frozen and was able to make pumpkin pie and bread for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Our tradition has always been to cut them into 2 inch chunks and boil them. I’ve never had a problem with the pumpkin soaking up water and having a consistency problem. Still have our pumpkin pies, custards and cookies come out great! Plus I don’t think it uses as much electricity to boil one pot as opposed to heating up the stove… and the house. Well, I’m in AZ so i don’t like heating up the house LOL!
Thanks for this I was just going to try and figure this out!!