Pumpkin is the quintessential American fall produce. From September through November, pumpkins can be found at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other stores across the country. Their most popular use may be for decoration; houses across the U.S. will place painted and carved pumpkins on doorsteps and in windowsills for Halloween and Thanksgiving. During the short pumpkin harvest period, another use you will not want to miss out on is using pumpkins in cooking.

Experimenting with Pumpkin

Pumpkins have a unique flavor and texture that can be used for a variety of dishes. In the fall, you can find pumpkin in everything from baked goods to soups to lattes. Creative food lovers have developed all sorts of uses for pumpkins in cooking, and the extent to which you can use pumpkins is limited only by your imagination. This fall, get into the spirit of the season and try some delicious pumpkin recipes.

Making Pumpkin Puree

When making a recipe that includes pumpkin, pumpkin puree is commonly used. While you can buy canned pumpkin puree, it is often thicker and lacks the fresh taste of homemade puree. Pumpkin puree can be easily prepared at home by either boiling or steaming and can then be frozen for later use. To boil a pumpkin, first halve the pumpkin and then remove the seeds and pulp. Peel the pumpkin and cut into small slices. Place in a pot of water, making sure that the pumpkin is covered by water, and boil for  approximately 25 minutes. The pumpkin should be tender when done. Alternatively, you can try steaming the pumpkin. Prepare the pumpkin and cut into slices as described above, then place the pieces in a steamer, covered, and steam for 45-50 minutes.

Once the pumpkin is tender through either boiling or steaming, puree it in a blender or food processor. If you do not have a blender or prefer your pumpkin to be slightly thicker, mash the tender pumpkin by hand. You can use the puree immediately or freeze it until you need it.

Pumpkin Seeds

Instead of throwing out the pumpkin seeds, consider toasting them in the oven. This is a very simple process that requires only a few minutes of prep time. First, preheat the oven to 250 F. Rinse the pumpkin seeds of all pulp and drain. Add oil or butter to the seeds, along with salt or other desired seasoning, and toss until lightly coated. Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until golden brown, tossing occasionally as needed. Toss in a salad, use as a substitute for pine nuts, or eat them independently.

For More Information

For more pumpkin recipes to try at home, please visit the informative, interactive cooking website CD Kitchen today.