When you hit the pumpkin patch this year, grab some baking varieties and stretch pumpkin spice season even longer.
PUMPKIN PIE FILLING
When you hit the pumpkin patch this year, grab some baking varieties and stretch pumpkin spice season even longer. Cooking pumpkin isn’t nearly as daunting as it might seem and having cooked pumpkin on hand allows you to get surprisingly creative.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Use a knife to poke a few holes in your pumpkin then place in the oven in a glass baking dish.
- Bake 45-60 minutes, depending on size. It will be done when the flesh has darkened and is easily pierced by a fork.
- Cut your pumpkin in half and allow to cool. Then scoop out the seedy goop and separate the flesh from the skin. (A grapefruit spoon is perfect for these tasks.) Either freeze the flesh in chunks for things like smoothies or puree and freeze in mason jars for future pies, muffins, and soup.
Erin McCarthy Bianchi is a Registered Dietitian and all-around local food lover. She and her two daughters spend many hours in the kitchen cooking and eating. Follow Erin on Instagram @thefarmerandthecook for more simple recipes using local ingredients.