Tips And Tricks For Cooking With Pumpkin

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Are you a fan of all things pumpkin? Fall is here and I am excited to start baking pumpkin recipes. Today I am sharing some simple tips for Cooking With Pumpkin.

Aahhhh, the flavors of fall! I absolutely love this time of year. We grow a LOT of pumpkins here on our farm and I have a few tips on cooking with pumpkin to share with your today. Pumpkin is as versatile as it is nutritious! Keep reading, to learn more about several tips and tricks to make your cooking experience with it as pleasant as possible. Pumpkins are a key item we decorate with in the fall, but cooking with pumpkins is really easy.

Tips And Tricks For Cooking With Pumpkin

Pick the Right Pumpkin

The type of pumpkin typically used for carving in the fall isn’t usually used for cooking. This is because carving pumpkins are grown for their tough exterior, not for their flavor.

Varieties like Hubbard Squash and Small Sugar pumpkins are grown for their sweet flavor. Using them gives your dish that distinct pumpkin taste that you don’t quite get from a carving pumpkin.

When it comes to picking out the perfect pumpkin, look for one with a deep, rich hue. It’s also important to make sure the fruit is the same color all the way around. If it has spots or is discolored along the bottom, don’t purchase it. In addition, it should be firm with no mushy areas.

Eat the Seeds

People who regularly carve jack-o’-lanterns likely already know how tasty pumpkin seeds can be. Separate the seeds from the pumpkin guts, wash them and bake them in the oven (on low temperature) until they’re golden brown.

Another yummy way to consume them is to use them raw to top a salad mix. Pumpkin seeds are good for you! Among other things, they contain high levels of minerals like magnesium, which your body needs to function properly.

Roast it First

The easiest way to cook with pumpkin is to use it in purée form. However, when making yours from scratch, you may run into consistency issues. To reduce the possibility, roast the pumpkin before you purée it.

This step makes it much easier to separate the fruit’s flesh from the skin; all you have to do is scoop it out with a spoon. Blending purée is key when you’re looking for a smooth, uniform texture.

Pie Crust Success

Reduce the possibility of a soggy pumpkin pie, by “blind-baking” the pie crust. Prick it several times with a fork. Line with foil and cover the entire surface with dried beans. Bake until golden.

Next, remove the beans and foil. Pour in the pumpkin filling and bake as usual. You may want to cover the crust edge with foil, to prevent excess browning.

Remember Your Pet

Dogs shouldn’t eat sugary, canned pumpkin pie filling. But, plain pumpkin purée is fine, given in small amounts. Most dogs love it!

Don’t feed your furbaby more than a couple of tablespoons per day. It can lead to harmful levels of vitamin A. Give it to them raw, or better yet, search the internet for simple pumpkin dog treat recipes to whip up for your canine friend.

Protect Sensitive Skin

The easiest way to prepare a pumpkin is to reach in and remove the contents with your bare hands. This is fine, unless you have sensitive skin. A pumpkin’s mildly acidic insides can lead to irritated skin. If you’re sensitive, wear latex gloves while you’re cutting and cleaning this fall favorite.

These are just a few simple tips and tricks when cooking with pumpkin. There are so many things you can do with it. Why not say “goodbye” to canned pumpkin and opt for garden fresh instead? The difference in taste is amazing!