[KBinSATX]

I have been having a good year with my garden this year and am getting ready to harvest my pumpkins. They are a variety grown for pies (smaller and sweeter than the halloween pumpkins, etc.)
Does anybody know how to make pumpkin pie from actual pumpkins (rather than the canned stuff)?

 

[ladywolf]

Cook the pumpkin and then use how much they call for in the pie.

That is the simple answer. But to cook the pumpkin my favorite way it to bake it. Cut it in half and bake at 350-400 (I usually look up a roasting temp in Joy of Cooking) until it is soft, about 1 1/2 hour.

Or you can cut it into large pieces, put in crock pot, cook until soft.

One the pumpkin is soft, you can clean off the seeds and then scoop the flesh from the skin.

You can also freeze the cooked pumpkin for pies later. Too can, you should use a pressure cooker to can.

Sounds like you have a yummy garden.

 

[paniscus]

I usually drain the cooked pumpkin (I also bake it) when using it for pies.

 

[shantimama]

Fresh pumpkin makes the yummiest pies, in my opinion! And we love munching in the roasted seeds whiel waiting for the pie to come out of the oven!

If I have several pie pumpkins, I roast them all, make the puree, and freeze it in ziploc bags in the amount needed for one pie. That way I can just pull it out of the freezer and have the right amount.

 

[BusyMommy]

I have found that fresh baked pumpkin works best for me for baking if I strain it first. I put one of those giant colander cups over a bowl and dump the mashed pumpkin into it. After an hour+, it's amazing how much liquid has drained out.

 

[KBinSATX]

I am glad I asked! So many good tips. Thanks. I can't wait to get started now!!!
My pumpkins look orange. Is that a good enough indicator that they are ripe or should I look for something else?

 

[KatWrangler]

I agree. Fresh pumpkin makes pies. I either steam of roast the pumpkin. Straining it if its too liquidy. You can also freeze it. Just strain after defrosting.

 

[AmyB]

I used to bake pumpkin for pie, but I don't any more. I find it's better to boil the pumpkin for pies. Just cut it up and boil it with the skin on and when the pulp is soft scoop it into a blender, food processor or one of those hand-cranked food sieves.

Advantages of boiling are:
-It cooks faster without heating up the whole house
-no burned taste in the pumpkin pulp
-It already has some extra water in it so it's softer and easier to mash up.

If you are not going to make pie, I agree with the others that baked pumpkin is a bit nicer to eat with just some butter and maple syrup, but if it's for pie try boiling it.

--AmyB

 

[Hippiemommie]

The easiest way that I've found to do it is to take the pie pumpkin and take the seeds out. Cut it into wedges and put it in a glass dish skin side down. Put 1/4 an inch water in the bottom and cover with foil. Bake until the pumpkin is mushy. Then let cool for 30 minutes and peel away the skin.

 

[reeseccup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paniscus I usually drain the cooked pumpkin (I also bake it) when using it for pies.

me too, imo, this is a must. i also put the juices in icecube trays, freeze and save to add to broths.

 

[momto l&a]

Squash makes the best pumpkin pies

:

Cut in half take out the seeds, but on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 till a fork goes easily in the the rind. Cool, scrape out the goodness, puree, and freeze in ziplocks the amount need for a pie or two. Enjoy

 

[KBinSATX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by momto l&a Squash makes the best pumpkin pies :

Really? I also grew tons of squash! And I am the only one eating it as a vegetable side in our house. If I can disguise it as pie perhaps DH will help me eat it...

I have Butternut Squash and Spaghetti Squash. I am guessing the butternut will be the way too go since nobody wants stringy pie.

 

[spughy]

The ABSOLUTE KEY to from-scratch pumpkin pie is to get rid of the stringies. The best way to do that is with a food mill, but if you don't have one, you can whiz the cooked pumpkin in a blender and then pass it through a seive.

I bake my pumpkin until it's very soft, then scoop out the seeds, keep them for roasting, and run the flesh through a food mill. I LOVE pumpkin pie... can't wait for fall now!

 

[Klynne]

Baking the pumpkin really brings out the pumpkin flavor in the pie

 

[KBinSATX]

I just ate my first piece and it was really good!
I am glad I drained it though because my pie filling turned out very liquid-y even with the drained pulp.
I decided to steam bake the pumpkin so I didn't have to make a decision on cook or bake.

(cut in half, take our seeds, place face down on a deep baking sheet, pour some water in the baking sheet and bake the thing).

It has a very mild flavor and you can taste the spices really well. I can't wait to try the Butternut version of this!

We are in Texas. Nothing survives the summer so harvest time is now for me. If the weather works out I will have a second growing season after the heat subsides in the fall.