How do i prepare pumpkin for pie from scratch.?!
Line a colander with cheesecloth. Empty pumpkin into colander and let sit, draining, until it's cooled down (pumpkin absorbs a LOT of water and needs a lot of time to drain).
Once it's cooled enough, place the colander inside a large bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let sit in the fridge overnight (some more water will continue to drain off).
The next day, mash or puree enough pumpkin for your recipe. Freeze any remainder in ziploc bags.
Edit to add: One person mentioned roasting - while this is FAR easier than my whole process of boiling/draining, I find that roasting gives the pumpkin too much of a smoky/rustic flavour that's better for savory dishes, rather than pie. Just my opinion. :)
And while a sugar (pie) pumpkin IS better, a jack-o-lantern pumpkin works too. The stores in my area don't always carry pie pumpkins so I have to make do.
Answers: Chop your pumpkin into 1-1.5 inch cubes (removing the peel). Cover with water in a big pot and boil for app. 15 minutes, or until fork tender.
Line a colander with cheesecloth. Empty pumpkin into colander and let sit, draining, until it's cooled down (pumpkin absorbs a LOT of water and needs a lot of time to drain).
Once it's cooled enough, place the colander inside a large bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let sit in the fridge overnight (some more water will continue to drain off).
The next day, mash or puree enough pumpkin for your recipe. Freeze any remainder in ziploc bags.
Edit to add: One person mentioned roasting - while this is FAR easier than my whole process of boiling/draining, I find that roasting gives the pumpkin too much of a smoky/rustic flavour that's better for savory dishes, rather than pie. Just my opinion. :)
And while a sugar (pie) pumpkin IS better, a jack-o-lantern pumpkin works too. The stores in my area don't always carry pie pumpkins so I have to make do.
First you have to find the right pumpkin. A Sugar Pumpkin is the best to make into pie. The ones used to carve jack-o-lanters IS NOT!
Cut into sections, peel, remove seeds and innards. Roast in the oven until fork tender... you can sprinkle w/ a bit of flavorless oil and a tad of salt to help this along. I'd say about 325o for about an hour... depends upon how big you cut the pieces. Then put cooked and cooled pumkin thru a food mill or food processor to make smooth.
Dont' forget to roast the seeds w/ salt, a wee bit of cumin, pepper, and EVOO for a nice snack!
Pumpkin Pie from Scratch
for the crust
2 cups whole pecans (you can substitute walnuts if you like)
? cup brown sugar
1 egg
for the filling
2 cups packed, shredded pumpkin (about half of the 2 pound sugar pumpkin)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of salt
3 large eggs
1 can (14.5 ounces) coconut milk (regular or light according to preference)
2/3 cup brown or turbinado sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°. Unroll some parchment paper, and put an 8” spring-form pan on top of the parchment paper. Trace the edge of the pan with a pen, and then cut out the circle.
REST IS HERE WITH PICTURES TOO
http://www.somethinginseason.com/2007/10...
A pie from a scratch sounds like you're just kidding