Sale on Pumpkin Tutus in my store and etsy store. Buy a pumpkin tutu and receive your tutu for $20 shipped.
www.maggiesrosegarden.etsy.com
Tis time for the annual journey to the pumpkin patch, only about 20 minutes from our home. Check out Howell's Pumpkin Patch.
http://www.howellspumpkins.com/howells-pumpkin-patch-things-to-do.htm
This year the kids looked for what they thought was the perfect pumpkin; the larger more ridged pumpkin that I now know is called a Cinderella pumpkin. These pumpkins are great for use as a jack-o-lantern. There is more of the stringy stuff in in the middle to clean out and there is conflicting belief that Cinderella pumpkins are good for baking.
The hayride driver informed us that the best pumpkins for baking are actually called pie pumpkins. These are smaller, round pumpkins with less pronounced ridges. We picked three of the orangest pie pumpkins we could find and brought them home.
This afternoon after school we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Here is what we did.
First I washed up the pumpkin real good and placed it on a towel on the table. I took a serrated knife and cut the pumpkin's top off like you would when you are carving a pumpkin as a jack-o-lantern. The kids had fun pulling out the stringy brains of the pumpkin and separating from the seeds. We placed the seeds in a strainer and cleaned them up very nice. I then melted some butter and then put the seeds in some butter and added kosher salt and mixed. This would be a great time to add other flavors like chedder cheese seasoning or cayenne pepper seasoning or cinnamon and sugar. What ever your heart's desire. I then spread the seeds on a baking pan and placed in a preheated 325 degree oven for 25 minutes. The seeds came out perfect! I've read some recipes that call for drying out the seeds for awhile, but conflicting evidence says that this will make the seeds to dry after baking in the oven.
I set the seeds aside to cool and starting with making the puree to be used for the bread, bars, pie, butter and what ever else I was going to make.
If you are like me and like to make fun memories with your kids, but you lack time and the microwave is your favorite kitchen appliance, this recipe is for you. If you are a domestic godess and enjoy waiting 1 1/2 hrs for oven-baked deliciousness just put the cut pumpkin pieces in a casserole dish and bake in the oven at 325 for 1 1/2 hrs.
Quick and Easy Puree Instructions!
For puree just cut the pumpkin in to several slices. I cut mine in to 4 slices. Again conflicting evidence will say that too many slices may cause the pumpkin to dry out. Then I put my pumpkin slices in my Pampered Chef rice cooker, added 1 inch of water and placed in the microwave on high for 15 minutes.
Vois La! The pumpkin came out soft and ready to remove from the rind. I then placed in the blender until the pumpkin became puree. I did not add any of the spice. I will do that while making my recipe.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes for pumpkin bread
I also encourage you to share your pumpkin recipes. What is your favorite pumpkin recipe??
Delicious Pumpkin Bread
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Delicious-Pumpkin-Bread/Detail.aspx
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Chip-Pumpkin-Bread/Detail.aspx
Pumpkin Pie
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cindys-Pumpkin-Pie/Detail.aspx
Libby's Pumpkin Pie
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Libbys-Famous-Pumpkin-Pie/Detail.aspx
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pauls-Pumpkin-Bars/Detail.aspx
