Cooking Know-How
Mashed, cooked fresh pumpkin might have a higher moisture content than canned pumpkin purée. For best results, do not substitute canned pumpkin purée in recipes calling for homemade mashed pumpkin.
Note
For easier slicing, wrap bread in plastic wrap and store overnight before cutting into slices.
Preparing Pumpkin Puree from Fresh Pumpkin
Cut a 4- to 5-lb. pumpkin in half with a large knife. Scoop out seeds and stringy fiber. Cut pumpkin into 1-1/2-inch cubes. Place pumpkin in large saucepan. Add water to 1-inch depth. Bring to boil; cover. Reduce heat and simmer 25 to 30 min. or until pumpkin is tender. Drain well; cool just until pumpkin is easy to handle. Remove peel. Mash with potato masher for a chunky mixture. For a smoother consistency, process pumpkin in a food processor. Drain mashed pumpkin in sieve for about 20 min. to remove excess liquid. Store in refrigerator up to 5 days. Cooked pumpkin can also be frozen up to 6 months in resealable freezer-weight plastic bags.
