Pumpkin Pie From Real Pumpkins

If you're wanting to use those October porch decorations, try out this recipe for fresh-cooked pumpkin. Here's how to cut them, cook them, and turn them into a pie.

Fall is here turning hot summer days into cool weather perfect for baking. How about baking those pumpkins wasting away on your porch as the temperatures drop?

For the tastiest pies, select a medium-sized sweet and adorable pumpkin. It's better not to use the really huge jack-o'-lanterns.

A four-pound pumpkin is a perfect size for making about 1 1/2 cups of cooked pulp.

• For baking: If you prefer to bake the pumpkin, cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and pulp. Cut the halves into quarters. After it's baked, the cooked pulp can be spooned from the skin.
• For boiling: If you like the on-the-stove method, continue cutting the quarters into 1-inch cubes.

Baking Method

1. Use a turkey roasting pan or disposable aluminum pan to bake the quartered pumpkin.
2. Add a little water to the bottom of the pan.
3. Cover with a lid or foil.
4. Bake at 375°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until a fork can be easily inserted into the fruit.
5. Spoon out the cooked pumpkin separating it from the skin.

Boiling Method

1. Begin by washing the outside skin to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut around the stem and remove it.
3. Now, cut the pumpkin in half from the stem to the base.
4. Use a spoon or other utensil to scrape out the seeds and pulp.
5. Separate the seeds and soak them in water to remove the pulp.
6. Use a strainer to drain the seeds and spread them out on paper towels to dry.
7. Save the stringy pulp for the compost bin.
8. Cut the halved pumpkin into quarters, and then into smaller sections.
9. Turn each slice on its side to cut it into smaller pieces.
10. Slice off the peeling and the remaining pulp from each piece.
11. Place the cubed fruit into a large stew pot with a lid.
12. Cover the cubes with water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
13. Cover the pot and cook the cubes on medium heat for 35 to 40 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Cooked pumpkin can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or stored in the freezer up to 6 months.

Now that the pumpkin is cooked and cooled, you're ready to begin making pies.

1. Gather all the ingredients into one area to be sure you have everything you need.
2. You can always use a prepared refrigerated or frozen crust to make things simpler.
3. If you decide to make a crust from scratch, you'll need a clean, dry flour-dusted surface to roll it; a rolling pin, a flat elongated bottle (like a wine bottle), or a smooth-surfaced glass to use for flattening the dough.

Prep Time - 1 hour 45 minutes

Cook Time - 50 minutes

Ingredients for the Crust

1 1/4 cups          Flour, all-purpose

6 Tablespoons   Vegetable shortening (Crisco in the can or sticks)

1/4 teaspoon      Salt

4 Tablespoons   Cold water

Ingredients for the Filling

1 1/2 cups  Cooked Pumpkin

3/4 cup      Sugar

1/2 tsp       Salt

1 1/2 tsp    Cinnamon

1/2 tsp       Ginger

1/2 tsp       Nutmeg

1/4 tsp       Ground Cloves

2                Eggs

1 can         Evaporated Milk (12 oz)

1. Mix the filling dry ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Add dry mix to the cooled pumpkin and combine with a hand mixer, potato masher, or an emulsion blender.
3. Stir in the eggs and evaporated milk to the mixture.

Assembling the Pie

1. Cut three strips of aluminum foil 2 inches wide. Join the strips together at the short ends to form one long strip. Fold the strip in half lengthwise. Wrap the outer crust with the strip of foil to prevent over-browning of the crust.
2. Place the foil-wrapped pie crust onto a cookie sheet to catch any spills.
3. Pour the pumpkin mix into the prepared, unbaked crust.
4. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to 375°F and continue baking for about 40 to 50 minutes.

Wrap the unbaked crust with the joined strip of aluminum foil pieces, connecting the ends together.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust.

Allow the pie to cool for 1 - 2 hours at room temperature before slicing.

YouTube video of me preparing a pie crust.