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I have had many people say that it isn't worth it to puree my own pumpkins each year. Yes it can be time consuming, but I think it is worth it. Here is how it went this afternoon.
I got the pumpkin in the oven around 10:30. I pulled it out at 11:30 to let cool. After lunch, around 12:45 I started scooping out the puree. I processed 12 cups of puree. While I had already made a mess of my kitchen, I figured I would make some pumpkin bread while I was at it. When I finished making 2 loaves of bread, 24 mini-muffins for snack and 6 full muffins for the freezer, and had gotten the other 10 cups of puree in the freezer it was 2:00. Combine that with the 20 minutes I spent in hands on time roasting the pumpkin seeds on Friday and for about 2 hours worth of work I have a lot of good foods. 12 cups puree and 2 cups seeds.
Now to buy those same products from the store would cost me $10 or more, as the seeds can be pricey. Then I would have all that packaging to dispose of. We buy a pumpkin or 2 each year regardless of whether I process it. The 12 cups of puree and 2 cups of seeds are just a bonus from 1 medium size pumpkin. I can make homemade muffins, breads, rolls, etc all year from the pumpkins I puree myself. (I have lots left from last year, so I am only processing 1 pumpkin this year.) I am not dependent on the grocery store or the manufacturing plant for this product. That makes me very happy. Yes it can be time consuming to do things yourself, but the satisfaction once done is much greater than how I feel when I come home with something bought at the store.
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5 comments:
When you posted about making pumpkin puree a few weeks ago, you inspired me to do the same this year. Still need to do ours, but since we didn't carve our pumpkin for Halloween, I can wait a few more days. Just waiting for a day when I'm not subbing and will be home. :-)
I'm curious how you did your seeds. I've done those in the past, but the results always vary. Care to share your technique?
Love this! It's totally worth it to put a little effort in. I think the pride that comes from being self-sufficient is the most satisfying part. A few years ago I would have NEVER considered boiling my own chicken stock, pureeing pumpkin, baking (!!!), but I found when I actually did it, it felt so empowering to be providing for my family in this way.
Kelly, I do my pumpkin seeds in the microwave. Use a glass bowl and a tablespoon or two of olive oil, some salt, stir it up. Microwave for about 45 seconds at a time, stir, repeat until they are crunchy enough to suit you.
I made my first pumpkin puree just a couple of weeks ago. I love making things myself. Not only do you know exactly what has gone into it, but you are right, there is a huge satisfaction when you are finished.
I love your site by the way, I check it every day.
Of course it's worth it. Why throw it away? I don't do it, only because I have despised pumpkin smell and flavor since I was a child and to this day. But if I used it, I'd do it.
Kelly, I just toss with a tablespoon or two of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This year I also sprinkled some with cinnamon and sugar. I bake at 300 for an hour or so.
Heather, I have never thought to try it in the microwave, sounds so much faster.
Jenny, thanks for your kind words! One of the reasons I like to do things myself too, is because I know what is in it.
Laura, too funny on the pumpkin smell.
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