How to Cut Up a Pumpkin and Roast Seeds

Cooking a Pumpkin – Cooking a pumpkin and preparing its meat for recipes is fairly simple. Be sure to wash the outside of the pumpkin well with soap and water before you begin. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or you may use the microwave).  Organic is best.

Cut pumpkin in half. Use a large spoon to scrape the seeds. Put aside for roasting. Add a ½ cup water to a baking dish, and place in oven at 350 degrees F for 1 hour, or until flesh is soft. If using the microwave, start baking for 10 minutes, until flesh is soft.

After cooling, scrape flesh from shell and put in blender. Add a small amount of water, as needed, and puree. Place in quart-size freezer bags for 2 cup portions, which is the amount needed for a pumpkin pie. I use 4 cups or more in my Pumpkin Soup.  If your pumpkin is homegrown and organic, and if you have a high speed blender, you may put pumpkin skin and all and puree in the blender.  This will add many more nutrients to your meat, and a high-speed blender blends it perfectly smooth and creamy.

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are my youngest daughter’s favorite. When I make roasted pumpkin seeds, I don’t even try to save some for myself! I know she will eat them ALL!

Seeds from any winter squash can be roasted and eaten! Yum! Clean seeds of pulp. You do not need to rinse the seeds of all pulp and strings, as this adds valuable nutrients and flavor. It will roast down and is undetectable. Lay seeds out onto cookie sheet. Sprinkle with coconut oil, salt, pepper, and a dusting of cayenne pepper. Roast at 300 degree F for 30 minutes, or until crisp. Enjoy!