Pumpkin or Squash Puree

Whether you're looking for a simple vegetable dish or the namesake ingredient for a pie, pumpkin (or squash) doesn't need to come from a can - it's simple to prepare.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield depends on the size of the fruit.

Sugar pumpkin or winter squash

Option 1: Preheat your oven to 350F
Option 2: Use a vegetable steamer

If you want to use your oven, slice the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and the filaments. Place halves cut side down in a large baking dish, and add 1/2 inch water. Bake for half an hour or until the flesh is soft. Let cool, scoop out the flesh and run through a food processor with the cutting blade, or mash with a potato masher.

If you use a steamer, after cleaning out the pumpkin, cut it in to chunks and steam for 15 minutes or until flesh is soft, and proceed as above.