Can I use a regular pumpkin that you see all over for making pumpkin pie or soup? I heard there are different types of pumpkins and the one we use to carve as Jack-O-Lanterns are not good for cooking.
By Rose Smith from Malvern, PA
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That is correct. The best ones to use for cooking/pies are the Sugar Pumpkins. These can usually be found at a local farmers market or farm. They make wonderful pies so it's definitely worth it!
It is true that the small, sugar pumpkins are better for the cooking projects, but, thinking back to my dear late Scottish Grandmother, her words would be, "wasting the jack-O-lantern just would not be practical". So many years ago I started using the big old pumpkins from my 7 kids jack-O-lanterns, and found that if I was careful to drain them well after baking, and making just a couple adjustments, "bit more sweetener, and a bit more flour, or whatever the thickener, or binder is". The sugar itself will thin the pumpkin a bit, and the end product is very acceptable.
I sometimes put just a pinch more of spices, but that is just because my family likes the tastes of cinnamon, fresh grated nutmeg, etc., so, even though the one is better, why throw out what is right there, begging to be used. By the way, try mashed pumpkin with butter and salt, and, if desired, sugar and some spices, as a side with an otherwise "normal" meal. You can always freeze portions of the mashed, cooked pumpkin, just remove as much air as possible, and use within a month or two. Enjoy the nourishment they offer also. Loretta from Alabama
Your question seems to already be answered but don't forget to roast those pumpkin seeds for snacks. ;-)
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