Pumpkin Pies with Real Pumpkins

Last thanksgiving - it's a pain in the Bhind to just do it for pie. You have to scoop out the seeds, roast the pumpkin, let it cool (depending on size this takes a while), scoop the flesh and then you can use it like you would canned pumpkin (NOT canned filling, you have to look for a recipe that calls for canned pumpkin (no sugar etc added)).
Some people do peel the pumpkin, cut it in chunks and roast it, but peeling a pumpkin is a hell lot of work and just roasting it in it's skin works just as well.

What I also do is save leftovers from winter squash whenever I make roasted squash for dinner(you know: butternut, acorn, delicata...) I freeze them in cup sized portions and then substitute that for pumpkin in pie recipes. Works great, just thaw and use like canned pumpkin.

Here is a blog post about roasting a whole pumpkin. You use the pumpkin puree the same way you would canned, when making the pie.

http://simpleorganic.net/roasting-a-whole-pumpkin-and-pum...

It's the only way I make pumpkin pie and it's really not all that labor intensive. Clean out your pumpkin, the chop it into chunks (quarters or eighths depending on size of pumpkin). Leave the skin on. Put the chunks into a steamer and steam until tender with a fork. You can roast it instead of steaming by cutting it in half and putting it face down on a baking sheet, roast til tender. Either method, after it cools a bit, you can scoop the pumpkin off the skin and into a food processor. Process until smooth.

The key is to get the liquid out of the flesh. If you notice, the canned pumpkin is thick. Line a large mesh strainer with cheesecloth or even paper towels. Put all the pumpkin into the strainer, then put in the refrigerator over night to drain. Then put 2 cups of pumpkin each in ziplock sandwich bags. A regular sized pumpkin will give you about 6 cups. I keep them in the freezer for pumpkin pie whenever we want. Use your favorite recipe.

Americas Test Kitchen has a trick for their pumpkin pie recipe where they spread the pumpkin (they do it for fresh or canned) on a double layer of paper towels. Then they put another layer on the top and press down to take out even more liquid. Pumpkin comes right off paper towels.

My mom always makes it from real Pumpkins.. It is wonderful.

If you do this remember to purchase a "Baking Pumpkin" Not the other decorative kind.. not good for using as a pie filling. .

It's easy and the pie tastes great! I love making this pie :) It's both of my son's favorite pie.

Just find a recipe on-line and go for it. Good luck!

Hi E.,

It can be fun if done as a family project or a mother/son deal. Holidays are meant for that bonding time and the memories we create last forever. If it's just you in the kitchen and there's no one to impress go with the can....however if you have the time to spend with your son for a project like this, it may be what he speaks to his kids about!

God bless!
M.

I did make them from real pumpkin one year, and decided that using the canned pumpkin and adding my spices, etc, was just as good and less labor-intensive and time-consuming. But I can say I've done it and am proud of that!! ; )

Eating pumpkins are sweeter than decorating pumpkins.
You don't want to use the wrong kind.
I had a friend years ago that wanted to make a pumpkin pie from scratch.
She peeled some, cut them up, boiled them till they were soft, cooled them, pureed them, then seasoned it, make pie crusts from scratch, made some beautiful pies (took her over 4 hours) and set then out to cool.
After cleaning up, she went to take a shower and her husband comes in from work (he works construction and eats like you wouldn't believe and he never puts on an ounce of fat), sees the cooling pies and eats them both.
She comes out and says "Where are the pies that were cooling there?".
He says "Those were great, Honey! We should have a few of those to go with dinner.".
She was so upset she spent so much time on something that was gone so fast.
She's made them from canned pumpkin ever since and her husband says they taste exactly the same.

I did it once, just for the experience. Which was "meh". But it's a fun thing to do with the kiddos and that's why I did it the ONE time... we grew our own pumpkins so I did the pie. We continued to grow our own pumpkins to use as jack o lanterns for Halloween, but I only roasted seeds from then on out.

I'd love to say that I have done this or even that I intend to, but alas I cannot make myself go through the trouble to do it. I do make it with the canned pumpkin and I love it. I still get the great smell to the kitchen and the kids tear it up!

I have not.
I'm in the camp that certain things warrant "from scratch" and some things--not so much.
Homemade spaghetti sauce the former, pumpkin pie filling the latter! LOL

I am also one to go with the canned pumpkin. But I don't use the kind that has the spices already mixed in (that part I do myself). I guess I've never had a good pie made from real pumpkins..always high hopes, always a disappointment, lol. But I always make my own crusts!!

I enjoy making pumpkin pie from pumpkins we have grown, or bought. You have several responses telling you how to cook the pumpkin. One recipe I use says if you are using fresh pumpkin, do not add water. I found this to be true.
I also use the pumpkin for pumpkin bread, which is a family favorite. I have a sil who makes delicious pumpkin choc. chip cookies. Just some other suggestions for the fresh or canned pumpkin.
Enjoy the day with your son :)

I made a from scratch pumpkin pie last year. It came out good! I don't remember it being too labor intensive, I think I boiled the pumpkin. Just make sure it's a pie pumpkin (they're usually labeled that in the store).