Anyone know any recipes using a fresh pumpkin?

[Tasha+Scott]

Basically I bought a nice, big pumpkin and am planning to turn it into a jack-o-lantern and take dd's photo with it. But I'd hate to scoop all of the inside of the pumpkin into the trash if I don't have to. I have never used fresh pumpkin before, only canned stuff, and have no idea how to go about cooking anything with fresh pumpkin. Any ideas?

 

[jennyl772003]

well, the only thing I can think of would be to roast pumpkin seads. The "goop" from the inside is not what is typically used in recipes. You would need to hollow your pumpkin out to the skin to get the "meat"

 

[bananiem]

I believe the smaller pumpkins are what is used, about 5-6 inches across.
I could be wrong. It happened once.

 

[experiment626mom]

Pumpkin guts are not used in cooking. But roast up those seeds with a little onion and garlic powder, yummmmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

Ah, okay, I wasn't sure. I was only allowed to carve a pumpkin once growing up since I was not allowed to celebrate Halloween so I don't know much about that. I do love roasted seeds though so it won't be a complete waste atleast!

 

[icebrat001]

I think you are supposed to use those small pumpkins they are called sugar pumpkins or something similar to that.

Those giant pumpkins people use for carving are not very flavorful. (or so i've been told)

 

[disykat]

You can roast the seeds, toss out the gunk, and cook down the "meat" of the pumpkin. I would not do it after it has functioned as a jack-o-lantern though. They get gross pretty quick - trust me, you'd want a fresh one. I used to make pumpkin bars with my classes every year when I was teaching - I did it in the crockpot until it got all mushy and we used it in a regular recipe. Just cut it into hunks, cut off the rind, and toss it in with a tiny bit of water to cover the bottom of the pot.