Thursday, January 1, 2009

Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap

Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to some good recipes this week. And my contribution is what to do with your leftover Halloween or Thanksgiving Pumpkins that might still be sitting on your counter.


Roasted Pumpkin

1 pumpkin....any kind...large or small

Cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out pulp and seeds and set aside (don't throw away) This doesn't need to be perfect. If some strings are left it will all get pureed and there is nothing wrong with it. Place pumpkin cut side down on a cookie sheet or roasting pan. Bake @ 450 for 30 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork. When pumpkin is cool scoop meat into a food processor and process with a little bit of water until it is thick and creamy. Store in freezer containers (I use freezer bags that can stack flat) in 1 cup amounts. Can be thawed and used later for muffins, pies, cakes or even soups.



Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Separate the pumpkins seeds from the stringy pulp. (great for the kids cuz it's really slimy) Rinse and dry the seeds and place on a cookie sheet (I don't use oil) Sprinkle with spices. (Johny's Seasoning Salt...Powdered Ranch Dressing...plain salt...taco seasoning) Bake @ 300 for 45 minutes or until golden.

If you'd like to participate in the recipe swap please provide a link directly to your recipe post...not your home page. Also include a link back to this site.





19 comments:

onemotherslove said...

You're so awesome! Thanks for the instructions on how to do this!

justjuls said...

I have a question - because this year was the first time I recognized a specific pumpkin called a "PIE" pumpkin - to use for this purpose. But I am assuming from your post here that you can use any pumpkin to make the puree and use it with any recipe that you would normally used canned pumpkin in, correct?

Gayle said...

Yes....any pumpkin (not just pie pumpkin) works and the puree can go in any recipe calling for canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree.

Anonymous said...

I cooked a white pumpkin back in September in my crockpot. It turned out great! I've made bread and soups from. i just have one baggie left and I'm afraid to give it up.

Janelle said...

Roasting a pumpkin (even a HUGE one) is really easy to do, and you will never go back to canned pumpkin again! Just make sure you puree it well and don't be afraid to use it in any recipe where you used to open a can. :-)

Anonymous said...

I always forget to do this because we don't make a big deal about halloween so usually don't have a pumpkin. I love pumpkin seeds though. Next year I will have to buy one just to do this!
Toni

Elizabeth said...

As is said, great minds think alike - I am cooking, pureeing and freezing all the leftover veggies right now too! This looks great - thanks :)

www.DealBetty.blogspot.com

cooking like a frugalite said...

Hi, I'm new here! I love your blog!!! This is my first Recipe Swap and I'm excited to join. Thanks for this. Jennifer @ cooking like a frugalite

Carie said...

I wanted to let you know that I have been following this blog for some time and I have really enjoyed it! You have inspired me to save more and plan more! I have a question though. Is there anything that you will splurge on? I know most people have certain items that they feel they HAVE to have. Whats yours?

Danielsen5 said...

I am new to your blog and seeking insperation as we too are a family of 6. Next week I will be cutting my food/paper budget down from $125 a week to $75, this did however include oddball items such as gifts and household items such as a new shower curtain. My question is, do you do this as well? I looked over your site and noticed no mention of pet food, deodarent or even pads/tampons. Just looking for some pointers.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Jackie said...

Love your blog, I've been an avid reader for a few weeks now. I just started my own blog to make myself accountable. Happy New Year!

Jackie said...

Hi. I wanted to post a recipe for the swap. My blog is www.saveadimein09.blogspot.com and the recipe is Mexican Manicotti. Thanks, Jackie

Marcia Class of 77 said...

You can also fix the pumpkin in the microwave in a much shorter time. It is more frugal as it costs much less to operate.

Minda said...

My niece told me last Halloween (she was 3 at the time) that baked pumpkin seeds make your heart happy. Who knows, maybe they do!

Abigail's_Mommy said...

Wow! What a great idea!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I love pumpkin, great idea.

Question: I have a weekly meal plan budget and have been posting the results on my blog as well, I thought it would be neat if maybe you could link up to others who were inspired by you, weekly. I know of one other blog that is posting here results as well. Just a thought! Love your site.

Jenna

Mallory said...

I made pumpkin puree this way back in November and it was delicious in pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I've made it with canned pumpkin, but this was even better!

Anonymous said...

I did this for the first time this year. I really want my girls to know that things like pumpkin don't come only in a can. We've used all ours up for the year but will definitely do this (with the seeds this time) again. My girls proudly explained how things taste so much better when you make them yourself!

Happy New Year!

Andrea