Operation Pumpkin Hunt

I only looked in two stores for the ever elusive canned pumpkin puree, and I had already had enough of the hunt. I decided that I needed to change my strategy, so I got back in my trusty Kia and zipped on down the highway. My eyes darted to and fro as I watched for a local produce stand. No luck. I continued down the highway until I reached the Amish market. Low and behold, I spotted my prey! Fresh picked pumpkins.

I carefully pulled into a parking space and quietly got out of my car...these pumpkins could have been skittish and I didn't want to take any chances. I quickly assessed the available pumpkins and snagged one before it could get away. I wrestled it into my car and headed on home.

Once I got the pumpkin home, it was time to cook that puppy up. Slice, cut, scoop, chop!

I placed large pieces in two pans and stuffed it in the oven to roast away at 400.

Once the flesh of the pumpkin was fork tender, I let it rest for a few minutes on my cutting board.

Next I scooped out chunks of pumpkin and placed them in the food processor. Puree!

My pumpkin yielded about 6 cups of puree. I scooped about 1 cup into Ziploc bags for easy storage and popped them in the freezer.

Operation Pumpkin Hunt: Accomplished!