Instructions

1. Wash the pumpkin. Remove the stem if it has one. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp. I like to use an ice cream scoop or a melon baller for getting the stringy pulp out.
2. Cut pumpkin into pieces, place in slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until skin is soft and easy to piece with a fork.
3. Puree in a blender or food processor. At this step you MAY need one tablespoon of water if doing it in the blender, but I don't recommend watering it down (this could make your pies watery), just do smaller batches if it sticks in your blender.
4. Freeze or use within one week for pies, breads, cookies or your favorite pumpkin recipe.
5. Note: I leave the skin on and puree it with the flesh. I remove any blemishes or dirty parts on the skin before cooking. It adds nutrients, a lovely color and does not alter the taste as far as I can tell.
6. Note: Size and number of pumpkins will depend the size of your slow cooker. The smaller the pumpkin the sweeter it will be, I like to use the small pie pumpkins (they are about 6 inches) and I can fit two in my 5 qt crock. I get about 3 cups of puree from one small pie pumpkin.