Bake Pumpkin In Oven Food

ROASTED PUMPKIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Cut pumpkin in half; scrape out seeds.
• Drizzle pumpkin with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. (Omit pepper if using in sweet dishes.)
• Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast until very soft, about 35 to 45 minutes.

HOW TO COOK A PUMPKIN IN THE OVEN

Steps:

• Use as many pumpkins as will fit in your oven on the center rack. Wash and dry the pumpkins and remove stems if necessary to help them fit in the oven better.
• Move the oven rack to the center of the oven and put down aluminum foil or a cookie sheet to catch any drips (mine didn't require this, but it may still be a good idea).
• Bake at 200 degrees for a few hours. The time depends on how big your pumpkins are. My pumpkins were about 3.5-4 lbs, and they took 4 hours. A larger pumpkin will take longer.
• Check your pumpkins periodically to see if they're getting soft. You'll know they're ready when the outside feels soft.
• When they're soft, remove from the oven, place on a cookie sheet or cutting board, and cut the pumpkins in half.
• Remove the seeds and the stringy flesh in the pumpkin cavity.
• Using a large spoon, scoop out the cooked pumpkin and put into a food processor.
• Process the pumpkin in the food processor until you have a nice smooth puree.
• Store in jars or another container. The puree will stay good in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for months.

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.

COOKED PUMPKIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Cut pumpkin into small manageable pieces and cut off pith and seeds.
• Place cut pumpkin skin side up in a large roasting pan. Add 1/4 inch of water and bake uncovered for 1 hour or until tender. Remove from oven and allow pumpkin to cool.
• When cooled, cut away skin and mash or puree. Use in any recipe that calls for canned pureed pumpkin.

ROASTED HARVEST VEGETABLES IN A BAKED PUMPKIN

Steps:

• Cut off the top of the pumpkin in such a way that it gives you a"top.
• "Scoop out the seeds of the pumpkin and save them for toasting, or discard them.
• Clean out the inside of the pumpkin and rub with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with a bit of salt and add about 1/2 cup of water.
• Place the pumpkin in a 325 degree oven and bake for about 30 minutes until slightly softened on the inside.
• Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Peel and cut the root vegetables in large pieces all about the same size.
• Place them in a zipper type plastic bag with about 1/3 cup of olive oil.
• Close the bag and shake to coat the vegetables well.
• Pour the vegetables in a large roasting pan.
• Add the cut onions, shallots, minced garlic, and herbs.
• Stir with a large spoon.
• Sprinkle with the kosher or sea salt and some black pepper.
• Place the pan, uncovered, in a 425 degree oven.
• Roast for about 20 minutes, shaking the pan two or three times.
• Turn the pan and reduce the heat to 375 degrees and bake for another 20 minutes, shaking or stirring to keep the vegetables from burning.
• Continue baking until all veggies are soft, about 10-20 minutes more.
• Remove the vegetables to the warm pumpkin and cover with the top.
• Serve, adding small pieces of the softened pumpkin if you like.
• Remember to remove the bay leaves before eating.
• VARIATIONS: Add some roasted red or green peppers.
• Add a bit of cayenne pepper for a"hot" taste.

BAKED PUMPKIN SLICES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Cut the pumpkin, from top to bottom, into 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick slices; discard seeds and strings.
• Spread slices on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
• Combine the remaining oil with the rest of the ingredients and brush a bit of this mixture onto the pumpkin.
• Bake for about 25 minutes, turn, brush again, and bake until done, an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
• Run the slices very briefly under the broiler to brown them if you like.
• Serve.