How to Bake a Pumpkin for Pie

Baking a pumpkin for pie is a great way to create a delicious and healthy dessert. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose a pumpkin: Look for a small or medium-sized pumpkin that is specifically labeled as a "sugar" or "pie" pumpkin. These are sweeter and have a smoother texture than the larger pumpkins used for decoration.

2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

3. Wash the pumpkin: Rinse the pumpkin with cool water to remove any dirt or debris.

4. Cut the pumpkin: Use a sharp knife to cut off the stem and then cut the pumpkin in half. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon.

5. Bake the pumpkin: Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Cool the pumpkin: Let the pumpkin cool for a few minutes, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon and discard the skin.

7. Puree the pumpkin: Place the pumpkin flesh in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. You can also use a potato masher or a fork to mash the pumpkin by hand.

8. Use in your recipe: The pumpkin puree is now ready to use in your favorite pumpkin pie recipe.

By following these simple steps, you can easily bake a pumpkin for pie and enjoy a delicious and nutritious dessert.