Kitchen

[DiAnne]

I bought two cans at Trader Joe's this morning.

[Carmie]

It is not a secret that canned pumpkin is actually not pumpkin, but a squash in the same family.  

It really doesn't taste anything like real pumpkin.  My DH won't touch anything made.with canned pumpkin..yes, he can tell the difference.

It is worth it to just buy a good quality pumpkin and prepare it yourself.  It is really easy.

You just peel, bake, drain and put in a food processor, blender or Vitamix.  My freezer is full of fresh pumpkin...no shortage here

[shoesnbags]

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@Carmie wrote:

It is not a secret that canned pumpkin is actually not pumpkin, but a squash in the same family.  

It really doesn't taste anything like real pumpkin.  My DH won't touch anything made.with canned pumpkin..yes, he can tell the difference.

It is worth it to just buy a good quality pumpkin and prepare it yourself.  It is really easy.

You just peel, bake, drain and put in a food processor, blender or Vitamix.  My freezer is full of fresh pumpkin...no shortage here

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@Carmie 

OK, you got my attention.  (That and the fact that I went to three stores today and found no canned "pumpkin.")

Soooo......How long do you bake and at what temp?  How big are the chunks you cut the pumpkin into? You said to buy "good quality pumpkin,"  but I only know how to pick a nice pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern.  Is that the type of pumpkin you use for this? And last of all, is this going to end up wetter than canned pumpkin, which would affect the recipe?  I can't quite picture putting hunks of pumpkin into my Vitamix without adding some liquid.  I need some guidance, Mom.

[Nightowlz]

Just read an article on Allrecipes that says there is no pumpkin shortage.

It said the crop was planted later than normal this year due to rain.

Says you can expect pumpkin back on shelves over the next few weeks.

You can Google allrecipes and canned pumpkin shortage if you want to read about it.

[ID2]

Why use canned pumpkin when pumpkins are so plentiful?? I only use fresh produce.

[SilleeMee]

Both butternut squash and sweet potato purees can be used as substitutes for pumpkin puree. Those two come in cans also.

I'm gonna hold out and wait for Sam's Club to get their Libby's back in stock. I can buy three of their big cans (29 oz) for under $7.

[Carmie]

@shoesnbags  A good quality pumpkin is one that is meant to make pie with, not one that is used to feed livestock or use as a decoration.  I usually use long neck pumpkins, but there are others.  

We cut them first, then peel and chunk.  Size doesn't matter.  We full our large roaster pan with the pumpkin and bake 350  until soft.  Then, we drain.  There will be a lot of water.  Usually, we drain overnight.  The more you drain, the more solid your pumpkin is.After that, we feed the pumpkin in a blender or food processor, pack into zip lock bags and freeze...or use right away.

We do a lot at one time and keep the freezer full...I pack either 2 cups...for one pie, or 4 cups for 2 pies.  I store the bags upright after the pumpkin is frozen a plastic bin like books. They take up so little space.

Adding:.  Do not add any water to the pumpkin while baking or pureeing

 They are naturally full of moisture.

[50Mickey]

I had to ask for canned pumpkin at Publix. it was on the cake mix aisle bottom shelf at the end. They had plenty a few weeks ago.

[shoesnbags]

@Carmie 

Thanks so much for your reply.💕

[SharkE]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

Both butternut squash and sweet potato purees can be used as substitutes for pumpkin puree. Those two come in cans also.

I'm gonna hold out and wait for Sam's Club to get their Libby's back in stock. I can buy three of their big cans (29 oz) for under $7.

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Trouble with that is catching it. I always think I'm the only one out there hunting for something, then, I find out me and million others. Here in Amarillo, Tx we still don't have Smuckers Butterscotch topping sauce after a yr. I had to go online and order from Walmart. We got caramel, but, for some reason butterscotch is like stocking Cartier diamonds.

LOL

We went ahead and got our TV set for our joint Xmas  present because if you wait around till closer to Christmas they will all be gone, price will be higher , delivery you'll be at the back of the bus.

I posted in 'Community chat' my story.