We’re crazy for fall over here.  Fall is my favorite time of year and everything pumpkin is one of those reasons. 

Making homemade pumpkin puree is a fun way to get into the Fall spirit. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also really easy to do! Plus, by making it together with your kids, you can introduce them to a new food in a fun and interactive way. 

Whether you are looking to try something new or your local grocer ran out of the canned stuff, you will love this simple how-to make pumpkin purée because guess what? It only take one ingredient! So grab a sugar pumpkin or any squash variety with a thin orange skin and orange flesh (the red kuri squash is another good one!) and make your own!

Why this homemade pumpkin puree recipe is awesome for kids

My kids love helping me make pumpkin puree every fall. Believe it or not, it’s one of their favorite kitchen activities! Probably because they love to taste the final product. We usually bake some goodies with our homemade pumpkin puree, like muffins or breads. It’s a fun way to get into the Fall spirit and enjoy some delicious treats together.

Here are ten of our favorite ways to use pureed pumpkin or winter squash:

• Baked into muffins
• Simmered into a latte
• Swirled into oatmeal
• Layered into yogurt parfait
• Added to milkshakes
• Made into pie
• Added to pancakes
• Used for baby food
• Mixed into a dip
• Shaken into a cocktail or mocktail

 

Pro tips for making our homemade pumpkin puree

To make the best homemade pumpkin puree, we recommend using sugar pumpkins or other squash varieties with a thin orange skin and orange flesh. Avoid pumpkins that are too large, as they tend to be watery.  

Pumpkins can vary greatly in size, so it’s important to adjust the roasting time accordingly. We usually roast our sugar pumpkins for about 45 minutes to an hour, but start checking them at the 30 minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.

 

How to get your kids interested in pumpkins while cooking

Cooking is a great way to introduce kids to new foods. Not only do they get to see and smell the food, but they also get to taste it! By getting your kids involved in the cooking process, you can help them learn about different ingredients and flavors. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend time together in the kitchen. 

Here are some ideas for getting your kids interested in trying pumpkin: 

• Invite them to use their five senses to explore the food. Have them look at it, smell it, touch it, listen to it, and taste it.
• Talk about where the food comes from and how it is made. Help them understand the process of turning a raw ingredient into a finished dish. 
• Let them help prepare the food and give them their own tasks.  Little people and big kids can help with:
  • Cleaning
  • Slicing
  • Scooping

 

If you’re trying to introduce your kids to some new foods and they’re not quite biting yet, don’t worry. It’s all part of the process. Keep trying different things and be patient. Eventually, they’ll come around. And, who knows? They might even end up liking it! 

Remember, all exposures are important when it comes to food. The more often your kids are exposed to pumpkin, the more comfortable they’ll become with it. So don’t give up – keep cooking!

 

Did you try this homemade pumpkin puree recipe?  How did it go and what did you make with it?  Let us know in the comments!