Help with pumpkins, please

[Flaxbee]

CNN had a good link to some pumpkin recipes: http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/10/18/55-pumpkin-beyond-the-pie/?hpt=hp_bn8

Several of the recipes mention using "1 small baking pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cubed"

Please tell me the best way to peel a pumpkin. Pumpkin (and most squash) skins seem pretty tough and I really don't want to lose a digit fighting with a pumpkin.

Many thanks. I'm eager to try the pumpkin pasta and the pumpkin quinoa recipes!

[Denninmi]

1. Yes, it is tough.

I don't know any secret tricks to it, just a sharp paring knife and patience.

[yellerpup]

2. Cut them in half and bake them at 350 until

the interior is soft, then scrape it out and use it for whatever you want to use it for. I know it isn't cubed this way, but pumpkins are hard to peel, especially if you have weak or arthritic hands. Baking concentrates the flavor as well. Just an alternative. :hi:

[Sentath]

6. I'm with you

what person has the time to peel a pumpkin?

[yellerpup]

7. I've done it.

Don't care to take time to do it again. If you need chunks, try butternut squash. It's easy to peel and if you have enough weight, easy to chunk into whatever size dice you prefer. I do love the cream colored pumpkins for pie, though and I roast them the same way to get the "puree." Lovely delicacy of flavor.

[KC]

3. I have

put some of the big squash like Acorn or the one for spaghetti squash in the microwave for a min or two , it just
softens the skin a little and makes it easier to cut. I imagine it would help with a small pumpkin and in trying to peel as well?

[yellerpup]

8. What a great tip.

Thanks! :hi:

[Denninmi]

4. Well, I know you want raw flesh without skin.

The question is, how to get it without injuring yourself. I've had my fair share of pumpkin and squash carving/cutting wounds in my life.

I wonder if you could blacken the skin over a high flame (maybe use a propane torch?), then sweat it a while -- the way a pepper is done? I have NO CLUE if that would work, but it might be worth a trial run on a small one just to see if it might.

Too bad they aren't like a peach or a tomato -- slip it into boiling water for 30 seconds and the skin slips right off.

[The empressof all]

5. It's difficult but not impossible

I cut the pumpkin into wedges. Start by cutting it in half then half again and again. This will give you a manageable slice that you can carve off the outer rind. You need sharp knives and a great deal of patience and caution.

[csziggy]

9. Skip that and bake it whole

http://youtu.be/sHanN6luwkE