Pumpkins can be boiled or baked to prepare the pulp for use in cooking. (Select small pumpkins, both for taste and for ease in cooking.)

To boil, slice open the pumpkin. Clean out the seeds and membrane. Cut the pumpkin in pieces; cover with water in a kettle or large saucepan and cook until tender. Then drain and peel outer skin. Put pumpkin meat through a food mill, sieve, food processor, or blender.

To bake, slice pumpkin in half and clean out seeds and membrane. Place halves face down (cut side down) in baking dish. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 45 minutes. Peel outer skin and put pumpkin meat through a food processor or blender. You may also mash pulp with a potato masher.

Refrigerate the cooked, pureed or mashed pulp until ready to use.