Cooking With Beautiful Heirloom Pumpkins

Last Updated August 27, 2021
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Meaty heirloom pumpkins are perfect for cooking.

The super popular funky heirloom pumpkins, such as Cinderella, Blue Hubbard, Fairy Tale, and Porcelain Doll Pink are just as good tasting as they are looking. These alternative varieties have super dense, rich flesh that cooks up silky smooth and flavorful for all your favorite dishes. It’s worth the effort.

My friends thought I was crazy, when after cycling past a beautiful pile of discarded pumpkins on the side of the road, I went back and rescued them. They were perfectly good and with just a little bit of elbow grease, worth gold in the kitchen. I got out my largest knives and got cracking. It does take a little muscle to wrestle these large pumpkins into wedges, but well worth it. Once you navigate the tough skin and unwieldy size, place the wedges on a sheet pan and roast until tender, about one hour. Serve as is, brushed with butter and maple syrup as a side or puree to use in breads, muffins, or pumpkin pie.

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