Select a pumpkin that is recommended for baking because of its sugar content. An average size pie pumpkin yields about 4 cups of cooked pumpkin.

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Break off the stem and cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out the seeds and membrane. Bake both halves upside down in a baking pan with about 1/2" of water for at least 30 minutes--depending on the size--until a fork can easily pierce the flesh. After allowing the halves to cool enough to handle, scoop out the pumpkin and place it in either a mixing bowl or food processor and puree. The cooked pumpkin may be substituted in any recipe calling for canned pumpkin. To freeze put two-cup portions in freezer containers to use later.