Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

[Cool Breeze Quilter]

On Sunday I picked up my first pumpkin of the season. I use the pumpkin in smoothies and pumpkin pie (and if there is some pie filling leftover I just cook it by itself.) When we had dogs I gave them some with their food. About 5 years or so I came across directions on how to cook pumpkin in the crockpot and have cooked pumpkins this way ever since. Before that I boiled them. Then I came across the link below and this is such an easy, peasy way to cook a pumpkin.

I always get pie pumpkins because they are smaller and fit easily into the crockpot. If I get one small enough I don't even have to cut it to fit. Fast & easy and no need to cut up a hard pumpkin. I have one cooking in the crockpot right now and will have a pumpkin smoothie either later tonight or tomorrow morning - or both.

http://thehappyhousewife.com/cooking/how-to-cook-a-pumpkin/

Also if you like pumpkin seeds they can be cooked in the crockpot. I've never cooked pumpkin seeds in the crockpot before but am going to give this a try. In the past when I've cooked pumpkin seeds I've cooked them the traditional way with salt & pepper (sometimes even garlic.) I've also used cinnamon instead and that's delicious too.

EDITED: After I pasted the link below when I tried it an add came up - but it didn't do that when I first checked it out. If you click on the "X" in the right hand corner you'll get the recipe.

http://www.getcrocked.com/2011/10/01/slow-cooker-roasted-pumpkin-seeds/

[asta]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

Thanks, this sounds great! We love pumpkin here, soup, muffins, pancakes and we eat it just with a bit of salt & butter like any other squash. Usually I bake them but the kitchen does heat up quite a bit, will try the crock-pot method.

[sew-what2015]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

It says that a smaller pumpkin can be put in the crockpot whole and cooked. Has anyone tried that? Would it be difficult to remove the seeds after cooking?

[Sylvia H]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

Thanks for these recipes! Can't wait to cook a pumpkin in the crock pot.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

I read somewhere that if you put squashes in the microwave it will make them easier to cut. I couldn't for the life of me cut a spaghetti squash a while back.

[Cool Breeze Quilter]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

It says that a smaller pumpkin can be put in the crockpot whole and cooked. Has anyone tried that? Would it be difficult to remove the seeds after cooking?

I always try to get a small enough pie pumpkin so that I don't have to cut it. But the one I picked up on Sunday was a bit too big so I had to cut it. It is easier to remove the seeds after it has been cooked in the crockpot.

[Cool Breeze Quilter]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

I read somewhere that if you put squashes in the microwave it will make them easier to cut. I couldn't for the life of me cut a spaghetti squash a while back.

It has been a while since I picked up a spaghetti squash but I DO know what you mean. It can feel like you are trying to cut through a rock.

[Suzette]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

I read somewhere that if you put squashes in the microwave it will make them easier to cut. I couldn't for the life of me cut a spaghetti squash a while back.

I love spaghetti squash! The best way I have found to deal with it (it can nearly impossible to cut through the darn thing!) is to poke lots and lots of holes all over the outside of the squash with the tip of a sharp knife. I then place the squash on a papertowel in the microwave and cook it on high for five to six minutes (no more than six).

Remove the squash with potholders (it will be very hot on the outside) and let sit on a cutting board for a few minutes. Then I cut both ends off with my sharpest knife, stand it on end and cut lengthwise down the center.

It is usually fairly easy to cut this way and then I proceed to remove seeds and prepare it for the oven. Some folks put it back in the microwave after cutting and removing seeds, but I prefer to finish roasting it in the oven.

Hope this helps you out some. Enjoy!!

[Hulamoon]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

It has been a while since I picked up a spaghetti squash but I DO know what you mean. It can feel like you are trying to cut through a rock.

Another one is butternut squash. Forget about it. lol

I found the time on it. Make several slits and cook for 5-6 min. I'll look for a pumpkin this season and try your crockpot idea. I'm not sure I have had fresh pumpkin except pie!

[sew-what2015]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

I always try to get a small enough pie pumpkin so that I don't have to cut it. But the one I picked up on Sunday was a bit too big so I had to cut it. It is easier to remove the seeds after it has been cooked in the crockpot.

Thank you.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Cook Pumpkin in the Crockpot & Pumpkin Seeds

lol Suzette I didn't see your post. We must have been typing at the same time.