For a shortcut, use a can of plain, organic pumpkin — just open the can and serve. Make sure to buy plain pumpkin with no added spices, sugars, or dairy products.

• Peel, seed, and chop pumpkin. Steam in steamer with water for 7–10 minutes.

• Put pumpkin in food processor or blender. Process on and off until desired consistency reached. Use a small amount of the cooking water to thin the final product if necessary. If you plan to freeze the final product, do not thin with breast milk or formula. Work the pulp through a strong strainer to remove any fibrous materials.

Pumpkins Are Not Just for Halloween

Choose a “pie pumpkin” to make this purée. Wash the outside of the pumpkin, cut in half, and scrape out the seeds. Remove the stem, put in microwaveable bowl and add 2″–3″ of water, and cover. Cook on high for 15 minutes and check to see if the pumpkin is tender. Cook another 15 minutes on high until done. The pumpkin is done when it is tender enough to scrape out with a fork. Scrape flesh out and purée.