Pumpkin butter is one way to utilize the fall harvest and preserve the pumpkin crop. It is also a familiar taste of the season and a way to share holiday flavors with family and friends. Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, which makes pumpkin butter a tasty and fun way to eat healthy.http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/pumpkin-recipes-packed-nutrition

Using fresh pumpkins in a pumpkin butter may take some extra effort but is significantly more flavorful than the version made with canned ingredients. The process of preparing fresh pumpkins for pumpkin butter consists of two parts. In the first part, the raw pumpkin is cut and cooked. In the second step the butter is prepared from the precooked pumpkin.http://homesteadgardenandpantry.com/recipes/pumpkin-butter-3/

• Pumpkin butter is a delicious low-fat spread that captures the flavor of pumpkin pie, doesn't contain any dairy or eggs and is similar to apple butter. You can put it on breads, use it on warm breakfast items such as pancakes or waffles and make it into a no-bake pumpkin pie].http://southernfood.about.com/od/pumpkins/r/r71021d.htm The steps below will show you how to make a quick version using a microwave oven or a slower traditional stove top method.

• The ingredients below are the most common ones associated with pumpkin butter, but you can vary the amounts or add or subtract a flavor, depending on your own personal palate.

• 7 quarts of pumpkin pureehttp://www.pure2raw.com/2010/10/easiest-pumpkin-butter-recipe-gluten-free-vegan/
• 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
• 4 cups sugar

• Large saucepan

• Cutting board

• Large serrated knife

• Newspaper

• Freezer-safe plastic containers and/or glass jars

• Follow this step to make your own pumpkin puree from scratch. If you prefer to use canned pumpkin puree, then skip ahead to Step 2.

1. Choose a small pumpkin that is good for cooking and baking with the help of our guide How to Choose a Pumpkin Variety.http://www.tonytantillo.com/vegetables/pumpkin.html
2. Place newspaper down] on your work surface for easy cleanup later.http://www.tonytantillo.com/vegetables/pumpkin.html
3. Rinse the pumpkin in cool water and pat dry.
4. Use a sharp serrated knife and remove the stem.
5. Cut the pumpkin in half.
6. Scoop out the stringy mass and the seeds.http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/pumpkincooking.php
   • Save the seeds. Check out our guide How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds for yummy recipes.
7. Discard the newspaper, stem and stringy innards.

1. Choose a method of cooking, roasting, boiling, steaming or microwave cooking, and follow the steps in How to Cook Pumpkins.

2. Allow the pumpkin pieces to cool.

3. On a cutting board, use a spoon to scoop the flesh away from the skin. Puree the pumpkin pieces in a food processor or mash them with a potato masher or food mill.http://www.tonytantillo.com/vegetables/pumpkin.html

• It's time to mix your pumpkin puree (fresh or canned) with the remainder of your ingredients.

1. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Butter/Detail.aspx

2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

3. Reduce heat to low.

4. Let mixture simmer for approximately 30 minutes to an hour or until it thickens.http://www.recipezaar.com/20762

5. Stir frequently.

1. In a glass microwave-safe dish, combine all ingredients except the pumpkin.
2. Mix ingredients well, set microwave on high and cook for 3 minutes.http://www.recipezaar.com/53751
3. Remove and stir.
4. Add pumpkin and mix well.
5. Set microwave on high and cook for 5 minutes.http://www.pastrywiz.com/archive/spicypu.htm
6. Remove the mixture and stir.
   • It will be extremely hot and bubbly.

• When your pumpkin butter is finished, either off the stove top or out of the microwave, allow it to cool slightly before storing and refrigerating.http://www.recipezaar.com/53751

• Now that you have cooked your pumpkin butter to a thick consistency and allowed it to cool slightly, it's time to store it.

1. Transfer pumpkin butter into glass jars for immediate use.
   • It can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for approximately 2 weeks.http://www.recipezaar.com/20762
2. Transfer pumpkin butter into freezer safe plastic containers to freeze and use later].http://www.recipezaar.com/53751
   • It can be frozen for several months.http://www.recipezaar.com/53751

• The above recipe is a very basic, traditional pumpkin butter. To spice yours up a bit, try one of these yummy tricks.

1. Replace the apple juice or water with applesauce.http://www.recipezaar.com/20762
2. For a slightly different flavor, substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar.http://www.bedrockpress.com/recipe-breads-butters.html#PumpkinButter
3. For a sugar-free recipe, use agave nectar.http://dairyfreecooking.about.com/od/condimentschutneys/r/pumpkinbutter.htm

• Use pumpkin butter as a substitute for regular butter on bread, muffins, pancakes, waffles and french toast or use as a topping for vanilla ice cream. Don't forget, pumpkin butter also makes a great holiday or hostess gift. Enjoy!