Slow cookers are the best, since they do most of the work for you.

Cooking a butternut squash in your slow cooker is so easy to do and takes very little effort.

Once you make butternut squash in slow cooker recipe, you will never have it any other way. It comes out perfect every time.  

Once the butternut squash is cooked I could sit and eat a whole bowl with a little honey and cinnamon. Yum!

Ingredients for Butternut Squash in Slow Cooker recipe:

Butternut squash
Water

How to cook a whole butternut squash in the slow cooker

1. Place about 1 inch of water in the bottom of the slow cooker, or about a cup of water.

2. Cut a small butternut squash in half. scoop out all of the seeds. Save and rinse the seeds. Toast them later for a great snack. You know I don’t throw any thing away!

3. Place the butternut squash in slow cooker and put on the lid. Put the slow cooker on low for 8 hours.

4. The butternut squash will be done no matter what. No second guessing. It has cooked slowly for 8 hours and the butternut squash is perfect consistency.

5. Take a fork or a spoon and scoop out all the golden squash into a bowl or container to store and use for later. Try not to eat it all as you are putting it in the dish. This is really difficult for me.

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How to cook a whole butternut squash in the slow cooker

The butternut squash is perfectly cooked after 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low in the slow cooker. Enjoy your roasted butternut squash in the slow cooker.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword butternut squash, slow cooker

Prep Time 9 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Servings 4 People

Author Amy

Equipment

• slow cooker

Ingredients

• 1 Whole Butternut squash
• 1 cup Water

Instructions

• Place about 1 inch of water in the bottom of the slow cooker, or about a cup of water.
• Cut a small butternut squash in half. scoop out all of the seeds. Save and rinse the seeds. Toast them later for a great snack. You know I don't throw any thing away!
• Place the butternut squash in slow cooker and put on the lid. Put the slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
• The butternut squash will be done no matter what. No second guessing. It has cooked slowly for 8 hours and the butternut squash is perfect consistency.
• Take a fork or a spoon and scoop out all the golden squash into a bowl or container to store and use for later. Try not to eat it all as you are putting it in the dish. This is really difficult for me.

Notes

Freeze flat in 1 quart freezer bags. This makes storing and thawing easy.

Once it is cooked the butternut squash can be stored in your fridge for about a week, or you can freeze it in containers or in quart size freezer bags. For more room in your freezer, lay them flat to freeze. Also this makes thawing so much quicker.

Do you have to peel a butternut squash before roasting in the slow cooker?

No. That is the beauty of roasting it in the slow cooker. All you need to do is scoop out the insides and leave the hard skin. I have to say that is my least favorite thing to do is peel a butter nut squash. 

Is butternut squash supposed to be hard to cut?

The quick answer is, yes. It is a winter squash. Winter squash are harder and more difficult to cut, but they last much longer without refrigeration compared to a summer squash lie zucchini. So always be careful when cutting into a butternut squash and have a large sharp knife.

You may not have ever cooked or made a butternut squash, so what do you do with it besides eat it or make soup?

Butternut squash is a wonderful substitute for anything pumpkin. It has a very similar taste and texture of a pumpkin, since these are both hard winter squash.

When you want to make that wonderful pumpkin dish and don’t have any any pumpkin, think about using butternut squash instead. I know I have made butternut squash in the oven and sometimes it is not done after an hour in the oven. Anything that cooks for 8 hours, it has got to be done! Try this easy butternut squash soup after it is cooked.

For more easy recipes follow me on Pinterest or Like Mainly Homemade on Facebook for more simple living ideas.

What are you favorite butternut squash recipes?

The post How To Cook Butternut Squash in a Slow Cooker appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

You run to the cupboard and you are out of pumpkin pie spice!

Then panic sits in. It is pumpkin spice season what am I going to do?

But you don’t need to panic you probably already have all the necessary ingredients to create the mix yourself.

I ran out of pumpkin pie spice over the holidays, and yes panic did sit in. Looking through my spice cabinet, I knew I already had the ingredients to make pumpkin pie spice at home. I decided to mix some up and keep on hand for whenever I wanted to use some in my recipes. Which is like all the time during the holidays. I enjoy making dishes all year round with pumpkin pie spice. Try these baked oatmeal bars with pumpkin pie spice instead.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

(affiliate links have been used to make sure you get the correct product)

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice Made of:

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 spice container

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice From Scratch:

1. Gather all the ingredients and measure into a small bowl.

2. Then mix thoroughly to combine all the spices to make a wonderful homemade pumpkin pie spice you can add to anything.

3. Next add to a spice container.

If you love this recipe, please consider rating it with the star rating system below and leaving me a comment. It warms my heart hearing from you and seeing the recipes you create! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me @mainlyhomemade and use #mainlyhomemade, or you can also find me on Facebook, and Pinterest. Thanks for helping me spread the word about homemade delicious food!

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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Course Seasoning

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Amy Greene

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

• Gather all the ingredients and measure into a small bowl.
• Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.

Why is it called Pumpkin Spice?

These spices are generally used to make pumpkin pie. It is a mixture of usually cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This creates the unique pumpkin spice flavor we all love and compliments pumpkin perfectly.

This small batch makes enough to spice for just one pie. Trust me, you will need this easy recipe when you look in the cupboard and you discover you have run out. Go ahead and Pin it now and save it for the holidays.

I like to double or triple this recipe when I am making it. Then I store it in air tight container.  You can use this to make my pumpkin pie creamer, pumpkin pie doughnuts or use for these pumpkin cookies.

Who says pumpkin pie spice is just for the holidays? Try adding some of this to a tub of whipped cream or 8 oz of cream cheese for a wonderful simple dip. Take a look at my yogurt recipes you can’t buy at the store for a pumpkin pie yogurt that is awesome. Follow me on me Simple living journey on Pinterest or like Mainly Homemade on Facebook to have more inspiration and Simple living ideas.

What do you love to put Pumpkin Spice in?

The post Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

Do you want to do more to help the environment?

Making one simple choice everyday can reduce plastic in our landfills and oceans.

I just love to drink through a straw. Especially on hot summer days. Sipping something cold by the pool is just so satisfying. Don’t you think?

However, using a straw is so wasteful, since it is just a one time use, then throw it away. Using stainless steel straws allows you to use them over and over again.

Why Metal Straws Are Better

First off purchasing a stainless steel straw will save you money. No need to ever purchase straws again. I just love a good bargain. Don’t you? When you are done simply wash them and they are ready to use again. I like this pack that comes with a straw cleaner. You can also add silicone straw tips like these to help with hitting your teeth and give you the soft feel just like a regular straw. I have some and I love them!

With more restaurants, cities and states outlawing straws, it is easy to pack metal straws for travel. This set makes it perfect to pack in your purse or pack for convenience while you are out.

An additional benefit I recently discovered using my metal straw is they make great cherry pitters. Simply push the straw through the bottom of the cherry and the pit easily pops out the top of the cherry. No additional fancy equipment needed.

Do metal straws help the environment?

Buy purchasing stainless steel straws you reduce waste going into the landfill. With the US reducing our ability to outsource our recycling, this is something we all need to think about.

I am sure you have seen on the news, social media or TV, animals that have consumed plastic waste or how plastic has taken over the ocean. Using a washable straw is more environmentally friendly for marine life and ocean life all over the world. This is better for all of us.

Using a metal straw helps reduce your exposure to BPA plastic and plastic in general. They are still researching and finding how plastic affects not only humans, but also animals. Take steps to reduce plastic in your life. These are a few environmental benefits of using metal straws you can start doing right away.

Are metal straws hygienic?

I am sure you are worried about how sanitized are metal straws with repeat use? Stainless steel straws are so easy to clean. Most come with a cleaning brush and are dishwasher safe. Once they are clean you can easily store in a pouch to carry with you where ever you go.

Thinking of what to get someone who has everything? What about stainless steel straws, so they never have to purchase straws again?

Did you know metal straws helps reduce ice melting in your drink? Yes, it is true. Metal is a conductor of heat and will not melt your ice in your drink as quickly. Try this Rainbow Cocktail or a this pear and ginger smoothie using metal straws.

There are other more environmentally friendly options like glass or bamboo straws. But with glass you have to extra careful you don’t drop or break them. Not a good option for kids. Bamboo can wear down over time and cause splintering and may not be as safe from bacteria. Stainless steel is more durable than both of these options.

Are metal straws safe?

I have listed here a few benefits of using metal straws to help in many areas. Overall I would highly recommend purchasing a starter set like this one to have on hand for when ever you may want a straw. Get started now helping the environment by investing in the best zero waste item you use daily. Every little bit helps.

The post Benefits of Using Metal Straws You Need to Know appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

Did you run out of something while you are making a favorite dish?

What if you could make homemade dry mixes with pantry staples you probably already have?

You can make most homemade dry mix recipes for your pantry at home by purchasing normal everyday items and keeping them on hand. To save time, you can make these easily on the weekends and even let the kids help and store them in your pantry for when you are ready to use them.

I used to be a single mom of one with a huge debt. By saving money on my grocery bill I was able to pay off a 5 figure credit card bill with my entry level job within six months. I used mixes just like these to help stretch my grocery budget and still make most of the same meals we loved so much. It is all in how you think about it.

Homemade Dry Mix Recipes for Your Pantry

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission on any purchase you make through a link, which won’t cost you a thing.

Brownie Mix

Muffin Mix

Biscuit Mix (Homemade Bisquick)

Pancake mix

Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Use organic rolled oats like this brand to make cookies, muffins and just plain ole oatmeal.

Hot Chocolate Mix

Homemade Cream Soup Mix – Thrifty Frugal Mom

Chocolate pudding mix – Country Cleaver

How to save money using your pantry

Having these mixes made and on hand will help save you time during meal time. If you are trying to cut back on your budget, your pantry is the best place to start. Start making your own mixes to have them on hand when ever you need them. Or keep these handy in case you run out. These have definitely saved me a time or two. Be sure to check out my complete list of pantry staples and homemade seasonings you can make at home.

How to stock your pantry

One thing for sure, buying the basic ingredients costs way less than purchasing a box of a premade mix. Plus you know exactly what ingredients you are putting in to your mixes.

Use this pantry list I have already created to help you keep your pantry stocked and help you know what you need to buy next. Try to buy bulk items like flour, oatmeal and beans to keep on hand. Use my homemade chicken stock recipe to keep in the freezer for soups and stews.

Best Pantry Storage Ideas to Stock Your Pantry

It is best to get organized with great containers to keep all your basic ingredients and your homemade mixes in order. I highly recommend storage containers like this starter set from OXO or this smaller set. These containers easily stack together to create a clean an organized shelf. I like to label all my mixes and ingredients with a label maker like this one. That way everyone can find what they are looking for, and it keeps your pantry nice and tidy. It is also a great idea to have a great set like these Pyrex glass measuring cups and these metal measuring spoons to help you while creating your mixes. I recommend using medium glass jars like these or quart jars like these for larger mixes like the brownies or cookies. Label the jars the with the recipe and the wet ingredients you need to add. Simply wash and refill when needed.

It warms my heart hearing from you and seeing the recipes you create! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me @mainlyhomemade and use #mainlyhomemade, or you can also find me on Facebook, and Pinterest. Thanks for helping me spread the word about homemade delicious food!

Tips to make the best mixes

Since you are making these pantry staple mixes yourself, use quality ingredients you will feel glad feeding your family. Let the kids help you make these mixes, since measuring helps with math and baking is science.

A substitution to consider instead of using white flour, try organic whole grain wheat flour for your mixes like this one.

Same thing with oatmeal, use organic rolled oats like this brand to make cookies, muffins and just plain ole oatmeal.

Next store your mixes in glass jars to keep them fresh.

The post Homemade Dry Mix Recipes for Your Pantry appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

What type of pork is used for pulled pork

This is a great question. You want a large cut of pork for pulled pork for a long time. The pork shoulder offers a great deal of fat to meat ratio for a good flavor. The longer you cook it the easier it is to fall apart as the meat breaks down.

What do you put in carnitas tacos?

Anything you like on tacos. That is why tacos are always a hit in our house. Each person can customize tacos for themselves. With far fewer complaints at meal time, and more smiling faces. A few typical suggestions for tacos would be lettuce, tomatoes, homemade salsa, guacamole, jalapenos, onions, and just about anything else you love.

Can you overcook pork in slow cooker?

It is hard to over cook a piece of meat in the slow cooker. I recommend a slow cooker like this one. Usually 8-9 hours on low is the perfect time. The secret is to add at least a cup or two of liquid to the pot. As the meat cooks, it releases it own juices. The onions or vegetables added create an amazing broth to cook the meat in. This broth adds flavors the meat for a slow roasted flavor. All that juice allows the meat to stay moist and not overcook. If it is dry in the slow cooker, the meat can burn and over cook. Whenever cooking meat it is best to put in at least a cup of water to make sure you do not over cook pork. You can find more slow cooker tips here.

Are carnitas and pulled pork the same?

Not really. Carnitas starts as a pork shoulder or pork butt and cooked slow for a long period of time. Once it is cooked it is shredded or pulled apart. I recommend using these claws for pulling meat. What makes carnitas unique is after it is cooked you can throw it in the oven or throw in a hot skillet and crisp up the meat. So it gets a little caramel on the ends of the meat to add another layer of flavor and crunchy texture.

If you love this recipe, please consider rating it with the star rating system below and leaving me a comment. It warms my heart hearing from you and seeing the recipes you create! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me @mainlyhomemade and use #mainlyhomemade, or you can also find me on Facebook, and Pinterest. Thanks for helping me spread the word about homemade delicious food!

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The Best Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas

Use your slow cooker to make the best Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas. Pork carnitas are great meal idea for pork.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword Carnitas, Pork, slow cooker

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Servings 20 People

Author Amy

Equipment

• slow cooker

Ingredients

• 5 lbs pork shoulder/pork butt – trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin or paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 med onion chopped
• 1 jalapeno chopped, deveined and seeded

Wet Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, salt
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon each chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each smoked paprika, pepper
• 1+ pepper chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (add as much as you like for optional heat)

Instructions

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Using tongs or 2 forks, sear pork on all sides until lightly browned. Transfer pork to cutting board until cool enough to handle. (This is optional. I find if I sear the meat before it gives it a little more flavor. However, if you don't have time you may skip this step. I have made this both ways and it comes out fine.)
• Then whisk together all of the ingredients for the Wet Spice Rub in a medium bowl. Once the pork is cool, massage the Wet Spice Rub evenly all over the pork. Then transfer the pork to the slow cooker. Add lemon juice, lime juice, cumin or paprika, and 2 bay leaves to slow cooker. Top pork with chopped onions and jalapeno. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours OR until pork is falls apart and is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• Remove pork from slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board, shred with two forks, and add back to slow cooker and toss with all the juices form the pork. Cook on low for an additional 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat a cast iron skillet.
• After 20 minutes, remove pork from slow cooker (do NOT discard the juices) and add shredded pork to skillet in an even layer. Drizzle with some of the remaining juices (about 1/4 cup) and cook stirring frequently for about 5-10 minutes to desired crispiness, watching closely so meat doesn’t burn (about 5-10 minutes). Drizzle with additional juices and toss.
• Serve warm with favorite toppings.

Notes

You can make pork carnitas with corn tortillas or try mini corn tortillas for street tacos.

Make rice and beans and have a pork carnita bowl with your favorite toppings.

Topping suggestions are sour cream, greek yogurt, cheese, cilantro, avocado, tomatoes.

Freeze the leftovers and reheat to plan for meals for the rest of the month.

What can you make with slow cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas?

This makes excellent pork carnitas tacos. Another option is to make pork enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce and homemade tortillas. You can also try to make pork carnitas bowls with cilantro lime rice and black beans. This way everyone can put their favorite toppings on. This is always a win meal in my house with way fewer complaints.

With the leftovers you can make any of the dishes above and serve later in the week or shred the pork and freeze to make dishes through out the month. This makes meal planning easy, since you can cook once and serve two to three times. I can’t wait to see make and share this dish!

The post Slow Cooker Mexican Pork Carnitas appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

This homemade biscuits recipe is where my journey for making it from scratch began.

I was purchasing refrigerated biscuits from the store. Then I noticed all the extra ingredients in the store bought ones. In order to be more homemade, I purchased a box of Bisquick. Then I wondered if I could still get biscuits cheaper and healthier by making my own.

Then I remembered my southern grandmother and women on the prairie didn’t have the luxury of just opening a box to make biscuits. They had to make them by hand and from scratch. So I knew this could be done.

I did a lot of research to find out how to make the best homemade biscuits from pre-made biscuit mix. If you pre-make the homemade biscuit mix then, when ever you want biscuits it will be simply measuring what you need. If you are following a recipe that needs homemade biscuits recipe mix, you will have your own ready to go. This will be just that easy.

Homemade Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients for easy Homemade Biscuit Mix Recipe:

6 cups flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 cup shortening – 4 months storage (or use butter 6-8 weeks refrigerated) I only use butter now
2 tablespoons sugar (can be omitted, but tastes better with a little sugar or honey)
1 tablespoon salt

Directions for making easy homemade biscuits recipe:

1. Sift all the dry ingredients together to incorporate well.

2. Use a pastry blender like this one to cut shortening or butter into dry mixture until crumbly.

Directions for Homemade Biscuits Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 450. Measure 2 cups mix and 2/3 cup milk (or homemade buttermilk for buttermilk biscuits). Stir ingredients together. Just get your hands in there and mix it for a minute or two.

2. Here is the secret step for really flakey layered homemade biscuits. Take the dough and layout on a floured surface and fold it over on itself and roll it out again. See all those layers in the picture? Keep folding over on itself and rolling out about 10 times for really nice layered biscuits.

3. Use a biscuit cutter or a large mouth glass to cut the biscuits. Lay them out on a baking pan like this one and bake for about 8-10 minutes for large amazing biscuits. You could also just make drop biscuits with the same recipe to save some time.

Check out how to make butter to add to your nice warm biscuits with some homemade strawberry jam.

Directions for making Homemade Pancake Mix:

1. Measure 2 cups biscuit mix, 1/4 cup sugar or honey, add 1 cup milk (or buttermilk) and two eggs. For extra fluffy pancakes add 1 teaspoon baking powder. Stir to make a batter, but don’t stir too much. It is ok if it still has a few lumps in it.

2. Pour onto griddle like this one around 350 degrees and brown on both sides. This is the best homemade pancake mix. We made these just the other day with the buttermilk. These were the best pancakes we have ever made. You will have to add this homemade pancake mix to your recipe log.  

Serve with homemade pancake syrup or drizzle with Homemade chocolate syrup. Follow Mainly Homemade on Facebook and Pinterest for more homemade recipes. 

Tip: We like to add fruit puree like smashed bananas or pureed strawberries. Even add some homemade yogurt to your pancakes for more calcium and protein. Try this Apple Pancake Recipe for an easy breakfast idea.

The post Homemade Biscuits Recipe: and Pancake Mix appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

On a cold winters night, there is nothing better than drinking a nice warm drink by the fire.

We love to sip on homemade hot cocoa and Chai tea to warm us up.

However, we like to have a little adult drink for special nights. We make spiced mulled wine to sip during the holiday times. It tastes just like Christmas. Today I am going to share all the best ingredients for mulling spices with you.

Homemade Mulling Spice Recipe

What is mulling spice made of?

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon all spice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
(Whole spices or powdered, either are fine)

Directions How to Make a Homemade Mulling Spice Recipe

I like to use whole spices for this recipe. I store them in a little container and I use about a tablespoon of mix per batch.

Gather all the ingredients together and mix in a container. Feel free to double or triple the recipe to make a large batch at one time. Store in an air tight container.

If you love this recipe, please consider rating it with the star rating system below and leaving me a comment. It warms my heart hearing from you and seeing the recipes you create! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me @mainlyhomemade and use #mainlyhomemade, or you can also find me on Facebook, and Pinterest. Thanks for helping me spread the word about homemade delicious food!

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Keep Warm With Homemade Mulling Spice Recipe

Have all the flavors of Christmas rolled into one drink for the holidays. This mix can be used for wine or apple cider for the best flavors ever.

Course Drinks

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Amy Greene

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon all spice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Whole spices or powdered, either are fine

Instructions

• I like to use whole spices for this recipe. I store them in a little container and I use about a tablespoon of mix per batch.
• Gather all the ingredients together and mix in a container. Feel free to double or triple the recipe to make a large batch at one time. Store in an air tight container.

How to Enjoy Mulling Spices

How long do mulling spices last?

They can last up to four years as whole spices. Over time the spices will lose their potency. But as a general rule spices will remain good to use for at least 4 to 3 years.

What can you make with mulling spices?

With just a few more ingredients you can make spiced mulled wine for those cold winter nights, or you can make spiced apple cider with a container of apple juice for the little ones.

Whenever I make this with the whole ingredients, I use a small strainer to filter out all the spices as I pour the drink into the cup. These also make a super cute gift idea to give during the holidays. I usually have a few of these small gifts lying around for quick gifts to give to friends or hostesses gifts for attending a party. Find more handmade Christmas ideas on my Pinterest board.

What do you like to make with mulling spice recipe?

The post Keep Warm With Homemade Mulling Spice Recipe appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

How to Cook a Whole Pumpkin

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

What are the best pumpkins for roasting?

The best pumpkins for roasting are pumpkin pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins. They are small round pumpkins. They are small enough to cut in half to fit inside a large 6 quart slow cooker like this one. These smaller pumpkins contain a higher sugar content than the larger jack-o-lantern sized pumpkins. Therefore, they are better to eat and have a sweet rich pumpkin flavor.

How do you prepare a pumpkin?

You can pick up a small round pumpkin pie pumpkin at the store. They normally go on sale around October. First wash the outside of your pumpkin, since they may have some dirt on the outside. Then take a large knife like this one and try to cut the pumpkin in half. Just do your best.

Surprise! The pumpkin is hallow inside. I have to laugh, since the first time my mom cut open a pumpkin she called my dad crying. She was so upset, since there was nothing inside. She had no idea that pumpkin were hallow with the seeds inside.

Now that the pumpkin is open, get a large spoon and scoop out the insides aka guts. Take the pumpkin guts and pick out the seeds. You can roast these later. Throw away the other stringy stuff or use for compost in your garden. Now your pumpkin is ready to cook.

How do you puree a pumpkin?

After the pumpkin is cooked in your slow cooker, using a spoon, scoop out all the soft insides. At this point the skin is very soft. Try not to get the skins while scooping out the pumpkin pulp. Once all the pulp is removed use a hand blender like this one I use or a blender like this one to puree the pumpkin to a smooth texture for baking.

If you love this recipe, please consider rating it with the star rating system below and leaving me a comment. It warms my heart hearing from you and seeing the recipes you create! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me @mainlyhomemade and use #mainlyhomemade, or you can also find me on Facebook, and Pinterest. Thanks for helping me spread the word about homemade delicious food!

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How to Cook A Whole Pumpkin

The easiest recipe for how to cook a whole pumpkin in a slow cooker you will find! Perfect for pies, soups, muffins, and much more!

Course Side

Cuisine American

Keyword cook a whole pumpkin, slow cooker

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Slow cooker on High 4 hours hours

Servings 2

Author Amy

Equipment

• slow cooker

Ingredients

• 1 Small baking pumpkin Pumpkin Pie pumpkin or Sugar Pumpkin
• 2 cups Water

Instructions

• First wash any dirt off the outside of the pumpkin.
• Next cut the pumpkin in half with a large sharp knife.
• Clean the pumpkin guts out using a spoon. Scrape the sides to get all the stringy things and the seeds out. Wash the seeds and throw the strings away. Don't throw away the seeds. You can roast them later.
• Place 2 cups of water in a slow cooker. Then place the pumpkin inside.
• Cook on high for 4 hours or slow for 8 hours.
• Scrape out all the pulp and blend with a blender to have pumpkin puree.

Notes

• Save the seed to roast them later
• Use the pumpkin puree to make muffins, soups, and breads.

What can you make with a whole roasted pumpkin?

You can make so many things. Especially if you love pumpkin as much as I do. First get this pumpkin pie spice recipe, since you are going to need it to make all of these amazing recipes. It makes pumpkin puree for baby food, pumpkin chili, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spice doughnuts. If you make any of these please let me know and tag me on Instagram. I can’t wait to see what you make.

The post How to Cook a Whole Pumpkin in a Slow Cooker appeared first on Mainly Homemade.

Whenever I smell pumpkin spice it reminds me of my mom. She always made pumpkin pie. Our house always smelled like a bakery during fall, because she baked cakes, pies and cookies. We always had goodies to eat.

Fall Baked Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

This recipe is very similar to my strawberry doughnuts for the summer. I have changed up a few of the ingredients to make them a little heartier and healthier. This baked pumpkin spice doughnut recipe will warm your insides as well as keep you feeling full all morning long.

Do I need a deep fryer to make donuts?

Nope. Baked doughnuts are a healthier than fried. Baking them makes them more cake like. Most fried doughnuts are made with a yeast batter to help them rise when they are fried. Baked doughnuts are made use eggs and baking powder and baking soda to rise and make fluffy doughnuts.

What is the best donut pan?

This is the best one I love to use is this one. I love the silicone because the doughnuts just pop right out. The silicone still needs to be greased so the doughnuts easily come right out. I have not had a problem with these at all. You can order them from Amazon and get them delivered straight to your door, so you don’t need to go searching for them at the stores. I don’t even know what stores carry these.

What can I use instead of a doughnut pan?

You can try this simple trick. Ball up a small piece of aluminum foil and coat it with cooking spray. This will make it easy to remove later. Place the ball in the middle of a muffin tin to make round doughnuts with holes without a doughnut pan. Or bake as muffins and use a small circle cookie cutter like on in this set and cut out the middles. You can still eat both!

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Baked Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Recipe

This Baked Pumpkin Spice Doughnut recipe warms you from the inside out and filled with healthy goodness. They are an amazing fall breakfast treat!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword doughnuts, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie spice

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Author Amy

Equipment

• Doughnut molds

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3/4 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract<-I make my own
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 2 eggs
• Spray oil <- use this reusable spray oil container

Instructions

• First mix all the dry ingredients together. Then mix all the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl including pumpkin puree puree.
• Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring. Stir until well combined to make a doughnut batter.
• When all of the ingredients are mixed together, pour the batter into the doughnut molds.
• Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
• Let set for about 2 minutes then pop out of the molds and let cool on a wire rack like this one.

Notes

You can use the same amount of buttermilk instead of yogurt.

Don’t like pumpkin pie spice, you can just use the same amount of cinnamon. 

For a buttery doughnut, use melted butter instead of oil.

For a little sweeter doughnut, dip in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice once they come out of the molds.  This makes them the best!

What is pumpkin spice made of

Pumpkin spice is made of a few signature spices to give it that distinct fall smell. You can make a large batch of my pumpkin pie spice recipe to put in all your fall baking. The spices are cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger. All these flavors typically associated with fall, since these are considered to be warm spices. They warm you from the inside out. That is why they are so popular for fall.

Can I reheat pumpkin spice doughnuts?

Yes. I have found the perfect amount of time is a quick 30 seconds in the microwave. Then serve with a large glass of milk to make a great breakfast in the morning.

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