Even though pumpkins originated in Central America, the seeds found their way back to Eastern Europe where pumpkins quickly became a favorite. Bulgarians love the roasted seeds and the puree as a filling in pastries like banitzi. Poles love it in soup and pumpkin-sauerkraut muffins.
Pumpkin butter, as all fruit butters are, is low in sugar and simple to make, especially if you use canned pumpkin! It makes a great Saturday-afternoon project with the kids.
Makes 1 pint Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin butter, as all fruit butters are, is low in sugar and simple to make, especially if you use canned pumpkin! It makes a great Saturday-afternoon project with the kids.
Makes 1 pint Pumpkin Butter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pie pumpkin, peeled and cubed or 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin (not pie mix)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 to 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
Preparation:
Place pumpkin and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until the pumpkin has broken down. Strain through a sieve or food mill. If using canned pumpkin, omit this step and pick up below.
Combine pumpkin puree with sugar and spices, and choose one of the following cooking methods.
Place hot butter in hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4" headspace. Cover with hot sterilized lids and rings. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Remove to counter and allow to cool before storing in a cool, dry, dark place.
If you don't process in a water bath, the butter can be kept refrigerated for up to three weeks or frozen for up to one year.
Note: Before attempting a home canning project, read what the Ball canning jars company has to say about it.
Combine pumpkin puree with sugar and spices, and choose one of the following cooking methods.
- Slow Cooker: Place sweetened pulp in a slow cooker with lid partially off to let steam escape. Set at low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-12 hours or overnight, or until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.
- Microwave: Place sweetened pulp in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for 20 minutes at a time, stirring frequently until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.
- Stovetop: Place sweetened pulp in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 1-2 hours or until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.
- Oven: Heat oven to 250 degrees. Place sweetened pulp in a heatproof casserole dish or roaster. Bake, stirring only occasionally, for 1-3 hours or until thick enough so the butter doesn't run off a spoon when turned upside down.
Place hot butter in hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4" headspace. Cover with hot sterilized lids and rings. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Remove to counter and allow to cool before storing in a cool, dry, dark place.
If you don't process in a water bath, the butter can be kept refrigerated for up to three weeks or frozen for up to one year.
Note: Before attempting a home canning project, read what the Ball canning jars company has to say about it.
