Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the pumpkin in half.

Scoop out the seeds and stringy middle part. A metal spoon works well here.

Sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Place halves, flesh side down, on a baking sheet.

Bake for 50 minutes or until fork-tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.

Once the pumpkin is cool, scoop out of the skin and process in a food processor or blender or place in a deep bowl and use an immersion blender until completely smooth.