Dealing with pumpkins!

[caroline7758]

Chopping up pumpkins and squash is an exhausting business! I'm sure I read somewhere here that you can cook them whole in the microwave, but I assume that's only small ones? Any labour-saving hints for chopping or cooking, please?

[caroline7758]

[Squash64]

Chopping up pumpkins and squash is an exhausting business! I'm sure I read somewhere here that you can cook them whole in the microwave, but I assume that's only small ones? Any labour-saving hints for chopping or cooking, please?

I've never tried cooking them in the microwave so can't help with that.
But if you need to remove the skin (not always necessary) I recommend one of these
[attachment=1]

I wish I'd bought more of them when they were for sale locally, they are really excellent for peeling. 

[ceres]

I microwave the small ones - slice off a lid, scoop out the seeds and membranes, add a tiny bit of butter, put the lid back on and zap.  If you want them sweet, add a sprinkle of brown sugar with the butter.  Have never done it but can't see any reason why you couldn't do the bigger ones too.  Maybe brush the inside with olive oil and adjust the cooking time?

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

I sometimes microwave the small ones, but I had one explode last week - and i'd pricked it with a fork. I also use the microwave if when i've taken the top off, they're slightly undercooked, I microwave it either still with the seeds in, or scoop the seeds out and  put a small amount of water in to help steam it from the inside