Pumpkin puree

Canned pumpkin puree is usually made from dense, sweet varieties of winter squash with smooth, dry flesh. It is not the same as pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced; using the wrong one throws off a recipe's sugar and seasoning.

Homemade puree from roasted sugar pumpkins tastes fresh but is often wetter, so it may need to be strained or cooked down on the stove until thick. Puree adds moisture and color to muffins, breads and cakes, along with a mild, earthy sweetness.