Left Over Halloween Pumpkins

Scoop out seeds and strands if using a new pumpkin.
Stand pumpkin upright and cut down the middle. Halves should
be able to fit on a baking sheet. Place one half pumpkin, or two
if they fit, cut side down on the baking sheet. You may sprinkle
a little water on the sheet first. Bake at 350F for 30-60 minutes,
depending on the size. When done, the skin darkens and the pumpkin
begins to collapse. Check for softness with a fork or knife. It
will go in easily if done. Remove from oven, cool about 20 minutes.
Scoop pumpkin flesh away from skin. Discard skin then puree in food
processor.

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 tsp. melted butter or oil (olive oil or vegetable oil work well)
salt to taste
Options To Taste:
garlic powder
cayenne pepper
seasoning salt
Cajun seasoning blend

Preheat oven to 300F. While it's fine to leave some strings and
pulp on your seeds (it adds flavor), clean off any major chunks.
Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with the melted butter or oil and
seasonings of your choice. Purist will want only salt as a
seasoning, but, if you're feeling adventurous, experiment and have
fun with seasoning blends. Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer
on baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, until golden brown,
stirring occasionally.

Clarified Butter:
For clarified butter, slowly melt unsalted butter over low heat.
Don't let the butter come to a boil, and don't stir it. This
allows the milk solids to separate from the liquid butter.
Once the butter has separated into three layers--foamy milk
solids on top, clarified butter in the middle, and milk solids on
the bottom--turn off the heat. Skim the foamy white solids from the
top. Then ladle off the clarified butter. Be careful not to disturb
the milk solids at the bottom of the pan.
Clarified butter can be used immediately. Or, let it solidify and
keep it in the refrigerator for up to three to four weeks.
Just remelt to use. One pound of unsalted butter yields 1-1/4 cups
clarified butter.

About Shallots:
The Latin name for shallot is Allium Ascalonicum. The name refers to
Ascalon , an ancient Palestinian city where the shallot is thought to
have originated.
The flavor is a pungent blend of onion and garlic. Their color can vary
from pale brown to rose, and the flesh is off-white and barely tinged
with green or purple.
Shallots burn easily because of their high sugar content. For this
reason, saute briefly over low to medium heat. When using raw minced
shallots in salad dressings, lessen their pungency by reducing the
juice; wrap the minced shallots in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze
the shallots so the cloth absorbs some of their juices, then add the
shallots to the recipe as directed.
Shallots will keep for approximately six months if stored in a
cool, dry location.