Truly homemade pumpkin pie filling recipe

Earlier this week the LA Times reported on "The Great Pumpkin-Pie-Filling Shortage " citing that there is a nationwide shortage of pumpkin pie filling due to poor pumpkin growing conditions last year. Libby's, a division of food giant Nestle that control more than 80% of the canned pumpkin market, has put many area markets on an "allocation" system.

Your local garden experts at Armstrong Garden Centers want to ensure that the pumpkin pie filling shortage doesn't wreck your holiday traditions. It's simple to make your own pumpkin pie puree using your Halloween pumpkins. Here's how:

Choose a pumpkin that is 10-inches or less for the best taste.

Cut the pumpkin in half starting at the stem and going towards the base with a serrated knife.
Be careful not to cut yourself!

Scoop out the seeds and stringy part of the pumpkin and cut off the stem.

Place cut-side down on a greased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour (depending on the size of the pumpkin). The pumpkin is done when it's soft and can be easily pierced with a knife.

Pat pumpkin dry, remove the pumpkin skin and puree in a food processor until smooth.
Drain any extra liquid from the puree.

Chill before using in your favorite pumpkin recipe.

Visit your neighborhood Armstrong Garden Center for your holiday pumpkins. Now through Halloween take part in the annual all-you-can-carry pumpkin promotion. Fill your arms with as many pumpkins as you can carry for $16.99.

About Armstrong Garden Centers, Inc.:
Armstrong Garden Centers, Inc. is an employee-owned company founded in 1889. Armstrong Garden Centers serves California gardeners with 33 retail stores and is the largest independent retail nursery company in the United States, specializing in the largest selection of roses (over 950 varieties), many developed and exclusive to Armstrong Garden Centers. Armstrong Garden Centers also features fountains, pottery, garden tools and garden gift items. With over 75 acres of growing grounds and green houses, Armstrong grows what it sells and with hundreds of nursery people to help answer those tough gardening questions, Armstrong guarantees customers' success.