Roasted Pumpkin

“So easy and you don’t have to measure a thing…but I’ll include a tip on how to easily cut up pumpkin.  This is also is delicious with butternut squash, our favorite!”
 
1 pumpkin or squash (Any size that works for your family)
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Fresh chopped thyme (You may use dried but fresh will be more flavorful)
 
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
 
This is the hint that will make the pumpkin (or squash) easier to cut.  Take a sharp knife and randomly pierce the pumpkin all over…like you do with potatoes before baking them.   Also cut off the top of the pumpkin if there is a stem.   Place the pumpkin in your microwave.   The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pumpkin.  Begin with 2-3 minutes and then carefully remove it from the microwave and attempt to cut down the sides of the pumpkin, removing the skin.  (If the pumpkin still seems to be too hard, continue to cook in the microwave for a few additional minutes at a time.)
 
Now that the pumpkin is easier to work with - Use a heavy, sharpened chef's knife and cut off about ¼ inch from the bottom of the pumpkin in an even slice. Then cut off about a ¼ inch from the stem end.  This will stabilize the pumpkin as you cut down the sides to remove the skin.
 
Once the skin is removed, cut the pumpkin in half and begin to remove the pulp and seeds with a large spoon.   Next, lay the pumpkin halves, cut side down on the cutting board for stability. Working a section at a time, cut the pumpkin into slices and then cut each slice into the desired cube size, about 1 inch.
 
The hard work is done!  Place all the cubed pumpkin into a baking dish that allows for most of the pumpkin to lie in a single layer.  Pour olive oil, salt and pepper over the pumpkin and mix well, coating all the pumpkin cubes.  Put the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally.  You may need to bake a little less or a little longer depending on the amount you are cooking and if you like your pumpkin softer or more crisp.
 
Once the pumpkin reaches your desired doneness, stir in fresh chopped thyme while it’s still hot and serve.