The Raw Truth

Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkins are a cucurbit and, like most of their cousins, have a slightly starchy and bitter taste when eaten raw. Soaking pumpkins can greatly

improve their flavor. Serve this spread on Fruit and Nut Essence Bread or topped with Nut Crème as a dessert.

SERVES 4

1 pumpkin (approximately 3 pounds), such as sugar pie pumpkin or sweet pumpkin

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup soaked pecans, drained

1 cup seeded, soaked dates, drained

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Peel and seed the pumpkin, reserving the seeds for another use. Cut the flesh into chunks (you should have about 4 cups). Place the pumpkin flesh
in a large bowl, cover with water, add the lemon juice, and soak overnight. Drain and rinse the pumpkin and drain again.
In a homogenizing juicer, homogenize the pumpkin with the pecans and dates and place in a large bowl. Mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla
and serve.