Use small votive candles for the center to use on your porch or deck for Halloween lighting. Preparing pumpkin flesh for baking is easy. Wash and clean out your pumpkin and cut into chunks. Bake in a 250 degree oven for about an hour or until flesh begins to soften. Then simply peel off the rind after the pieces cool.
Some people prefer boiling their pumpkin to soften it.
If you use this method it is better to cut off the rind beforehand, and be sure to drain and squeeze all the water out before use in baking. The pieces can then be pureed in a food processor or mashed with a fork to use in your favorite recipes. Prepared pumpkin is easy to freeze for future use in freezer bags. The seeds are great toasted in the oven on an oiled cookie sheet and just lightly salted. You can use other seasoning if you like depending on your taste.