Ingredient

• 1 (2 1/2-pound) sugar pumpkin, trimmed, cleaned, and cut into 2-inch wedges
• 2 tablespoons molasses (or maple, sorghum, or cane syrup)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 orange
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or piece of parchment paper; set aside.

• Step 2

  Place pumpkin wedges on baking sheet and transfer to oven; bake until fork-tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

• Step 3

  When pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out flesh and transfer to a large bowl; discard skin. Add molasses, butter, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cayenne; season with salt and pepper.

• Step 4

  Using a potato masher, heavy-duty whisk or handheld mixer, beat until smooth. Transfer to a warm serving bowl.