Mochi, is a type of cake and/or dessert, made of glutinous rice flour. It can be served as is, filled, and turned into ice cream (cold dessert). It is Japan origin, but can be found in many Asian countries. The following mochi is flavored and filled with caramelized pumpkin puree, which then shaped into pumpkins.

Supplies

nonstick pan
bowl
rolling pin
parchment paper
cling wrap
wooden spoon
microwave
cornstarch
kitchen twine
roasted pecans

Step 1: Pumpkin Filling

I used homemade roasted pumpkin puree, by roasting pumpkin pieces in 450 F for an hour, then mash. You can steam or boil your pumpkin, but make sure to squeeze out as much water as you can. In fact, you can use store bought pumpkin puree, no sugar added, for quicker and less hassle method.

2 c packed, homemade roasted pumpkin puree, reserve 3 tbsp
5 tbsp sugar
1/8 tsp each of nutmeg powder, allspice powder, cinnamon powder

Method:

Place all ingredients into a nonstick wok/pan
Cook until thickened (mold-able)
Cool to room temperature
Shape into balls (8-12, depending the size you want to make)

Step 2: Mochi Dough

110 g glutinous rice flour
65 g sugar
3 tbsp of reserved roasted pumpkin puree
a pinch of salt
130-150 ml water

Method:

Place all ingredients into a bowl, stir to mix
Pour in water, stir to combine
Cover bowl with cling wrap plastic, punch a hole
Microwave for 2 minutes
Take bowl out of microwave
Stir mixture with a wooden spoon, make sure everything is mixed
Cover again, and microwave for another 30 seconds

Step 3: Pumpkin Mochi

Lay a parchment paper on a flat surface, sprinkle generously with cornstarch
Dump mochi on cornstarch and coat mochi evenly with cornstarch
Roll flat mochi and slice into portions (8-12, depending the size you want to make)
Cut enough cling wrap (as many as your mochi)
Lay a mochi skin on each cling wrap and place a filling in center
Bring all sides to center, shaping mochi into balls (by bringing all sides of the cling wrap
Twist cling wrap
Repeat steps until all mochi skins are filled and wrapped
Now grab a twine or a thread, tie mochi as if you'd gift wrap, into pumpkin shape
Chill mochi for at least an hour
Untie, unwrap, and push in toasted (raw is fine) sliced pecans as stumps

Enjoy mochi chilled, room temperature, served with green tea, or your favorite beverage. You can also gift your mochi as Autumn gift.