 |
|
©Susan Dusterhoft 2011
|
If you would like a pumpkin pie with texture instead of a pureed can, then here is what you do. Get a pumpkin. Depending on how many pies you want will determine the size. You can use a sugar pumpkin or a regular pumpkin, which can be had at a bargain slightly before Halloween.
Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and pulp. Cut the halves in half and place in a cake pan. Add water to the pan and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until a fork can be inserted all the way thru the pumpkin.
Remove the pumpkin and let it cool. Scrap the meat out into a bowl and mash with a potato masher. Place 2-3 cups in a flour sack towel and squeeze out as much water as you can. Set the water aside for to use in your pumpkin bread if you want. Your pumpkin is now ready to be made into a pie.
For one 9 inch deep dish put 20 ounces of pumpkin by weight in a mixing bowl. Add half a cup of white granulated sugar, half a cup brown sugar, firmly packed, one 12 oz can evaporated milk, 2 eggs and combine until thoroughly mixed. Add:
A teaspoon of vanilla
2 tablespoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of ginger
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
½ teaspoon of cloves
½ teaspoon of salt
Mix all until consistently incorporated.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Fill one 9 inch deep dish pie shell and distribute evenly. Your mixture should be fairly thick and will need to be spread out with a spatula or the back of a large spoon. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Remove the pie from the oven and let cool. Serve with real whipping cream.
Whipping Cream:
Assuming you have an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, refrigerate the mixing bowl and whipping cream to a temperature of 40 degrees. When ready, remove the bowl and whipping cream from the refrigerator, add the whipping cream to the bowl and begin mixing at medium-high speed. Add one teaspoon of vanilla. Add up to ½ cup of sugar depending how sweet you like your whipped cream. Whip the cream until you get peaks that retain their shape. Serve immediately.
This is a fairly spicy pie. You may modify to taste.
Happy Thanksgiving!
