Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:
3 large Eggs
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2 cups Prepared Pumpkin
1 tsp Cinnamon, ground
1 tsp Nutmeg, ground
1/4 tsp Ginger, ground
1/4 tsp Cloves, ground
1/4 tsp Allspice, ground
1/4 tsp Cornstarch
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 Pâte Brisée

Directions:

• In a large bowl, cream the Eggs with the Sugar.
• Slowly incorporate the Pumpkin pulp.
• In a second bowl, add the Spices, Salt, and Cornstarch, and whisk together so there are no clumps.
• Slowly whisk in the Heavy Cream.
• Whisk the Cream mixture into the Pumpkin Mixture.
• Preheat the Oven to 425°F
• Roll out the Pie Crust and place into a pie pan. Crimp edges as desired.
• Place the Pie pan on a cookie sheet.
• Pour the Pie filling into the crust.
• Place the Pie in the oven, and bake for 15 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to 350°F, and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The traditional way of testing is to use a knife inserted into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, it is done.

NOTES: Pumpkin Pie is a very American dish, pumpkins naturally growing in North America. I’ve read that pumpkins were first exported to France and England, where the pie was actually developed by chefs, but that it never became popular there. For many pumpkin pie is all about the Holiday time, and for me it is especially. It connects me with the romanticized idea of family eating desert by a warm hearth.

I have no problem using canned pumpkin, so long as it is PURE pumpkin. Some cans will use other squash types. If you want to do real pumpkin on your own, the best option is to get a small pumpkin and slice it, de seed it, and steam it. Then scoop out the pulp and puree it in a food processor.