Savory Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Autumn is upon us!

Ah yes, the wonderful season of fall. A trademark treat that we all know and love is pumpkin pie. As the leaves turn golden, and the air becomes crispier, there's no better way to embrace the enchanting essence of fall than by indulging in a slice of pumpkin pie. The arrival of autumn also means the arrival of cozy sweaters and warm, crackling fires. My mother loves to cook and especially make delicious treats such as savory pumpkin pie. And this recipe is a hallmark and one of my favorite things to eat period.

Ingredients:

For the pie crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (about a sick) of unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the pumpkin filling:

• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• whipped cream (optional, for serving)

• ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.

3. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and gently mix until the dough just comes together.

5. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Pumpkin Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F(220°C)

2. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix until well combined.

3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add them to the pumpkin mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

4. Gradually add the evaporated milk and stir until the filling is smooth and velvety.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.

2. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.

3. Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.

4. To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, you can use a pie shield or cover them with strips of aluminum foil.

5. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.

6. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the center of the pie is set. You can check if it's done by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

7. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once cooled, slice your pumpkin pie into generous portions.

2. For an extra touch of autumn magic, add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice.

3. Finish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a visual and aromatic delight.

Pumpkin pie is the embodiment of fall's warmth and comfort. With its luscious filling and tender, buttery crust, it encapsulates the flavors of the season. Whether shared around the Thanksgiving table or enjoyed as a special treat on a chilly evening, this recipe allows us to savor the essence of autumn one delicious bite at a time. So, embrace the changing leaves and crisp air, and bake your own pumpkin pie to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of fall.