yum! pumpkin pie in ten easy steps

Have you made homemade pumpkin pie? We did the other week and homemade is the way to go! Did you know there are different types of pumpkins? Through our Happy Box, we received some. Edward, our youngest, knew through our Happy Box that these cute little pumpkins were indeed for making a favorite dessert and he asked for homemade pie! The boys in my house ENJOY pumpkin pie so we make it often– but from a can. I researched how to prepare the pie pumpkin for its fruit plus I worked on finding a good pie recipe. How I made ours :

1. Choose 1-2 pie pumpkins (we sed 2 small ones and made one pie; usually need one pie pumpkin to one pie). I did use soap and water to clean off the dirt, with a good rinsing before cutting.
2. Cut the pie pumpkin in half and scrape out the insides (seeds + strings) with an ice cream scooper. It was quite easy. I reserved the seeds for roasting.
3. Cut the stem off.
4. Place in a microwavable dish with some water in the bottom. Add the lid or plastic wrap and seal tightly. Cook in the microwave 12-15 min on high. The goal is to cook the pumpkin until it easily comes off the shell. (Beware of the steam!)
5. Once you remove the shell, set th
   e pumpkin in a strainer. Press the water out. Consider adding a weighted plate in the strainer for pressing (and to free up your hands). This will yield about 1-1.5 cups mashed pumpkin.
6. Some sites noted pureeing the pumpkin fruit. I felt our pumpkin was soft enough for the pie.
7. Add to the pumpkin puree the following: 1-12 oz can evaporated skim milk, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar + 1/3 cup white sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt.
8. We used a frozen pie shell. Place the pie shell on a cookie sheet and cook (the shel
9. l only) for 5 minutes at 425 degrees.
10. Stir the pumpkin mixture. Pour into your heated pie shell. Bake your pumpkin pie on the cookie sheet (just in case of spillage!). Bake the pie at 425 for 15 minutes. Then, turn the heat to 350 degrees and bake for 40-50 minutes. Apply the knife test – insert knife and if it comes out clean, your pie is done!
11. Serve with Redi Whip and enjoy with your family! (For those interested in using Greek yogurt for a topping!)

The boys enjoyed watching the pumpkin pie come together. Kids can help with all the steps in this recipe with extra supervision when using the ovens and steam from the cooked pumpkin. The boys were amazed with how small the pumpkins were and all the fruit that came from them. Of course, the pie didn’t last too long. Next time, will make 2 pies – maybe add butternut squash plus pumpkin! During this holiday season, consider making your own pumpkin pie with your kids in your kitchen!

Check out this recipe: Roasted pumpkin seeds