Pumpkin Pie (Not) – Fast Fall Foods 4

Here’s the thing about pumpkin pie. The crust. Really? Despite a conscientious pre-bake and all those shenanigans, the only sometimes worth-eating part of a pumpkin pie crust is what sticks out above the custard, and that – with apologies to all you pastry kings and queens out there – is often over-baked and bitter.

Give this a whirl, instead. Beside the facts that this pumpkin pie is gluten-free, low(er) in carbs, and pretty light calories-wise, it comes together in minutes (the baking is longer) and all in one bowl. This is adapted from recipes that appeared on Libby brand cans of pumpkin puree.

Think of it as a custard – but chock full of healthy vitamins and minerals…

Ingredients – Crustless Pumpkin Pie

15 oz. can pumpkin (not “pie filling,” unless you have a serious sweet tooth)

12 oz. can of evaporated milk

1/2 C. Sugar

2 eggs

salt (pinch to 1/2 t.)

Spices (go ahead, if you’ve got “pumpkin pie spice,” you’re in business – one to two teaspoons will be delish. Otherwise, use 1 t. cinnamon, 1/2 t. ginger, 1/4 t. cloves)

Did I say cans, people? Here. “Cans.” Unless you are a dedicated over-achiever (and we love you for it), canned pumpkin is the way to go. Oh, canned evaporated milk, while we’re at it. Those cans are fully and easily recyclable, and there’s a market for the recycled product, unlike plastic. So unless you got pie pumpkins in your farm share (in which case – roast, scoop, and you’re on your way), reach for the can. Shoot, keep a few in the pantry for just such occasions.

Technique

Brace yourself, now. This uses both a bowl AND a pan. Preheat the oven to 350. Into the bowl, stir everything up. Grease the pie pan or ramekins, if you’re using them. Pour in the filling. Bake until it doesn’t jiggle suspiciously in the middle anymore. It takes about an hour. Remove from the oven, and let it cool.

If your, er “pie” is in a traditional pie pan, you can cut it into wedges. Or scoop into little bowls. OR eat right out of the pan, as I’m inclined to do. For breakfast. Anything goes at breakfast.