Thanksgiving Day Desserts

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and of course, indulging in delicious food. While the turkey takes center stage at the Thanksgiving table, it’s the desserts that truly satisfy our sweet tooth and bring a sense of comfort and joy. One such dessert that holds a special place in my heart is my grandmother’s famous Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumble.

The Origin of Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumble

Legend has it that this recipe was passed down through generations in our family, starting with my great-grandmother who immigrated from Ireland. She brought with her a love for pumpkin, which she discovered during her time in America. In honor of her newfound home, she created a unique twist on the classic pumpkin pie by adding a crunchy pecan crumble topping. This delicious combination of flavors and textures has been a cherished tradition in our family ever since.

Ingredients:

• For the pie filling:
• 1 3/4 cups pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• For the pecan crumble topping:
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• For serving:
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Add the eggs to the pumpkin mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the pumpkin filling into a pre-baked pie crust.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the pecan crumble topping. Mix until well combined.
7. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Stir in the chopped pecans.
9. Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping evenly over the pumpkin filling.
10. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pecan crumble topping is golden brown.
11. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
12. Slice the pumpkin pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent Thanksgiving dessert.

This Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumble recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy pecan crumble creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment with different spices like cloves or cardamom to add a unique touch to this traditional favorite.