Whether it's Christmas Eve, Hanukkah, or Thanksgiving, each holiday has its own unique charm due to its different traditions. Whether it’s a specific dress code to follow, iconic music to listen to, or a specific meal to prepare, it will change the entire mood of the day. One such well-known tradition is "Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie."
Why is pumpkin pie a big part of Thanksgiving?
Like so many families in America, Thanksgiving doesn't feel complete in my humble abode without following Mom's signature pumpkin pie recipe to make a delicious pumpkin pie. Every year on this auspicious day, my home is filled with the rich aroma of this irresistible delicacy. The pumpkin pie recipe that I blindly follow every year is my mother's favorite recipe, she's an amazing cook and a true connoisseur. Ideal when you want to make an authentic Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, this recipe will leave a lasting impression on your guests that will leave them wanting more.
Every time I walk into the kitchen and bake pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, I get emotional. I was overwhelmed with happy childhood memories when I mixed the ingredients in the order my mom taught me. I thrived in a house where everyone loved my mom's desserts, and making pumpkin pie from scratch is an essential part of every Thanksgiving. The holiday is considered incomplete without a nap and a big slice of delicious pumpkin pie surrounded by family.
Is pumpkin pie only for Thanksgiving?
While I strongly associate pumpkin pie with Thanksgiving, many people also make this divine treat at Christmas, as the pie's luxurious flavor complements the festivities during the holiday season. I'm sure others like me will help their mothers in the kitchen at Christmas to cut the bottom of the cake and press it into the pan.
So I can safely say that pumpkin pie is definitely more than a dessert for many families in America. It's a way for people to connect and enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas together. If you want to make pumpkin pie from scratch and wow your guests with your culinary flair, read on.
Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe
There are many different pumpkin pie recipes, each using different ingredients, resulting in slightly different consistency, texture, and flavors in the final product. Not everyone likes the taste of authentic pumpkin pie, as the pumpkin puree and spice flavors can be strong and some need to be softened.
Pie Crust
In any pie recipe, it's important that the pie crust comes out the way it should. Without the right texture and consistency, the pie crust is not firm enough to hold the filling, or too hard for you to easily cut the pie. However, if you manage to spread an excellent pie crust, this recipe will do the trick. You can also buy ready-made cake bases from brands you trust.
Composition of the crust
• 6 tablespoons. cold butter cut into cubes (unsalted variety)
• 2/3 cup frozen vegetable shortening
• 1 tsp. pure salt
• 2 ½ cups horizontal flour
• 1/2 cup cold water
Preparation steps
1. Combine flour and salt, then use a fork or cookie cutter to combine chilled shortening and diced butter in a bowl. Blend until combined.
2. Slowly pour in cold water and add 1 tablespoon. Use a rubber spatula all at once. Stop adding water if you see lumps in the batter.
3. Place dough on countertop and fold until ingredients are well mixed. Divide the mixture in half.
4. Spread out with your palm until 1 inch thick, then refrigerate with plastic wrap for 5 hours.
5. Begin by lightly kneading the dough from the center and moving outwards. Use a rolling pin to place the cake in the pan. Press it in with your fingers, flatten it and trim the corners if necessary. Poke a hole in the dough with a fork,
6. Cover the dough with parchment paper and put some weights in it. Bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Pumpkin Stuffing
Here, people are caught in a dilemma. Some people think you should use canned pumpkin puree, while others prefer fresh pumpkin. While the choice is entirely up to you, I recommend canned pumpkin puree because it's available year-round, so you can make this delicious dessert any time you want, and adding canned pumpkin ensures a consistent flavor and texture. Fresh squash is usually a bit grainy to the touch, and it can have different flavors and colors depending on how ripe it is.
Whipped Cream
This ingredient is necessary if you want your cake to be decadent. Heavy cream gives pumpkin pie its luxurious rich flavor and gives it a velvety texture. However, it is best to know exactly how much cream you are adding to the mixture. Using too much cream will result in a cake that is too thick and dense.
How do pie fillings stay stable?
This is another important part of making pumpkin pie. When you cut the pie, the pie filling must be firm enough to fit in the pie crust and hold its shape. Using the right amount of eggs and cornstarch can help. This recipe allows you to keep the cake smooth and firm at the same time.
Filler
• ½ tsp. Salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 and ½ tsp. ginger powder
• 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream
• 2 cups (450 g) pumpkin puree
• 1/8 tsp. Black pepper
• 1 ¼ cups densely packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon. grated nutmeg
• 1½ tsp. Cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon. (8 g) cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp. clove powder
Pace
1. Place eggs, pumpkin and brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir well until the ingredients are completely combined. Then add dry ingredients like salt, ginger, cloves, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Add cream and milk and beat until smooth.
2. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
3. Spoon the filling you prepared for the pie into the freshly baked or already baked batter until it is about 3/4 high.
4. Preheat the oven and place the cake. Bake until the center is almost set, about an hour. After 25 minutes of baking, cover the bottom corners with some aluminum foil or pie base protector to keep the sides from burning. Check that the cake has been baked for 50 to 60 minutes.
5. After baking, let the cake rest on a wire rack for 3 hours to cool completely.
6. Serve hot with a dollop of whipped cream!
In Conclusion
Although people associate pumpkin pie with Thanksgiving because pumpkins are naturally available at this time of year, many families also make it for Christmas. This is one of the easy Christmas cakes one can easily make. This pumpkin pie recipe explodes in flavor and is sure to bring a big smile to everyone who eats it!
（Writer：Hira Azam Khan）
