How to Make a Pumpkin Pie from a Real Pumpkin

Have you been wondering where some of the "old time" fun has gone. You'll find it in our Halloween-themed Connect-the-Dots. For added fun, they can be colored too!

Halloween Masks

If you're planning a party for Halloween, why not give each of your guests their own mask to wear? They're so easy to make and a great way to add fun to your party.

Invitations

Having a party for Halloween? Make all of your guests feel special with a personal invitation from you...and save money at the same time. We've even included a template for a matching envelope.

Party Hats

Add a little fun to your Halloween party with these easy-to-create cone hats and head bands. Make enough for everyone and save money too!

Spooky Scrabble

The Goblins put a Halloween twist on an old favorite. Add fun to your "ghoulish" parties or family gatherings with Spooky Scrabble.

Standard Playing Cards

Classic cards with a Halloween twist. Add fun to your party or family gatherings with these print-and-cut cards. Best of all...they're free!

Make a Pumpkin Pie from a Real Pumpkin

First of all, the kind of pumpkin you buy does matter. Those bright orange beauties that everyone buys when the weather begins to turn fall-like won't give you a delicious pumpkin pie. So, turn them into jack 'o lanterns with the kids and enjoy them as decorations.

What you need is a pie pumpkin. The best of all pie pumpkins is called a Long Island Cheese pumpkin. Its rather odd name is derived from its slightly flattened, smooth, pale yellow-orange look...similar to a wheel of cheese, hence the name. Its mild, sweet flavor is the best for pies. However, the Long Island Cheese won't be available at every produce stand, so simply ask and they can recommend their best locally-grown pie pumpkin.

Next, we get to what I consider the toughest part...preparing the pumpkin. Wash your pumpkin before you cut it. Next, cut the pumpkin in half and scrape the seeds and fibrous strings away. Use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop to do this. Now you're ready to chop your pumpkin into chunks and peel.

Place the peeled pumpkin chunks into a large pot, like a Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil and continue to cook until a fork can be easily inserted, like a boiled potato.

Put the cooked pumpkin in a large strainer or colander and let it drain for 30 minutes or until most of the excess water has drained off.

Measure out 2 cups of drained pumpkin into a large mixing bowl; beat on medium speed until smooth.

*If you plan on making your own pie shells, you should do that now.

Now you're ready to begin adding your other ingredients (see list below). Add eggs, sugar, brown sugar and spices; beat until well blended. Stir in evaporated milk and flour; continue to beat until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Pour into unbaked pastry shells. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and cook for 40 minutes. Pie is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Garnish with walnuts and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Happy eating!

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

2 (5 ounces each) cans evaporated milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shells

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Yield: 2 pies or 16 servings