Reprising, reposting and reflecting on the amazing transformation of little punkins around here.
Because Mika said any self-respecting pumpkin pie starts with real pumpkin, I went to the overcrowded and overstocked supermarket two full days before the holiday in search of the small cooking pumpkins required to get my pie rolling right. That’s when I discovered that fresh pumpkin pie must be a kind of a urban myth in these parts, because after the six-month Halloween selling season, all those precious little pumpkins are all sold out or out back in the trash. So we started with this, Georgia’s mummy pumpkin, which was still sitting around looking cute and useless, and set out to give it new life as a savory, flavory dessert.
We meticulously followed Denise’s directions (who wouldn’t?) on how to cook and puree the flesh, ending up with a rather dubious-looking glop.
Emboldened by the transformative potential of this adventure, we took Chris’ advice and approached a homemade crust with the assurance of ease.
And it was easy, although my escalating outbursts prompted my culinary partner to back off timorously, saying “I don’t know too much about making pies, Mommy.”
I said neither do I, but the Pie Lady said the spices make up for it. Once mixed and assembled, our ambition was quite nearly realized. Like Bella suggested we dusted the top with a dash of nutmeg to be sure.
All done and scrumptious, don’t you think?
Then, imbued with the Zen spirit of why the hell not, we also whipped up Phyllis and Ted’s idea of a pretty pumpkin cheesecake. And since the blogging of it has now taken nearly long as the baking of it, I’d be most thankful if you’d take our word for it.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Originally posted Nov. 21, 2007
*giggle* i never had so much fun reading about pumpkin. Happy Thanksgiving!
Comment by dreamergirl — November 21, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
Oh yum. Savor a bite for me!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Comment by kathryn — November 21, 2007 @ 9:58 pm
YUM. Looks absolutely perfect. We are working on ours right.now.
Giving thanks for your daily insight and boost in the right direction.
Comment by denise — November 22, 2007 @ 1:28 am
Sorry! I made you work extra hard! You should be proud…
Comment by Mika — November 22, 2007 @ 2:37 am
Mika, it wasn’t hard. It was soooo easy using real pumpkin that I’ll never resort to anything else. It resolves the question of what to do with the pumpkin after all. I like it when things get all used up!
Comment by Karen — November 22, 2007 @ 4:37 am
That looks like an excellent pie — and I like the proud pie maker too! I am off to make an apple pie of my own now. Happy Thanksgiving!
Comment by Mary P Jones (MPJ) — November 22, 2007 @ 5:47 am
Happy Thanksgiving!
Comment by Shawn — November 22, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
Looks ambitious and delicious!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family.
Comment by Shannon — November 22, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
…the Zen spirit of why the hell not made me laugh.
I’ll have to try cooking a whole pumpkin. You made it sound fun.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Comment by Moanna — November 23, 2007 @ 3:31 am
I don’t like pumpkin and this comment is not about the pumpkin, which you make sound yummy and all, but it is still a pumpkin.
No. This is a note to say I’ve started reading the Best of Buddhist Writing (thank you very much again) and I like what it has made me think about so far. Now I’m wondering if I should leave it out for my in-laws to see when they come over Saturday or hide it.
Comment by marta — November 23, 2007 @ 5:27 am
Yummy!
Comment by bella — November 23, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
Marta, that’s the kind of thing that no one even notices until it is time.
Bella and the chefs, the pie was outstanding. A hand’s down favorite among all 9 of us with only one piece remaining after the first helping. It was the splash of nutmeg that was the most daring – and winning -touch.
Comment by Karen — November 23, 2007 @ 4:55 pm
i wish i could have a slice right about now!
love the effort here,
and the cute photos to match.
🙂
mccabe x
Comment by mccabe — November 24, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
looks so delish!:-) glad you were able to use up all the advice too! hope you enjoyed the cheesecake!
Comment by Phyllis Sommer — November 25, 2007 @ 2:24 am
How fun and perfect!
Comment by Christine — November 24, 2010 @ 12:10 pm
That pie is certainly a sight to behold. Well done!
Comment by Amber — November 25, 2010 @ 6:19 am
Yes, the nutmeg on top is the best part! If you’re ever in need of a sugar pie punkin again, don’t hesitate to call. I still have an extra on hand after cooking up two. Last year I was searching for them, just like you. So, this year, I picked one up. And another. And another, for good measure. In fact, I still have enough cooked pumpkin to make another round of pies. ‘Cept mine are full of tofu! And yummy!
Comment by Melissa — November 26, 2010 @ 3:32 am