Pumpkin Pie with Crumbly Nut Topping

This time the dessert was the focal point of the holiday meal but then again when is it not. Classic pumpkin pie is sweet and full of warm spices with a golden amber perfection. Even though this recipe uses condensed milk I found that the pumpkin pie taste was not overly sweet. The nut topping was a wonderful change from the usual dollop of whipping cream or vanilla ice cream. You may use this recipe or what ever pumpkin pie recipe you like however I do recommend you try this crumbly nut topping, you won't be disappointed. It is a such a simple topping that can be made for many different pies.   

Pumpkin Pie

-------------------------------------------------

1 can (15 ounce) of pumpkin purée

1 can (14 ounce) of sweetened condensed milk

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or British mixed spice

1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 - 9 inch unbaked ready made pie shell or make pastry dough using whatever pastry recipe you have; roll out and form the dough into a pie baking dish. Use unbaked.  

Crumbly Nut Topping 

----------------------------------------------------

2 tablespoons of flour

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon dried orange peel

2 tablespoons of butter, chilled

1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC)

In a large bowl combine the pumpkin purée, condensed milk, the beaten eggs, cinnamon, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice or British mixed spice if using, freshly grated nutmeg and salt. Stir to mix everything together nicely. Then pour the pumpkin mixture into the unbaked made pie shell or a unbaked ready made pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.

While the pie is baking, you can prepare the crumbly nut topping... In a medium bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, dried orange peel, chopped walnuts and chilled butter; mix together with a fork or use your clean fingers. 

When the 15 minutes are up remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle the topping over the pie. Before placing the pie back into the oven; Reduce the heat to 350ºF (175ºC) and bake an additional 40 minutes or until set. 

Our modest feast. Oven baked ham with homemade orange cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with champagne vinegar.

Hope everyone had a nice long weekend. We did. I am feeling much better however I managed to scratch my cornea. Which is awkward and painful. Regardless, I am back on the mend. - JD