Mary's Recipe For Plain Pumpkin Pie Recipe

History of Plain Pumpkin Pie:

Pumpkin pie has become a quintessential dessert during the fall season, particularly around Thanksgiving. The history of pumpkin pie can be traced back to the early settlers in America. While pumpkins are native to America, the British settlers were not familiar with this vegetable until they arrived.

Early recipes for pumpkin pie were quite different from what we know today. The original pumpkin pie was made by hollowing out a pumpkin, filling it with a mixture of milk, honey, and spices, and then baking it in the hot ashes of a fire. Over time, the recipe evolved, and crusts were added to make it easier to serve.

Fun Facts about Pumpkin Pie:

1. The first pumpkin pies were made by hollowing out the pumpkin and filling it with a mixture of milk, honey, and spices. The entire pumpkin, including the shell, was baked until the filling was creamy and the shell was tender.

2. Pumpkins were originally used as a filling for pies because they were abundant and easy to store during the winter months.

3. Pumpkin pie didn't become a sweet dessert until the early 19th century when sweetened condensed milk was introduced. Prior to that, pumpkin pie was often served with a savory filling.

Now, let's delve into Mary's Recipe For Plain Pumpkin Pie:

Ingredients:
- Rich pastry for a 3-cup pie tin
- 1 cup of steamed pumpkin, mashed through a colander
- 1 egg, beaten separately
- 1 tablespoonful of flour
- 2-1/2 tablespoonfuls of sugar
- 1/8 teaspoonful of salt
- 1/2 teaspoonful of grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoonful of ginger
- 1-1/2 cups of milk (scant measure)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.

2. Roll out the rich pastry and line the pie tin, ensuring that it can hold at least 3 cups of liquid. Trim any excess pastry and create a decorative edge if desired.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the steamed pumpkin, beaten egg, flour, sugar, salt, grated nutmeg, and ginger. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Slowly add the milk to the mixture, ensuring that the total volume of the filling measures exactly 3 cups. Stir until everything is well mixed.

5. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pastry-lined pie tin, making sure it is evenly spread.

6. Place the pie tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the top of the pie turns a rich brown color.

7. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This will allow the filling to set properly.

8. Once the pie has cooled, cut into slices and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

1. Spiced Pumpkin Bread: This delicious bread is made with pumpkin puree, spices, and a hint of sweetness. It's perfect for breakfast or as a snack during the fall season.

2. Pumpkin Cheesecake: Combining the flavors of pumpkin and cheesecake, this dessert is a decadent twist on the classic pumpkin pie. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a standout dessert for any occasion.

3. Pumpkin Soup: A savory twist on the classic pumpkin flavor, pumpkin soup is a comforting and hearty dish. It's made by blending roasted or cooked pumpkin with broth and warming spices, resulting in a velvety smooth soup.

4. Pumpkin Muffins: These moist and flavorful muffins are packed with pumpkin goodness. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Remember, whether you choose to make plain pumpkin pie or try out one of the similar recipe dishes, you are sure to enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin during the fall season.