Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with our classic Pumpkin Pie recipe, a beloved dessert that's perfect for the Thanksgiving table or any autumn gathering. This delightful pie combines the rich and creamy goodness of canned pumpkin puree with a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, all nestled in a flaky, buttery pie crust. With a sweet, spiced aroma that fills the kitchen and a velvety texture that melts in your mouth, this non-vegan Pumpkin Pie is a comforting and time-honored dessert that evokes the essence of the season. Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/4 cups evaporated milk

• 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough begins to come together.

• Turn the dough out onto a clean surface, form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:

• Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer it to the pie dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges as desired.

4. Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until well combined.

• Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated.

• Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

5. Fill the Pie Shell:

• Pour the pumpkin pie filling into the prepared pie shell.

6. Bake:

• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.

• Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the pumpkin pie to cool completely on a wire rack.

• Once cooled, slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

This classic Pumpkin Pie is a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any fall occasion. Its rich, spiced filling in a flaky crust is a timeless treat that captures the essence of the season. Enjoy!

Storing Pies Sustainably in Compostable Containers

When it comes to preserving the deliciousness of your homemade pies, choosing the right storage method is key. But what if you're not just concerned about keeping your pies fresh, but also about reducing your environmental footprint? That's where compostable pie containers come into play.

Compostable pie containers offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic or aluminum options. Made from materials like cornstarch or sugarcane, these containers are designed to break down naturally in composting systems, leaving behind no harmful residues. So, not only do they keep your pies fresh, but they also help you reduce plastic waste.

Here's how to make the most of compostable pie containers:

Freshness Preservation:

Compostable containers work just as effectively as their plastic counterparts in preserving the freshness of your pies. They're designed to seal in flavors and prevent your pies from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge.

Environmental Impact:

By choosing compostable containers, you're taking a small but meaningful step towards reducing plastic pollution. When disposed of correctly in a composting facility, these containers will naturally decompose, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

Versatile and Durable:

Compostable containers come in various sizes and shapes, suitable for different pie types. They're also microwave-safe, making reheating leftovers a breeze. Just be sure to remove any non-compostable elements like stickers or labels before composting.

Proper Disposal:

To fully embrace the eco-friendly aspect, make sure your local composting facility accepts these containers. Avoid sending them to landfills where they won't decompose as intended.

So, the next time you bake a scrumptious pie, consider investing in compostable pie containers. Not only will your pies stay delicious, but you'll also be contributing to a greener, more sustainable future, one slice at a time.