Aunt Roxie’s Perfect Pumpkin Pie

🥧 Aunt Roxie’s Perfect Pumpkin Pie 🎃

History:
Aunt Roxie’s Perfect Pumpkin Pie is a classic and time-honored dessert with a rich history. The origins of pumpkin pie can be traced back to early American settlers and indigenous people who made pumpkin-based dishes long before the Pilgrims’ arrival. It gained popularity as a Thanksgiving staple in the United States in the early 19th century and has since become an iconic fall treat.

Components:
To make Aunt Roxie’s Perfect Pumpkin Pie, you’ll need the following components:

1. Pie Crust: You can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own from scratch using flour, butter, water, and a pinch of salt.
2. Pumpkin Filling: The heart of the pie is the pumpkin filling, which is made from canned or fresh pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), and sometimes a touch of cream or milk.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   a. Roll out the pie crust and line a pie dish with it. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
   b. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
   a. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of pumpkin puree, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, ½ tsp of ground nutmeg, ½ tsp of ground cloves, and a pinch of salt.
   b. In a separate bowl, beat two large eggs and add them to the pumpkin mixture. Mix until well combined.
   c. Optional: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or evaporated milk for a creamier texture.

3. Assemble and Bake:
   a. Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
   b. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
   c. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   d. Let the pie cool on a wire rack.

4. Serve:
   a. Once the pie has cooled, slice and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added deliciousness.

Time Needed:
The preparation and baking time for Aunt Roxie’s Perfect Pumpkin Pie typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the time for cooling. Keep in mind that cooling time can vary, so be patient before slicing into your scrumptious creation.

Enjoy this delightful and traditional pumpkin pie, a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or fall dessert repertoire! 🥧🍂🍁

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Roxie’s Perfect Pumpkin Pie:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on an 8-slice pie):

• Calories: Approximately 316 kcal
• Total Fat: About 14g
  • Saturated Fat: About 5g
  • Trans Fat: Negligible
• Cholesterol: Around 62mg
• Sodium: Approximately 312mg
• Total Carbohydrates: About 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2g
  • Sugars: About 29g
• Protein: Around 5g

Health Information:

1. Rich in Vitamin A: Pumpkin pie is a good source of vitamin A due to the pumpkin puree. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and the immune system.

2. Fiber: While not extremely high in fiber, pumpkin pie contains some dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help you feel full.

3. Antioxidants: Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that may have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

4. Moderation is Key: While pumpkin pie has some nutritional benefits, it’s also relatively high in sugar and fat, especially if topped with whipped cream or served with a rich crust. Enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar or calorie intake.

5. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. It’s easy to overindulge in this delicious treat, so try to stick to a reasonable portion size to keep your calorie and sugar intake in check.

6. Homemade vs. Store-bought: Making your pumpkin pie at home allows you to control the ingredients and potentially make it healthier by using less sugar or a lighter crust. Store-bought pies may have added preservatives and higher sugar content.

Remember, while Aunt Roxie’s Perfect Pumpkin Pie is a delightful indulgence, it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially during the holiday season. Enjoy in moderation, and consider making adjustments to the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and health goals. 🥧🍂🍁