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Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
In defense of sweetened condensed milk, it's what *I* grew up with, so it's what I am familiar with and what I like (I'm from the South... we like things sweet, LOL!). That being said, I'm definitely open to variations - I adore pumpkin in most any form! I went back to the Epicurious web site to bookmark some of the recipes for myself; here are the ones I found most intriguing:
Pumpkin Pie with Brown Sugar-Walnut Topping: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Pie-with-Brown-Sugar-Walnut-Topping-355849
Pumpkin Pie Brulee: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Pie-Brulee-105850
Maple Pumpkin Pie: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Maple-Pumpkin-Pie-104200
Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Whiskey Butter Sauce: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Pecan-Pie-with-Whiskey-Butter-Sauce-104141
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
I adore pumpkin pie and use the classic recipe with sweetened condensed milk (found here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/perfect-pumpkin-pie/detail.aspx) - it's delicious and adored by the family, and I think if I changed it up in any way, there might be a revolt (I do double the spices called for, as I like a little more spice). In my search recently on epicurious.com for a new dessert to try for Thanksgiving, I came across several well-reviewed recipes for variations on the classic pumpkin pie, including some with streusel toppings and others with different flavorings added, like maple. There was even a pumpkin pecan pie, combining two of the great Thanksgiving classic desserts (sounded wonderful!). I suggest going to the Epicurious web site and doing a search for pumpkin pie, then taking a look at the ones with the most positive reviews. There were so many creative ideas there that you're sure to find something that appeals to you!
Best Halloween Candy?
Must-haves include Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Kit Kat, Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, Krackel, M&Ms, and Reese's Cups. For the non-chocolate selection, I'd include Nerds, Twizzlers, Blow Pops, candy corn, and Starburst. Sour stuff is a big hit too, according to my 12 year-old sister (she likes most of the above but hates nuts, so like a few others have mentioned, having some non-nut chocolates is a good idea). On the "no" list - no boxes of raisins, no Pixie Stix (just gross IMO and something no one I knew ever liked), no Smarties (I assure you, most kids will end up with 1/4 of their loot comprised of Smarties from other houses!), no boring hard candies (we were always bummed with butterscotch discs, Werther's, cinnamon discs, and Starlight mints), and no vegetable chips (yes, I have gotten these before!).
And, being a native Southerner, I've always said "Reesey cups," and my husband, also a native Southerner, does the same... never gave it much thought until now! :)
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The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
I stand by my original contention in the other thread - sweetened condensed milk makes a very rich, velvety pie... my mom and I have tried evaporated but didn't care for it as much. It's hard to put a finger on it, but the sweetened condensed just does something wonderful for it IMHO. Of course, I'm open to other ideas that I haven't yet tried - pumpkin pie rocks in most any incarnation! (Like melted vanilla ice cream? *swoon*).
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
In defense of sweetened condensed milk, it's what *I* grew up with, so it's what I am familiar with and what I like (I'm from the South... we like things sweet, LOL!). That being said, I'm definitely open to variations - I adore pumpkin in most any form! I went back to the Epicurious web site to bookmark some of the recipes for myself; here are the ones I found most intriguing:
Pumpkin Pie with Brown Sugar-Walnut Topping: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Pie-with-Brown-Sugar-Walnut-Topping-355849
Pumpkin Pie Brulee: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Pie-Brulee-105850
Maple Pumpkin Pie: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Maple-Pumpkin-Pie-104200
Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Whiskey Butter Sauce: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Pecan-Pie-with-Whiskey-Butter-Sauce-104141
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
I adore pumpkin pie and use the classic recipe with sweetened condensed milk (found here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/perfect-pumpkin-pie/detail.aspx) - it's delicious and adored by the family, and I think if I changed it up in any way, there might be a revolt (I do double the spices called for, as I like a little more spice). In my search recently on epicurious.com for a new dessert to try for Thanksgiving, I came across several well-reviewed recipes for variations on the classic pumpkin pie, including some with streusel toppings and others with different flavorings added, like maple. There was even a pumpkin pecan pie, combining two of the great Thanksgiving classic desserts (sounded wonderful!). I suggest going to the Epicurious web site and doing a search for pumpkin pie, then taking a look at the ones with the most positive reviews. There were so many creative ideas there that you're sure to find something that appeals to you!
Best Halloween Candy?
Must-haves include Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Kit Kat, Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, Krackel, M&Ms, and Reese's Cups. For the non-chocolate selection, I'd include Nerds, Twizzlers, Blow Pops, candy corn, and Starburst. Sour stuff is a big hit too, according to my 12 year-old sister (she likes most of the above but hates nuts, so like a few others have mentioned, having some non-nut chocolates is a good idea). On the "no" list - no boxes of raisins, no Pixie Stix (just gross IMO and something no one I knew ever liked), no Smarties (I assure you, most kids will end up with 1/4 of their loot comprised of Smarties from other houses!), no boring hard candies (we were always bummed with butterscotch discs, Werther's, cinnamon discs, and Starlight mints), and no vegetable chips (yes, I have gotten these before!).
And, being a native Southerner, I've always said "Reesey cups," and my husband, also a native Southerner, does the same... never gave it much thought until now! :)
If You Smelled Like Any Food...
Vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting! :)
Do You Eat the Bruised Parts of Bananas?
I can't bring myself to eat the bruises - have to cut them out! They're probably fine to eat, but the way they look... just can't do it. I trim off as little as possible, though - hate to waste any of it!
Can Pumpkin Beer Be Serious Beer?
After reading about Dogfish Head's Punkin' Ale in an MSN article on the top 10 fall beers, I knew (being a lover of all things pumpkin) that I had to try it. I had one just last night, and wow, it was awesome!! Loved the slight sweetness, the spices, and of course the noticeable but not overwhelming pumpkin flavor. I'm so pleased to see a SE pumpkin beer review; will definitely have to see if I can find some of these others!
Cook the Book: 'The Craft of Baking'
My wedding cake - butter cake with strawberry-cream cheese filling and buttercream frosting.
Anyone have Boston restaurant recommendations?
I went to Boston a few years ago and ate at some great places. Loved East Coast Grill & Raw Bar in Cambridge (awesome seafood, really fun, funky atmosphere), The Paramount in Beacon Hill (a diner-type place with really good omelettes), Kingfish Hall in Faneuil Hall (one of Todd English's restaurants - very good and much more affordable than some of his other places), and La Summa in the North End. Hope this helps!
Meeting Adam Richman (Man v. Food)!
Lucky you - I love Adam and would really like to meet him! He seems like such a teddy bear and is such a hoot. Man v. Food is such a fun show to watch; it's infinitely better than anything currently on Food Network IMO (certainly more enjoyable than anything obnoxious Guy Fieri hosts!).
Favorite Fall Foods?
Deeberry, I'm totally with you on the pumpkin addiction - I can't wait for some sugar-free pumpkin pie!! Since I'm diabetic, I don't really get to eat all the yummy fall treats I bake, but I do enjoy baking pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, pumpkin spice bread, and pumpkin cheesecake for my family. I also adore baking gingerbread, apple crumb pie, pecan pie (seems like a fall food to me), and sweet potato casserole. Making caramel apples with all sorts of fun toppings is fun too! And there is no way I can forget to mention my LOVE for candy corn - yay to Target for their gourmet flavors!!
What Was Your Favorite School Cafeteria Food?
Rectangle pizza, tater tots, and sloppy joes!
Cook the Book: 'Bite-Size Desserts'
Dove dark chocolates - simple but so good! Also love cheese and crackers, doughnut holes, and little licorice Scottie dogs.
I eat ______ out of the tin/jar/bottle...
Whipped cream out of the can, banana peppers, peanut butter, and back in the day, apple butter... mmmm... :)
Also wanted to add congrats to surviving your defense Traveller (even though your director was being difficult). I defended my Master's thesis in the fall of 2006 (after having to take an extra semester to make the changes to it that my committee required - UGH, they were insanely nitpicky) and I remember very well how stressful it was! I was 38 weeks pregnant during my defense, so at that point, I was pretty much daring them to find anything to critique, LOL. Anyway, kudos for all your hard work!
The Joys of Unnaturally Flavored Sodas
I heart Fresca too (and my mom is the ultimate Fresca addict!), but my absolute favorite is Diet Sunkist. I had a huge orange soda craving while pregnant with my daughter three years ago and have been hooked ever since. I'm pregnant with my second child now and am staying away from caffeine, so Sunkist is out... Diet Fanta Orange is caffeine free and quite a good substitute, though. Also LOVE Sundrop (a Carolina thing) and, when I could find it a few years ago, Diet Grape Crush.
Cook the Book: 'Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies'
My biggest success was perfecting my nana's banana cake recipe (tweaked some things here and there, devised my own frosting recipe), which ended up getting me selected as a finalist in the 2005 Southern Living Cook-Off! I was so proud!
'The Most Revolting Dish Ever Devised'? Or Have You Seen Worse?
I saw Paula Deen make this a little while back on her show and about lost it... though some of the other comments here are equally disturbing!
Cheesy Ham and Banana Casserole
Butter
12 slices white bread
8 large slices deli ham
4 bananas, sliced on the bias
2 cups shredded Cheddar
2 cups crushed potato chips
6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter a 9 by 13 glass baking dish. Butter both sides of the bread and layer 6 of them into the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them as necessary but keep them even. Layer the slices of ham on top of the bread and then the bananas, 6 more slices of bread, then the cheese, potato chips, and bacon. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the casserole almost to the top. Bake for 45 minutes until brown and bubbly. Cut into squares and remove with a spatula, like lasagna.
Cook the Book: 'Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries & Shakes'
My favorite burger is a chili cheeseburger from The Beacon in Spartanburg, SC (second largest drive-in in the U.S.). I've loved it ever since I was around 9 years old (am 28 now), and it still tastes just as wonderful now as it did then. The burger is super thin (the only way I'll eat them), the chili is awesome, and with the melted cheese on top... perfect! No need to add anything here - it'd just get in the way.
Threadless T-Shirt Giveaway: A Piece of Cake
Butter cake with vanilla buttercream frosting... basic but, when made well, SO good! That was the basis of my wedding cake, which also had a strawberry-cream cheese filling - some of the best cake I've ever eaten!!
Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes Recipe
Oooh, these look wonderful! I heart oatmeal raisin cookies; can't wait to try them out!
Sprinkles, Shots or Jimmies?
I grew up in SC and have always called them sprinkles. I used to get them at TCBY on my frozen yogurt, and I loved both the rainbow and chocolate ones (though thinking about it, I typically ordered rainbow ones more than chocolate ones). I now eat a low sugar diet and miss my sprinkles - haven't had them in forever!
Favorite Summer Dessert...?
Homemade ice cream and peach cobbler! Especially together!
What Do You Put on Your Biscuit?
I'm from upstate South Carolina and love putting molasses on buttermilk biscuits (am a little surprised I haven't seen molasses mentioned yet!). I also like honey - splitting them in half and doing one half with honey and one with molasses is wonderful. Grape jelly, strawberry jam, and apple butter are yummy as well; never really have been a fan of more savory toppings, though.
It's not worth it to make _______ when I could just buy it
Definitely with everyone on the puff pastry... also, ladyfingers are definitely too much effort IMO. I'm very dedicated to doing everything from scratch, but those two things are too time-consuming and, more importantly, are of good quality from the grocery store.
What is on your Christmas List?
A food processor, a few cookbooks, maybe a digital scale. Christmas is always the time for me to ask for all the kitchen goodies that I want!
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
My 7-spice pumpkin pie = sugar, salt, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon. Add some pure vanilla extract as well.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Purists use double cream (whole milk reduced by half), but evaporated milk is a good choice too. Plain pumpkin pie is very boring. Experiment with some different crusts and amendments. I like a layered apple-pumpkin pie with fresh whipped vanilla cream and a nutty crust.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Pumpkin pie isn't a tradition in my family, so I can change it up however I want. But I generally prefer coconut milk.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
My husband's great-grandmother's recipe (definitely now my go-to recipe) uses both evaporated milk and whole milk and way more spices than I've ever used in any other recipe. The result is rich and spicy--everyone who's tried it loves it.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
I like half and half or evaporated milk. I also like to play around with the crust--ginger snap or a cream cheese pastry crust. Sometimes I'll incorporate nuts into the crust also--depends on my mood and what's in the pantry.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Heavy cream, and if I can't find it in the store, half and half is the second choice. The taste and mouthfeel can't be beat. Evaporated milk, IMHO, has a chemical/tinny taste that even the spices in pumpkin pie can't hide.
I've been using this riff on the recipe on the back of the Libby's can for years, and I've gotten nothing but raves:
Use 1/3 cup dark brown sugar & 2/3 cup white sugar instead of all white
Use 1-1/2 cups heavy cream instead of evaporated milk (half & half is OK)
Double the spices, and heap the spoons a bit & add a teaspoon of nutmeg
Use 3 eggs instead of two
Add a teaspoon of vanilla
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
My recipe for pumpkin pie is a riff on the back of the Libby's can, and it always gets raves.
Use 1/3 cup dark brown sugar & 2/3 cup white sugar instead of all white
Use 1-1/2 cups heavy cream instead of evaporated milk (half & half is OK)
Double the spices, and heap the spoons a bit & add a teaspoon of nutmeg
Use 3 eggs instead of two
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Always have used evaporated milk like my mom and gramma. Am intrigued by the idea of coconut milk -- but my family hates it when I experiment on the holidays!
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Evaporated milk. Crosby's molasses. And One-Pie brand pumpkin from Maine. (There was a massive crop failure with the one-pie growers, so I grabbed last year's cans as soon as I heard--it is impossible to find now.)
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
I have some "real" pumpkins I am going to try this year. First time ever. So we will see if there really is any big difference. The recipe I use is loaded with spices and Cream, yep, real cream so I doubt the real pumpkin will shine through any more brilliantly than a can of Libby's real pumpkin. We will see. Unless, I decided to back off the variety of spices???? That is the question bumping around in my brain. Anyone have any great recipes using the real thing please send them to me at Amy@AmyRuthBakes.com. I love all the ideas shared. Thanks
AmyRuth
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Cream. Evaporated milk sounds like an intriguing alternative...
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Honestly, it doesn't matter to me. At the end of the baking does the pie taste good? Yes? You have succeeded no matter what you used.
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
It depends if I am making pumpkin pie or pumpkin custard pie. There is a difference. One is a baked mashed pumpkin and the other is a pumpkin custard which is the one I really love. I use a can of evaporated milk or regular whole milk in a pumpkin pie and milk, cream and additional eggs in pumpkin custard. I never use condensed milk in pumpkin pie.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Looking at the picture, I'm wondering if we need a crust discussion too. That's an awful lot of crust for the amount of filling.
I make a thin pastry crust for guests or for taking places. For myself I just put a layer of crushed graham crackers on the bottom (no added butter or sugar) and pour the custard on to the crackers very carefully. The graham crackers meld with the custard and help the pieces come out cleanly, while making the "pie" more of an everyday pudding.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Santini evaporated milk. Look for it in Whole Foods and sometimes Trader Joe's has it. I will have to try the soy and see how it comes out. That would be nice for vegan guests.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
Used milk only once - it was a mistake. Use evaporated whole milk. Wouldn't use condensed milk because I use honey to sweeten the pie.
I'm intrigued by the idea of soy milk, because I think chocolate silk makes absolutely the best chocolate pudding.
The Milk in Pumpkin Pie Debate
I've never used anything but evaporated milk, though the other options sound interesting, especially sweetened condensed milk.
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
An eggnog pumpkin pie is THE way to go. My husband is in the Coast Guard and one of the great cooks on base would make these each year to sell for the holidays. She's moved on to another station now, but thankfully I've got the recipe and it's my favorite! Thanks Stacey!! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-live/staceys-i-dont-have-any-evaporated-milk-pumpkin-pie-recipe/index.html
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
Don't have a recipe for this but I seriously love pumpkin cheesecake -- it's a thick layer of pumpkin pie filling on top of a layer of NY style cheesecake. It's amazing!
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
I have no problem admitting this...but I use the recipe on the back of the Libby's canned pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
I've been making Pam Anderson's recipe for silky pumpkin pie for about six years now. It's in her book CookSmart. There's no sugar added, but it uses both sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. You heat a can of pumpkin puree with spices, and whisk in a can each of evaporated milk and condensed milk. You add the heated pumpkin milk mix to two eggs plus two egg yolks in a blender - tempering, of course - and blend until smooth. The first couple of times I made it, I ended up with more filling than crust, but not quite enough for two pies, and I filled ramekins with the excess and baked them along side the pie in a water bath. I liked the little ones so much that the past few years, I've left the crust out entirely and baked a full pie in a ceramic tart pan along side four ramekins in a water bath. It's more of a pumpkin custard - wonderfully creamy and light.
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
Several years ago, I found Cindy's Pumpkin Pie recipe that uses melted ice cream. I've made it almost every year since then and have enjoyed it every time.
The fact that the dairy component is ice cream is something that I would have never considered before, but it does help to yield a pie that isn't as dense as some other recipes.
Pumpkin Pie Ideas Needed
Last year for Thanksgiving I made this pie from 101cookbooks link It has coconut milk in it instead of condensed milk. I was really hesitant at first but I am so glad I tried it. The coconut milk is very subtle and brings a wonderful flavor to the pie. It will have to be my go to pumpkin pie now too because my father in law has always hated pumpkin pie until he tried this one.
Top Ten Worst Halloween 'Candies'
I disagree about a lot of the candy items mentioned here.
I, for one, LOVE the fun-sized (or mini, if you prefer) candies. It's a tiny bit of something insanely tasty, enough to give pleasure without causing tummy pains. When I was a young'un and I went trick-or-treating, one house gave out mini Clark bars. Yum-o-delish! I polished those off first.
I think the chewy peanut butter kisses taste absolutely divine.
Candy corn, I think is plenty of tasty, as are the candy pumpkins made of candy-corn base. Think little dollops of hardened cake-frosting.
As for apples and raisins, those I didn't mind in the least.
However, some items, I do agree about.
Toothbrushes -- a boring reminder
Religious pamphlets -- disappointing and WEIRD to boot.
Packages of "normal" food -- oh, for crying in Manhattan, what kid wants to receive a can of baked beans or a box of oat bran in his little plastic jack-o-lantern.
One time I received cough drops -- and not the Ludens or Pine Bros or Smith Bros or F&Fs, which are tasty and could pass as hard candy (as can the Ricolas). These were nasty little green pellets that were -- and tasted like -- MEDICATION. Like I said, for crying in Manhattan! For crying in Manhattan, Chicago, and San Francisco
Oh well. At least I didn't get a ROCK
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About PinkCupcake
Website: http://thelittlepinkcupcake.blogspot.com
Location: Lawrenceville, GA
About: I'm a 28 year-old stay-at-home foodie mom to a beautiful little girl, Taylor (and pregnant with my second child). I LOVE baking as well as photography, reading, and traveling. I'm also into politics, having received my BA and MA in political science.
Favorite foods: Cheese, smoked turkey, ice cream, cereal, toast, waffles, pasta, salads, cupcakes
Last bite on earth: A massive ice cream sundae with tons of toppings, including cereal (yes, cereal!), caramel, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, and lots of whipped cream!
I stand by my original contention in the other thread - sweetened condensed milk makes a very rich, velvety pie... my mom and I have tried evaporated but didn't care for it as much. It's hard to put a finger on it, but the sweetened condensed just does something wonderful for it IMHO. Of course, I'm open to other ideas that I haven't yet tried - pumpkin pie rocks in most any incarnation! (Like melted vanilla ice cream? *swoon*).