Pumpkin Fudge and Pies/Tarts
I haven't bought a can of pumpkin puree in six to seven years but I decided to make my first ever pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving, so I picked up a can. It was even on sale.
But before attempting the pumpkin pie, I made something that I haven't tasted for even longer ... pumpkin fudge. My first taste of that rather unique flavour came from the seasonal fudge that my brother made for my SIL's chocolate store. It was an unexpectedly tasty candy and I hoped to be able to make something similar. My results weren't bad but not as amazing as the one I remember. Of course, my cranberry fudge wasn't as good as his either. Maybe one day.
Pumpkin Tart and Fudge
I made a couple of half batches (400-420 gm) of pumpkin fudge using this recipe. I over-cooked the first batch because I don't have an accurate candy thermometer, so I had to use the soft ball test. It may have been a bit crumbly but it was tasty and I ate the whole thing in no time at all. For the second batch, I may have under-cooked it JUST a bit but some judicious stirring once I had poured the fudge into the pan and I got it to where it should be.
The half batch of pumpkin pie filling I made used Chef John's recipe from Food Wishes, and filled a couple of mini pie crust shells (6 inch diameter) and two tart shells make in muffin tins.
And, lest you think that all I made with that pumpkin puree was desserts, I also made a batch of creamy red lentil and pumpkin soup using about a cup of the puree.
But before attempting the pumpkin pie, I made something that I haven't tasted for even longer ... pumpkin fudge. My first taste of that rather unique flavour came from the seasonal fudge that my brother made for my SIL's chocolate store. It was an unexpectedly tasty candy and I hoped to be able to make something similar. My results weren't bad but not as amazing as the one I remember. Of course, my cranberry fudge wasn't as good as his either. Maybe one day.
Pumpkin Tart and Fudge
I made a couple of half batches (400-420 gm) of pumpkin fudge using this recipe. I over-cooked the first batch because I don't have an accurate candy thermometer, so I had to use the soft ball test. It may have been a bit crumbly but it was tasty and I ate the whole thing in no time at all. For the second batch, I may have under-cooked it JUST a bit but some judicious stirring once I had poured the fudge into the pan and I got it to where it should be.
The half batch of pumpkin pie filling I made used Chef John's recipe from Food Wishes, and filled a couple of mini pie crust shells (6 inch diameter) and two tart shells make in muffin tins.
And, lest you think that all I made with that pumpkin puree was desserts, I also made a batch of creamy red lentil and pumpkin soup using about a cup of the puree.