Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. Living off-grid doesn’t mean you have to miss out on traditional holiday treats. In fact, it offers a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with the food you prepare. This Thanksgiving, delight your family and friends with a homemade pumpkin pie, made from scratch and filled with the essence of off-grid living. Here’s a simple yet scrumptious pumpkin pie recipe that’s perfect for your off-grid Thanksgiving celebration.
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Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (whole wheat flour works too for a healthier option)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
- sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (freshly made from your garden’s pumpkins is ideal)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of evaporated milk or cream
Directions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add Butter: Blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, stirring until the mixture forms a ball. Don’t overwork the dough.
- Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Roll Out: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
- Place in Pie Plate: Transfer the dough to the pie plate and shape the edges.
Making the Filling:
- Preheat Your Oven: If you’re using a traditional oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). For off-grid ovens, get the temperature steady.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then gradually stir in the evaporated milk or cream until smooth.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the filling into the crust.
"Pumpkin pie is more than a sweet confection; it's a slice of tradition, a dash of nostalgia, and a generous helping of warmth shared with every bite."
Baking the Pie:
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Serving:
Serve your pumpkin pie at room temperature or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Off-Grid Baking:
- Pumpkin Puree: Make your pumpkin puree by roasting or boiling fresh pumpkin and blending it until smooth.
- Oven Alternatives: If you don’t have a conventional oven, you can use a solar oven or a Dutch oven over an open fire.
- Energy Efficiency: If using a propane or wood-fired oven, bake multiple dishes at once to make the most of the heat.
This pumpkin pie recipe is a celebration of the off-grid lifestyle, bringing a touch of homemade goodness to your Thanksgiving table. It’s a testament to the joy of cooking from scratch and the satisfaction of using home-grown, natural ingredients. Enjoy this delicious pie with your loved ones and give thanks for the bounty and beauty of off-grid living. Happy Thanksgiving!