BEST PUMPKIN PIE RECIPE PIONEER WOMAN RECIPES

Steps:

• For the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie dough into a 13-inch round. Transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie plate that is at least 1 1/2 inches deep. Tuck the edges of the crust under to be even with the edge of the pie plate and crimp. Prick the surface of the crust all over with a fork and place the crust in the refrigerator for 60 minutes (or freezer for 30 minutes). Preheat the oven to 400°. Line the inside of the crust with parchment paper, then fill to the top with baking weights or dried beans. Bake the pie crust for 13-15 minutes, until the edges look dry and just begin to take on a bit of color. Remove your crust from the oven and then, carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights. (Place the pie weights into a bowl to cool off.) Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 4-6 minutes, just until the bottom of the crust appears dry. For the filling: Whisk well to combine the pumpkin, cream, and sugars. Whisk in the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, eggs and egg yolk until thoroughly combined. Pour the filling into the pie crust and place on a baking sheet. Bake 50 to 55 minutes, until set around the edges and the center jiggles just slightly. Cool completely on a wire rack. Serve immediately with whipped cream or refrigerate. For the butter-pecan whipped cream: Place the butter in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to whip it up a bit. Add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar to the bowl. Beat at medium-low or medium speed until you see the cream beginning to thicken. Add the pecan liqueur and continue beating until soft peaks form. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grind graham crackers in a food processor (or, if you don't have a food processor, place them in a large Ziploc and pound 'em with a rolling pin.) Add powdered sugar and melted butter and process until totally combined. Press into the bottom and sides of a pie pan until nice and firm. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warm and "set." Remove from oven and allow crust to cool completely. In a medium saucepan, mix dry pudding mix with half-and-half and cream. Add spices. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly and thick. Remove from heat and stir in whiskey, if using. Add pumpkin and stir to combine. Place lid on pot and set aside to cool. When cool enough, place pot in the fridge to cool completely. When mixture is cool, remove from the fridge. In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and brown sugar. Beat until very light and fluffy. Fold in pumpkin cream mixture until combined. Pour into cooled crust. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight. Serve with graham crackers crumbled on top.