The great pumpkin

The great pumpkin

Fall’s favorite squash lends itself to many delicious dishes
pumpkin

The great pumpkin

pumpkin
Mom’s Chiffon Pumpkin Pie

Note: This is a Brucoli family Thanksgiving favorite.
Ingredients:
1 can (15 ounces) cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
3 eggs
1½ cups whole milk, scalded
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 unbaked pastry shell
Method:
Preheat oven to 425 F.
Separate eggs and set whites aside. Lightly beat yolks and combine with remaining ingredients (except for egg whites). Beat egg whites until stiff, then carefully fold into pumpkin pie mixture, incorporating thoroughly. Pour filling into unbaked pastry shell set in 9- to 9½-inch pie pan.
Bake at 425 F for 10 minutes, then without opening oven door, reduce temperature to 350 F. Bake 25 more minutes. Check pie by jiggling to see if pie is firm, and return for 3-5 more minutes, if necessary. Do not overbake.

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Holiday Treats for Dogs

Ingredients:
1 cup canned or home-processed cooked pumpkin
¾ cup rolled oats
3 heaping tablespoons peanut butter
2½ cups whole-wheat flour (may substitute gluten-free flour)
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Water, as needed
Method:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a mixer with paddle attachment. Dough should be good consistency for rolling ½-inch thick. If too stiff, add water 2 tablespoons at a time.
You can use decorative cookie cutters or cut these into big bite strips. Time in the oven depends on size of treats, ranging from 15 minutes for small treats to 35 minutes for giant cookie “bones.” When treats are cool, store in cookie jar.
This recipe can be adapted to add other dog-friendly flavors, but check with your veterinarian to be certain that any additional ingredients are safe for canine consumption.