Homemade Pumpkin Pie. Who could resist a warm slice of Pumpkin Pie with French Vanilla Ice-Cream?

Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year, but who could resist another slice of homemade pumpkin pie regardless? It's a fabulous dessert no matter what the occasion.
If you haven't made your own pie shell before, why not roll up your sleeves and give it a whirl. What's the worst thing that could happen? Hmmmmmm.....well, I guess it could flop and everyone would end up only eating the pie filling. Been there, done that and trust me, it's no big deal. It's like everything.....practice makes perfect.
Never the less, feel free to use a frozen pie shell if that makes you more comfortable. Remember.....it's all about keeping it simple and having fun!

Pie Shell

yield: 2 single 9" pie shells or one double pie shell

2 Cups of All Purpose Flour

1 teaspoon of Salt

3/4 Cups of Shortening (well chilled)

4 - 8 Tablespoons of Ice Water

2 Tablespoons of White Vinegar

Blend Flour and Salt in medium mixing bowl. Cut in Chilled Shortening with a pastry cutter or two knives. Mix Vinegar with ice Water and add half to the flour mixture, continuing to blend with Pastry Cutter. Gradually add only as much of the rest of the water/vinegar mixture as required to make the dough stick together. Divide dough into two equal balls. Wrap one with plastic wrap and store in freezer for another day. Roll out the other ball and line a 9", lightly greased pie plate. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to fill.

Pumpkin Pie Filling

yield: One 9" pie

1 3/4 Cups of Cooked, Mashed & Cooled Pumpkin or Buttercup Squash (or Canned Pumpkin)

3/4 Cup of Sugar (White or Brown or combination of both)

1/2 teaspoon of Salt

1 teaspoon of Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of Ginger

2 Large Eggs

1 Cup of Blend or Milk (Skim milk works great too)

1/2 Cup of Water(Only required if using a Very Dry Squash)

Blend Mashed, cooled Pumpkin with Sugar and Seasonings. Add eggs. Mix together. Add Milk or Blend and Mix. Pour into prepared Pie Shell and bake in Preheated 350F oven for approx. one hour or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Serve warm or cold with Ice-Cream, Whipped Cream or topping of your choice.