Pumpkin-Maple Pecan Pie
with Cognac Whipped Cream
This pie is a classic for the holiday season and a star on the Thanksgiving table. Prepare the flaky crust up to 3 days in advance, if you wish. Makes one 9-inch pie. Serves 8.
FLAKY PASTRY DOUGH:
1-1/3 ups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon cold butter, diced
1/4 cup ice water
FILLING:
3 eggs
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1-3/4 cups pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
1-1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
CARAMELIZED PECANS:
1 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon
1 tablespoon water
1 cup pecans
COGNAC WHIPPED CREAM:
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons cognac or rum
To make the Flaky Pastry Dough, in a food processor, combine the flour and salt and pulse briefly to mix. Scatter the butter over the top and pulse just until the mixture forms coarse crumbs about the size of peas. Drizzle the ice water over the flour mixture and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Remove from the bowl and pat into a disk. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
[You may follow the instructions below for pre-baking the crust, or you may bake the crust and filling simultaneously. If you pre-bake the crust, make sure to use pie weights to prevent the crust from heaving during baking. If you bake the crust and filling together, bake at 350 F for 60 minutes and use a pie shield to prevent excess browning].
Preheat the oven 425 F. Place the dough disk on a lightly floured work surface and roll out into a 12-inch round. Fold the dough in half and transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Unfold and line the pan bottom and sides. Fold the overhang under itself and pinch to create an edge. Prick the dough a few times and place in the freezer for 5 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake just until lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger and whisk to mix well. Beat in the pumpkin and half-and-half until smooth. Pour into the partially baked pastry shell.
Reduce the temperature to 350 F. Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly. (Leave oven on).
Meanwhile, prepare the Caramelized Pecans: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, ginger, and water and stir to blend. Bring to a boil over medium heat, add the nuts, and boil for 2 minutes stirring. Turn out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Sprinkle over the baked pie in a wreath pattern or at random.
[To keep the glazed pecans crisp and crunchy, add to the pie just before serving].
To make the whipped cream: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar and cognac just until combined.
To serve, cut the warm pie into wedges and top with the whipped cream.
Variation: Omit the Caramelized Pecans. Stud the unbaked pumpkin-filled pastry with pecans in a wreath pattern. Bake as directed. |
