Real Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Hey C.,
Check the regular online recipe sources, recipe.com, allfood.com, etc. You are going to find that there is practically no detectable taste difference between pies made with fresh pumpkin and pies make with canned pumpkin. There is not a "mix" for pumpkin pie. It is basically crust, pmpkin puree (either fresh or canned), sweetenend condensed milk, and various spices.
One caveat, do not get the "pumpkin pie filling" can- the spice flavors tend to be artificial tasting. Just get plain pureed pumpkin in a can.

You are going to have a great first Thanksgiving together!

Hi C.!
I made a pie one year from a pumpkin I had grown. It was very satisfying. Having said that, I use canned pumpkin now. I cut my pumpkin in half, removed the seeds and roasted it as I do any other winter squash. When it was soft, I scooped it out of the shell and pureed it. I can't remember how, probably electric beaters or food processor. then just follow a trusted recipe. I have found the best one to be the one on the back of the can of pureed pumpkin, but have tried several. Have fun with it and enjoy your holiday!
D.

I've made pumpkin pies every year since 1998 and I always use the recipe on back of the Libby's can of pumpkin. I never use pumpkin pie mix - I measure my own spices and so on. You don't even need a beater - just whisk your eggs and evaporated milk, etc. I also use refrigerated pie crusts (you find them in the refrigerated rolls and biscuits section). My in-laws generally don't care for pumpkin pie, but they rave over mine and insist I do something special to it - it CAN'T be from the back of the can, they insist.

If you want to do it all from scratch, then yes, get the smaller pie pumpkins, and look online for conversions (i.e. how many cups of mashed pumpkin, vs. how many cans of mashed pumpkin). The canned stuff is pure pumpkin, so you get the same product, just greater convenience.

Hi Caresa,

Here's a link that I found for you about using real pumpkins.

http://www.pickyourown.org/pumpkinpie.php

The important thing is to get a "pie pumpkin" rather than a large jack-o-lantern pumpkin. Pie pumpkins are smaller and in my experience cost more per pound.

Good luck and let us know how it turned out!

This is the recipe I use and the kids love to help!! It is a lot of fun and great family activity!!

http://www.pickyourown.org/pumpkinpie.php

The only difference is that you would clean out the seeds and cut up the pumpkin. remove the skin and boil them like potatoes. Then you would drain off the water and mash them up. That is essentially what you are getting in the can. In addition you can clean the seeds, season and roast them for a tasty snack. You can use the mashed pumpkin in any recipe that calls for pumpkin. Have fun!

Google Food Network and go to their website. I've found several good receipes from them. They probably have hundreds for homemade pumpkin pie.
J.