Uncovering Delicious History Of 400-Year-Old Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Pie has been a staple of the Thanksgiving feast for centuries, and the history of this delicious treat is as intriguing as its flavor. The origins of pumpkin pie can be traced back 400 years to the English settlers of North America, who were looking for alternatives to traditional desserts like plum pudding and mince pies. It is believed that they discovered the pumpkin, a native American crop, and experimented with different recipes to create the classic dessert we know and love today. Through the centuries, the recipe has been passed down and adapted, but the original version has remained relatively unchanged.

Whether you want to make a traditional pumpkin pie for a holiday party or are just interested in its history, learning about the 400-year-old recipe for pumpkin pie is sure to be a fun journey. 

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Origins of the pumpkin pie recipe

The first recipe for pumpkin pie can be found in a book called "The Experienced English Housekeeper" by Elizabeth Raffald, published in 1769. This recipe called for a mixture of milk, sugar, eggs, and spices to be combined with roasted and mashed pumpkin and then baked in a pie crust. This recipe is similar to many modern pumpkin pie recipes, with the exception of the use of milk, which was not as widely available at the time.

The first recorded pumpkin pie made with evaporated milk or unsweetened condensed milk, which has become a staple ingredient in many modern recipes, can be traced back to a cookbook published in 1816 called "The New England Cookery" by Amelia Simmons. This recipe called for a mixture of pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, and spices to be baked in a pie crust.

The popularity of pumpkin pie continued to grow in the United States, with many different variations and regional variations emerging. In the South, for example, sweet potato pie became a popular alternative to pumpkin pie. In the North, maple syrup was often added to the pie filling for a unique twist.

The recipe remained popular despite the fact that it was difficult to find pumpkins in the winter, when the need for pumpkin pies was at its highest. The recipe was published in a number of different cookbooks and spread throughout the country.

Today, pumpkin pie remains a beloved holiday tradition, with many different variations and recipes to choose from. Some popular variations include adding whipped cream, pecans, or a lattice crust to the top of the pie. No matter how it is made, pumpkin pie is a delicious and comforting dessert that has its roots in ancient history.

To make a traditional pumpkin pie, you will need the following ingredients:

•    1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

•    1 cup of pumpkin puree

•    1 cup of evaporated milk

•    ¾ cup of sugar 

•    2 eggs 

•    1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

•    ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger 

•    ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves 

•    ¼ teaspoon of salt 

How to make the pie crust

1.    Begin by whisking together the gluten-free flour and salt in a large mixing bowl to make the crust.

2.    Add cold butter in slices or dollops, and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut it in gently.

3.    Then, using a wooden spoon, gradually add ice-cold water while continuing to stir. Don't add more than 6 tablespoons of water—just enough to get it to stick together.

4.    Form a disc about 1/2 inch thick by transferring the dough to plastic wrap (or parchment paper) and gently working with your hands.

5.    Wrap tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 days.

6.    If it has cooled down, just let it warm up again before using it. Remember, if it gets too hot, it becomes too soft to handle.

How to Make the Pie Filling

1.    Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius (425 degrees Fahrenheit). In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until smooth. Pour the filling into the pie crust and smooth the top.

7.    Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 177 degrees celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit), and continue baking for an additional 40–50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

8.    Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. You can serve the pie with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, if desired.

You might be inspired to bake a pumpkin pie yourself, now that you've learned all about its history! Be sure to experiment with the different variations to find one that fits your taste buds best. Whether you bake a traditional pumpkin pie or try out a new variation, you’re in for a tasty treat!