During these unchartered times of 2020 it can be reassuring to children to continue holiday traditions, even if the holidays will look a little different. Although you may not be able to take a trip or have the extended family over for a big Thanksgiving gathering, family traditions and special memories can be continued and new ones created. Perhaps you’ve never roasted your own turkey or made your aunt’s amazing casserole – now is a good time to try something new.
An easy and fun way to get your kids involved is to bake a pumpkin pie together. Unlike most other desserts, it actually has a vegetable as a main ingredient (so it’s a bit healthier!) and it’s so easy to make with kids! They will love the smell of the baking pie and even most picky eaters like to try something they have made. Here is a wonderful family recipe that I’d love to share:
CLASSIC PUMPKIN PIE
Ingredients
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
Premade frozen pie crust (or make your own!)
Mix the first 5 dry ingredients together in a small bowl. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and then fold in the pumpkin. Once mixed, add in the contents of the small bowl (sugar & spice mixture). Mix by hand again well, then gradually add in the evaporated milk. Easy! Next you can pour the mixture into the pie crust. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for approximately 40 more minutes. Check to see if a knife inserted in the middle of the pie comes out clean – if it does, your pumpkin pie is done! Let cool for an hour, serve warm with a bit of whipped cream on top.
You can make the pumpkin pie a day ahead and serve at room temperature. Don’t forget to keep Thanksgiving leftovers refrigerated and reheat them easily for a few seconds in the microwave. Another idea is to take an after meal or before dessert walk (or other outdoor activity) into your holiday as well. Enjoy making holiday memories and healthy traditions as a family!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at CPCMG!
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