Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie is a cherished dessert that many people in the United States and Canada eagerly anticipate during the fall and early winter, especially around Thanksgiving. This delectable pie features a spiced, pumpkin-based custard filling that typically includes flavors like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and occasionally cardamom and vanilla. Often, people use canned pumpkin or pre-packaged pumpkin pie filling for convenience.

To make a pumpkin pie, you combine pumpkin puree with eggs, milk, sugar, and an array of warming spices, then pour the mixture into a pie shell and bake it until it's perfectly set. The result is a creamy, flavorful dessert that encapsulates the spirit of the season.

The history of pumpkin pie dates back to 17th-century English cookbooks, but it has evolved significantly in North America. By the 19th century, pumpkin pie had established itself as a staple at Thanksgiving dinners, with each region adding its unique twist to the recipe. Today, it remains a must-have dessert for many families during Thanksgiving celebrations in both the US and Canada.

Pumpkin pie has also secured a place in popular culture, appearing in poems and songs that celebrate festive occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fun fact: the largest pumpkin pie ever made was crafted in Ohio, weighing over 3,000 pounds and spanning 20 feet in diameter!