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It's a column of pumpkin recipes again today. Yes, I know I did a column of pumpkin recipes a couple of weeks ago, but I've had requests for different kinds of pumpkin pies to use during the holiday season. As for me, I can eat pumpkin pie any time of the year. So, it will be just pie recipes today.

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This is a good pie to serve to those who are diabetics. It's a light dessert and easy to make.

PUMPKIN CHIFFON PIE

2-1/2 c. cold skim milk

2 - 1.5 oz. pkgs. instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix

1-15 oz. can pumpkin

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. ginger

1/4 t. cloves (or you can use 1-3/4 t. pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon, ginger and cloves

one 9-inch reduced fat graham cracker crust

"lite" frozen whipped topping, thawed and a little cinnamon for garnish

In a medium mixing bowl, combine milk and pudding mix. Beat for one minute (mixture will be thick). Add pumpkin and spices; beat one minute longer.

Pour into crust. Cover and refrigerate two hours or until firm. Serve with whipped topping and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the topping if you wish. Serves 8.

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PUMPKIN PECAN PIE

3 eggs, divided

1 c. canned pumpkin

1/3 c. sugar

1 t. pumpkin pie spice*

2/3 c. corn syrup (the clear kind, not dark)

1/2 c. sugar

3 T. butter, melted

1/2 t. vanilla

1 c. pecan halves

one 9-inch unbaked pastry shell

In a medium bowl, stir together one beaten egg, pumpkin, 1/3 c. sugar and pie spice.

Spread over the bottom of the pie shell. Combine two remaining eggs (beaten), 1/2 c. sugar, corn syrup, butter and vanilla. Stir in pecans. Carefully spoon over pumpkin mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Serves 8.

*Pumpkin pie spice recipe at end of column.

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PUMPKIN MOUSSE ICE CREAM PIE

Crust:

1-1/2 c. crushed gingersnaps (about 30 cookies, depending on size)

1/3 c. butter, melted

Combine crust ingredients, mixing well. Press on bottom and up sides of 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool.

Pie:

1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened a bit so it's spreadable -- don't melt!

1 c. pumpkin

3/4 c. sugar

1-1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice

1 pint whipping cream (1 c.)

1/2 t. vanilla

Spread ice cream over crust, freeze. Combine pumpkin, sugar and pie spice in a medium bowl.

In another bowl, beat whipping cream and vanilla until stiff. Fold into pumpkin mixture. Spread and mound over ice cream. Freeze.

Topping:

one 12.25 oz. jar caramel sauce (ice cream topping)

1/2 c. pumpkin

1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice

Combine caramel sauce, pumpkin and pie spice. Serve with a dollop of this mixture. Makes eight servings.

NOTE: It's a rich pie and after a main meal you should be able to get 10 pieces for dessert.

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PARADISE PUMPKIN PIE

1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell

First layer:

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

Second layer:

1-1/4 c. canned pumpkin

1 c. evaporated milk

2 beaten eggs

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. sugar

1 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. salt

1/8 t. each nutmeg, ginger and cloves

Third layer:

1/2 c. chopped pecans

2 T. butter, softened

2 T. flour

2 T. brown sugar

In a small mixing bowl, beat together first layer ingredients, until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes. Turn into unbaked pie shell.

In a medium bowl, beat together all second layer ingredients until well-combined.

Carefully pour over creamed cheese mixture (you might want to use a gravy ladle or soup ladle to do this). Cover edge of pie with foil (about a 2-inch wide piece and it takes about 3 pieces or if you have a metal 10-inch "pie-edge cover," that's better yet). Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine third layer ingredients until kind of crumbly. After pie has baked for 25 minutes, sprinkle this mixture evenly over top. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Makes 8 servings.

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PUMPKIN PIE SPICE

1 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/4 t. ginger

1/8 t. cloves

1/8 t. allspice

Combine in small bowl, mixing well. Makes 1-3/4 t.

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Thought for today: We have so much to be thankful for. Not only on this Thanksgiving Day but every day. Think about it and see how long a list you can make of all the things you are thankful for. Have your children or grandchildren make a list also and read them at the dinner table. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.

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