Prepare this dessert ahead of time, cool, and serve with no-fuss on the big day.

Brandied Pumpkin Pie

Pastry for Single-Crust Pie (see below)
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk (1-1/2 cups)
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cognac or other brandy
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Sweetened whipped cream (see below)
Chopped crystallized ginger

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare pastry; set aside.
2. Whisk together eggs, pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, brandy, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves,and nutmeg in a large bowl until combined. Pour into pie shell. Cover edge of pie with foil.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 25 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate within 2 hours; cover for longer storage. Serve wedges of pie with Sweetened Whipped Cream; sprinkle with crystallized ginger.

Makes 8 servings.

Pastry for Single-Crust Pie: Stir together 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in 1/3 cup shortening until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle 4 to 5 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon at a time, over mixture, gently tossing with a fork between additions and pushing mixture to side of bowl. (Add only enough water to moisten all of the mixture.) Form dough into a ball. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to form a 12-inch-diameter circle.

Wrap pastry around rolling pin. Unroll onto a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into pie plate, being careful not to stretch pastry. To build up the edge of the pastry, trim it to 1/2-inch beyond edge of pie plate; fold under. Flute edge as desired. Do not prick pastry.

Sweetened Whipped Cream: Place a medium mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Combine 1 cup well-chilled whipping cream and 1 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in the bowl, and beat with an electric mixer or rotary beater on high speed until cream holds soft peaks.
Make-Ahead Tip: Cover cooled pie and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutritional facts per serving: calories: 437, total fat: 24g, saturated fat: 12g, cholesterol: 108mg, sodium: 233mg, carbohydrate: 46g, fiber: 2g, protein: 8g, vitamin A: 247%, calcium: 20%, iron: 15%

Recipe provided by Better Homes and Gardens - BHG.com a member of the Home and Family Network for the best of cooking, gardening, decorating and more. © 2003 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.