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September 3, 2016

Say Hello to September with Mid-Century Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pie


After one has been blogging for a number of years, there are certain things that you just naturally assumed you've covered on your site by this point in time. For example, I was shocked to recently discover (unless I've completely forgotten and now cannot find a post about such) the fact that I've never blogged a vintage recipe for a straight up classic pumpkin pie.

Seriously, how that can that be? Back in 2011 I did share a lovely mid-century recipe for Coconut Pumpkin Chiffon Pie (which is off-the-charts tasty!), but again, I can find no concrete evidence that I've shared a more traditional pumpkin pie recipe here.

Given my unending love of both autumn and pumpkin foods, that really is surprising, I know! As they say, no time like the present - and when the present just happens to me my first blog post of September, the month that ushers in fall's return, now seems like a thoroughly good moment to do so.

I know, believe me, I know - many of us are keen to savour these last final days (or weeks, if we're lucky) of summer weather are are still thinking "grill" not "casserole". While I do have one foot planted squarely in that camp for sure, the side of me that waits with boundless enthusiasm for autumn's return is already a.) decorating for the season and b.) gearing up in the kitchen for it.

I'm a huge fan of pie across the board. No matter the season, I'm there with pies aplenty and haven't let not being able to eat gluten (due to celiac disease) stop me from still whipping up plenty of pies the whole 'year round.

As much as there are varieties that make me go weak in the knees during winter, spring and summer, none quite do it for me like autumn's richly fragrant, earthy hued, gorgeously spiced versions - very much including apple, pear, sweet potato, and today's offering, Gold Harvest Pumpkin Pie (which is a classic single crust pumpkin pie with a charming ring of chopped nuts on top).




{Dessert fads may come and go, and plenty of variations exist out there on this dish, but at the end of the day (not to mention the end of the summer!), sometimes you simply can't beat the sublimely tasty treat that is a classic pumpkin pie like this fun 1950s version. Vintage recipe image source. Click here for a larger, easier to read version of this image.}


Growing up my mom made (and still makes to this day) an incredible pumpkin pie - think magazine cover worthy flaky crust, a creamy (but never runny) filling, and just the right amount of sweetness and heady spice. Her version has been the benchmark against which all other pumpkin pies, be they homemade, from a restaurant, or store bought have been judged.

Her classic version dates back to at least her own mom, my maternal grandma and is strikingly similar (minus the ring of chopped nuts) to this wonderful 1950s take on an incredible fall time treat.

We always had airy lashings of whipped cream (usually homemade, not in an aerosol can, though either does the trick fabulously!) and as such, I make a point to ensure that there's plenty on hand when I bake up a pumpkin pie, too, which is a beautiful fall time ritual unto itself for me.



 {1950s Reddi Wip ad image source}


I rarely stop at just one pie, but if that's all that happens in a given autumn, it's frequently for Canadian Thanksgiving in early October or Halloween at the end of the month.

No matter when it appears on the table, you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be there at some point - and unlike with most recipes, I rarely deviate much from the traditional iteration.

Like a great roast turkey - another much adored treat of the season - a marvelous pumpkin pie recipe needs little to enhance it. The combination of a buttery crust, satisfyingly squishy filling, and the unmistakable flavour of pumpkin + cinnamon and nutmeg is culinary perfection in my books.

If you do want to jazz things up a bit though, crumbled pralines in the filling is fabulous, as is a drizzle of caramel, butterscotch, or chocolate sauce on top, and whipped cream (as mentioned above) and vanilla, caramel, toffee crunch, apple, pear, or even pumpkin itself ice cream are delectable partners for this incredibly iconic fall time dessert.

And, as always, if shortening ("Fluffo" brand was used originally here in this recipe) isn't your cup of tea, then certainly feel free to swap in another suitable cooking fat, such as butter or coconut oil, instead.

I know that not everyone is a huge fan of this particular dessert, but if you are, I hope you'll join me in ushering in the return of fall - when it does actually arrive - with a slice of the age old classic that Pumpkin Pie.



{Fall themed 1930s magazine cover image source}


It is to our taste buds, what the spectrum of jewel tone fall autumn leaves is to the eyes - and both are elements of the season that I can never, ever get enough of.

40 comments:

  1. More things in common, dear Jessica! I love pies, I love pumpkins and I also don't stop at one pie :) Flaky Crust is so good :) I would love to bake the first recipe! I think I told you once, we had cooks, but my grandmother made a pumpkin puree for me once - and that was it, I never could stop eating pumpkins anymore :) Cooks didn't do that for us and my granny didn't cook that much, but that dish I remember so well! I am drooling now, I want a pie now :) Hope you have a very nice weekend! Hugs and regards!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. What a lovely childhood memory. My mom and grandmas all made amazing pies when I growing up, too, and really set a high bar when it comes to how I rate pies now as an adult, whether I make them or someone else does. That said, I always appreciate effort and love it when folks take the time to create a dessert from scratch still.

      It's too bad you don't live nearby, dear Denise. I'd joyfully whip up a big, flaky crusted pumpkin pie for us to dig into together this fall, if you did.

      Many hugs & happy summer-into-fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. My dearest Jessica, how I love the taste of pumpkin and pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream is an all-time favorite :) Ah, the joys of autumn! I must confess that I have been pinning uite a few pumpkin treats and am hoping to make some of them soon.

    Have a glorious Sunday, lovely lady! Hugs to you!

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    1. Same here - how can one not when the first telltale nip of fall graces the air once more? This is, by far, my favourite time of the year and I want to extract as much from it as I can - very much including on the culinary front.

      It's great to learn that you feel the same way and that you're planning on whipping up a bevy of tasty pumpkin treats this fall, too.

      Happy baking & many hugs from Edmonton,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. I love pumpkin pie too, and am eagerly awaiting the return of that season!!! I also do love fall time as well, it's just the transition of getting used to the colder days and wearing jackets again, that is the hard part. :)
    The Artyologist

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    1. True, true - especially, I find, if one's summer was extra short lived, as ours was this year due to all the rain between April and early August (which I just know will make it feel like an eternity until next summer and the prospect of seeing properly sunny weather return).

      Many hugs & happy wishes for a smooth, beautiful seasonal transition,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. I love pies! Cherry pie is my favourite sweet pie and for savoury, well, I don't think you can beat a good chunky meat and potato pie. We don't really eat much pumpkin here in the UK. It's something that has never really caught on. I love sweet potato but again we don't seem to make pies with it. We are a funny lot aren't we? I'm not sure how I feel about the beginnings of the colder seasons. I'm not ready to give up the hours of daylight and sun yet. I will enjoy the hearty foods though and as we have another hot spell forecast next week, I can stretch summer out a bit more. Wishing you well my dear xx

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    1. Awesome choices for your favourite pies! I absolutely, madly and completely adore meat pies as well. Without a spec of bias, the best I've ever had were those that my mom made when we growing up, especially her turkey pot pies that were created with leftover meat from Thanksgiving and Christmas Day feasts.

      That's so true! When I lived in Ireland, I could not find tinned pumpkin anywhere (even in Dublin and Cork) at the time. I scoured shops near and far, but no dice at all, so I simply bought pumpkins and squashes (if pumpkins weren't to be had in the moment) and made my own puree at home. It takes a bit of elbow grease, but isn't tricky, IMO, and as it freezes really well, one big patch could last for a fair while.

      One does encounter sweet potato pies here in Canada sometimes, but they've not yet caught on in this country to the degree that they're popular throughout much of the USA.

      Many hugs and thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Looks delicious! I love pumpkin pie in the fall. For years now I've been making a pumpkin chiffon pie that blends whipped egg whites into the filling, a slightly healthier version of the traditional that is really delicious. Love your vintage autumn photos- makes me want to visit a pumpkin patch!

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    1. That sounds seriously scrumptious, Janet. Thank you for sharing one of your favourite pumpkin pie versions with us.

      I hope that you have a splendid, sunny and very enjoyable autumn.

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  6. Lovely post and recipe, Jessica. You know when autumn is on its way when pumpkins are starting to arrive on the scene ... Husg xxx

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    1. Definitely! We saw the first ones at a produce stand en route to Edmonton and that, to me, was akin to someone striking a gong to usher in fall's return. The leaves were just starting to change colours here and there on the drive out, too, and I bet they'll be quite a bit more vibrant as we head home next Monday. While it will be sad to see our trip end, I am rather looking forward to being surrounded by gloriously pretty fall colours for several hours. :)

      Many hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. How have you not already blogged a pumpkin pie recipe?! I can't wait to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving! I am pinning your recipe to my 'thanksgiving' board!

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    1. It's downright astonishing, isn't it? I even triple checked again after this post went live, and I can't find a single post devoted to a pumpkin pie recipe. Proof positive that no matter how long one has been blogging, there's always classic topics (and recipes!) to cover still. :)

      Many hugs & happy start of fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Oh yum, Jessica! Pumpkin pie is my all time favorite pie! Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without it. I make apple pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie, while my daughter adds here wonderful key lime pie, every Thanksgiving; but it's the pumpkin pie that is the MUST HAVE for me.

    When you grow up with the perfect pie, it is hard to find pies that measure up to Mother's Homemade Pies.

    I saved this recipe. Thanks for sharing it.

    Happy baking!
    ♥Hope

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    1. Agreed, big time! No matter how my health has altered my diet over the years, I've (knock wood!) always managed to find a way to still make pumpkin pie (and muffins). Of course, I could give such up if I had no other choice, but I truly wouldn't want to. Few foods taste like fall as much to me, nor stir as many happy memories from autumns and holiday seasons past.

      The bevy of pies that your family brings to the Thanksgiving table sounds marvelous. What a special - and super tasty - way to cap off your beautiful feast.

      Many hugs & happy summer-into-fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. I love pie, and it's not Thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie :)

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    1. Agreed 100%! An autumn without pumpkin pie would feel like summer without the sunshine to me.

      Big hugs & many thanks for all of your lovely recent blog comments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Autumn has made a glorious return once again. It is my absolute favorite season. Wonderful vintage ads and I love any and everything pumpkin! There is a pumpkin maple candle burning now and the fragrance is wonderful.

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    1. Yum! That candle sounds marvelous! I adore burning seasonal ones, too, and still have some unused candles from last year to light once we get home and I go full force on my fall decorating. :)

      Many hugs coming your way, my fellow autumn fan,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Yum! I have always used the recipe off the can of pumpkin puree (Festal is the brand) and it has always turned out great. My mom used crisco for her pie crust (which is probably the same as fluffo), but I've used butter in mine. Can't wait for it to get cooler as me and my daughter want to make all kinds of pumpkin creations! :)

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    1. I veer more towards butter (and sometimes coconut oil) pie crusts, too. I don't believe I've seen Festal brand pumpkin pie around these Canadian parts, though have heard of it before. Some of the most common brands here are Libby's, Farmer's Market (organic), and E.D. Smith.

      That sounds like such a wonderfully lovely tradition to share with your DD.

      Have a beautiful autumn,
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  12. I cannot even explain how much I love pumpkin pie! For whatever reason pumpkin isn't a very big deal in Australia and we never make sweet recipes with it, but I'm just obsessed with pumpkin pie and anything pumpkin or cinnamon flavoured! There's one place that's near where I live that just has pies on the menu and they do an incredible pumpkin pie so I go there all the time for my fix, but I'm going to have to start trying to make my own one of these days because I love it that much!

    littlehenrylee.net

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    1. It is really interestingly, isn't it, how pumpkin pie never really caught on in a major way outside of North American. Perhaps, as time goes on and more and more amazing pumpkin recipes are shared online, its reach will spread further afield.

      How wonderful that there's a restaurant near you that offers it up. Kudos to them for doing so!

      Wishing you nothing but the best (and tastiest!) with your own versions,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. I made my first pumpkin pie last year and learnt I need to make it a couple or three days in advance, as they get better with time and are far yummier. Can't wait to try some other flavours too xxx

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    1. Awesome job on making your first ever pumpkin pie, Melanie. Do you think you'll give it a spin again this fall/winter? What are some of the other types of pies that you're itching to whip up at home?

      Many hugs & happy cold weather baking,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Oh definitely, I'll absolutely be making pumpkin pie again this year! I want to try cherry as it's a classic and peach and basil intrigues me no end, I love peaches. I have a book chock full of vegan pie recipes and want to try every last one, bar those made with tofu, which doesn't agree with me. Once the temperature drops, I'll be off whipping up pies a plenty! For now I'll do some crumbles to tide me over xxx

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    3. Yum-yum on all fronts! I adore how passionate you guys are in the UK about crumbles. They're well loved here, too, but I felt (when I was living in Ireland) like they were even more so in the UK and Ireland. Classic apple crisp (crumble) was a major staple in my home during the fall and winter months, and I always try to whip up at least one or two during the chilly months to this day. Sometimes I'll borrow an idea from your lovely country and add blackberries to the mix as well. Such a great combo!

      Wishing you guys a stellar start of autumn!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  14. Hi Jessica, I've never eaten or even seen a pumpkin pie before! It sounds interesting, hopefully I'll get to taste or make some one day! Xxx

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    1. Hi Jess, I really hope that you'll be able to as well. If you lived nearby, I'd whip you up a pumpkin pie, plus another pumpkin dessert or two as well, so that you could give this fall time classic a spin for the first time.

      Big hugs & many thanks for all of your lovely recent blog comments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. I was just talking about pumpkin pie with a friend the other day and I realised I hadn't had any since I was a kid! I might have to try to make one soon :)

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    1. You definitely should! :) They're such a beautiful food - creamy, fragrant, comforting and, IMO, quite easy to make (especially if you can get ahold of some tinned pumpkin puree). I really hope that yours turns out marvelously, if you give making one a spin.

      Big hugs from Edmonton,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. I love pumpkin pie! As the family pie baker I'm always sure to keep this classic on the Thanksgiving menu at our house. What fun vintage images you've found!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear gal. It's awesome that you're the designated pie baker in your family and that you enjoy bringing a classic pumpkin offering to the holiday table each year. I can practically smell its gorgeous aroma of heady spices just thinking about it. :)

      Many hugs & happy start of fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I love baking pies, but I have never made a pumpkin pie! That definitely needs to go on my autumn to do list :)

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    1. For sure! :) I'd highly recommend a batch of pumpkin muffins or cupcakes, too - both of which are devastatingly awesome when topped with cream cheese frosting (and just like that, lol, I've made myself uber hungry! :D).

      Big hugs & joyful autumn baking,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Nothing beats a classic pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving <3 Pumpkin pie was my all time favorite pie as a kid... in fact, I didn't even realize there were other kinds of pies for years! ;)

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    1. That's so sweet! :) Aww! What a cute memory. My mom excels at making pies (seriously - she's one of the best home bakers I've ever encountered and could easily have been a pro pastry chef, IMO, if she'd felt called in that direction) so I grew up with a bevy of different types, but come fall, there was no other pie for me than pumpkin either. It's a true taste of the season and something that I will continue to make each and every autumn without fail until the end of time. :)

      Tons of hugs & sincere thanks for all of your wonderful recent blog comments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. I have never had pumpkin pie! I don't think that I have ever seen it in the UK. It sounds most delicious though. I love everything about that Country Gentleman magazine cover!

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    1. I really hope that you're able to give it a try one day, my sweet friend. A really good pumpkin pie is a thing of immense culinary beauty. Soft, silken, sweet, beautifully fragrant and bursting with the spirit of fall. I wish we lived nearby. I'd bring you over a big pumpkin pie if we did so that you could sample this North American tradition for the first time.

      Big hugs & many heartfelt thanks for all of your fantastic blog comments this summer,

      ♥ Jessica

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