Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Crumble Pie

PUMPKIN PECAN CRUMBLE PIE

FOR THE CRUST:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter-flavored shortening, chilled
1/3 cup ice water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 egg, beaten
FOR THE FILLING:
2 eggs, beaten
1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
FOR THE PECAN CRUMBLE TOPPING:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened

TO MAKE THE CRUST:
Chill all ingredients for the crust, including the flour and vinegar.

Combine the flour, salt and sugar. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles cornmeal.

In another bowl, mix water and vinegar with the beaten egg. Add the liquid mixture, one tablespoon at a time, to the flour mixture, tossing with a fork to form a soft dough.

Shape into three discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator at least three hours, before attempting to roll out. (Overnight works best). Hold no more than three days in refrigerator. For longer storage, place in a freezer bag and freeze. Use one disc for a single crust pie. Use two discs for a double crust pie.

To roll out for pies, work quickly on a floured pastry cloth. Flip the dough at least once, adding a little more flour to the pastry cloth. Roll out to fit pie pan. (Store pastry cloth in freezer).

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:
Beat eggs until frothy. Add all remaining ingredients for the filling in order given, beating only until well-blended. Pour filling into crust.

Bake in 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes.

TO MAKE THE PECAN CRUMBLE TOPPING:
Mix all topping ingredients together. Remove pie from oven and sprinkle topping over filling.

Return pie to oven and bake 25 minutes more or until center is set.

Source: the American Pie Council, by Marles Riessland of Riverdale, Nebraska, first place winner in the 2003 National Pie Championships-Amateur Pumpkin category