We’ve tracked down and taste-tested a lighter version of this month’s traditional favorite, nestled in a sugar-free crust and packed with vitamins from real pumpkin puree. Find more great recipe ideas and healthy lifestyle tips at www.stjhs.org/health-library.

INGREDIENTS

Crust

  • 1/3 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons ice water

Filling

  • 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup egg substitute
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated skim milk

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put flour and shortening into a small bowl. With 2 knives, a fork, or a pastry blender, cut shortening into flour until thoroughly mixed. Work on the crust at this time, not after adding water.
  2. Add water and use a fork to toss quickly. Handle as little as possible. It can be a bit crumbly when you put it onto plastic wrap. Form a ball as you wrap it tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. When ready to make the crust, sprinkle a little flour on a large piece of plastic wrap. Put dough on the floured wrap. Turn once to get flour on both sides. Cover with a second piece of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin to roll crust to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, whisk pumpkin with egg substitute, sugar, and spices. Add evaporated milk; stir thoroughly. Pour mixture into pie shell.
  5. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and keep baking for 30 minutes longer or until tester inserted in center of pie comes out clean. The center will get firmer as it cools.

Source: St. Joseph Health