Low Carb Pumpkin Pie

Did You Know… that pumpkin is one of the vegetables allowed during Atkins’ Induction phase? 

Did You Know…that pumpkin is chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants? 

Did You Know…that pie is not the only way to cook pumpkin? 

Pumpkin is one of those vegetables that is almost emblematic of fall – it makes us think of harvest, of holidays, of frost, of lengthening nights and the oncoming winter. And yet, the only way it usually gets to the table is in a store-bought pie, or perhaps a can of pie filling that goes in a pie we made ourselves. But pumpkin can be so much more -- and since pumpkin keeps for 6 months whole or for years in a can, it can be a year-round addition to our diets. 

Pumpkin is chock full ‘o goodness. You can tell by its bright color that it’s going to be going to be good for you. Not only is pumpkin loaded with vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids, particularly alpha and beta-carotenes, it’s a good source of vitamins C, K, and E, and lots of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron. 

Half a cup of canned pumpkin has 6.5 grams ofeffective carbohydrate and 3.5 grams of fiber. 

The seeds are also worth latching on to. Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are loaded with minerals, seem to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and may even help protect against prostate cancer and osteoporosis. A quarter cup has about 5 grams of effective carb and 1.5 grams of fiber.

Low Carb Pumpkin Pie
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/desserts/r/pumpkinpie.htm

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz can pumpkin
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup unsweetened soy milk (or milk or cream - milk has more carbs, so adjust)
• 1/3 cup cream
• 1 C sugar equivalent from artificial sweetener
• 1 teaspoon dark molasses (optional)
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 scant teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch cloves
• 1/4 t salt

Preparation:

As an artificial sweetener, I prefer a form of liquid sucralose, as powdered types have more carbs and sometimes an off-taste.

1) Preheat oven to 425 F. (important)

2) Dump all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and whirl to blend.

3) Pour into the crust.

4) Put the pie in the oven and immediately turn the oven down to 375 F. In 15 minutes, turn the oven down to 300 F. (This cooks the crust, so it isn't soggy, but then allows the custard to bake more slowly.) Bake until almost set in the middle, about 30 to 40 minutes more. If it starts to crack a bit around the edges, it's probably done.

5) Cool and serve with whipped cream (the real stuff, made with vanilla and sweetener). How To Make Homemade Whipped Cream

Nutritional Analysis: 8 servings, without crust: 3.5 grams effective carbohydrate plus 2 grams fiber, 3 grams protein, 5.5 grams fat, 80 calories.

With pecan crust, each serving is 4 grams effective carbohydrate with 3.4 grams fiber.