Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie

It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. In North America we share many, many holidays, Thanksgiving being one of them. But for some reason, we celebrate ours a month earlier. Myself, I like celebrating both!! I mean why not, right? ... Turkey, gravy, stuffing and finally, pumpkin pie!! We have a small family gathering, just us and the kids and my parents. It's one of the few times we all collectively partake in dessert.

That's where it gets challenging ... both my parents are diabetic. My dad was diagnosed over 30 years ago and has managed the disease primarily through diet. To say he has a sweet tooth would be an understatement and his "treats" are few and far between. So, to me it's  important that I come up with sugar free alternatives in the dessert department.  I've taken a recipe traditionally made with lots of sugar and changed it to suit our dietary needs, without compromising on the texture or flavor.

Irvine’s Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Prep Time: 35 minutes, Cooking Time: 45 to 50 minutes
Yield: 2 pies

4 eggs
1 can (28 oz) pure pumpkin
1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar
1 1/4 cup Splenda granular
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup (approx 1 can) fat free evaporated milk
2 (9-inch) unbaked home-made or frozen deep dish pie shell

Beat eggs lightly in medium bowl. Add pure pumpkin, Splenda, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice and salt - mix on low until well combined. Blend in milk. Pour filling in pie shells. I'd recommend having some tart shells on hand, we had enough filling left over to fill 12 tart shells. These are a big hit with our kids — they really like the "mini-pies!"

Bake at 425ºF for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF and continue baking 30-35 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Serve topped with whipped cream made with Splenda instead of sugar.

 As an added bonus, if you're watching your weight (like me) this pie will meet the low fat, low sugar test. If your diet is super strict, pass on the whipped cream topping.

Happy Thanksgiving, whenever you celebrate it.— Linda