Pumpkin Oat Pie Squares for Pi Day

Pi Day, Pie Day. I know, it’s the big one. 3.14.15.9 – how lucky to live through such a date. KP said we should do something special to celebrate, and I suggested math problems, and he said he would prefer to eat something special.

If you are in the mood today to make some pie, I’ve got more than a few suggestions.

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pie

Pancetta and Cheese Pie

Chocolate Angel Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

Almond Toffee Tart

Key Lime Pie

Raspberry Cordial Vanilla Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie

But today, I’m feeling cantankerous, and offer a square pie on the day we honor circles.

Pumpkin Oat Pie Squares

Adapted from Penzeys Spices Catalogue

Crust

1 Cup flour

1/2 Cup regular oats

1/2 Cup brown sugar

1/2 Cup cold butter (1 stick), cut into pieces

Filling

1 15-oz. can puréed pumpkin

1 12-oz. can evaporated milk

2 eggs

3/4 Cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Topping

1/2 Cup chopped pecans

1/2 Cup brown sugar

2 TB. butter

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and butter. Rub between your fingers or use two forks to mix until crumbly. Press into an ungreased 9×13 pan and bake for 15 minutes.

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon and cloves. Beat until smooth and well-blended. Pour over the baked crust.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. During this time, make the topping by combining the pecans, brown sugar and butter in a bowl. Mix the topping using your hands until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the pumpkin mixture and bake again for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Haiku #70 (Mar 11)

Clearing through cobwebs

in the mind; the morning fog

of new consciousness.

Haiku #71 (Mar 12)

Cajun shrimp chowder:

The milkshake for people who

still miss New Orleans.

Haiku #72 (Mar 13)

An accordion

plays a sad Danny Boy from

the corner in green.