WhiskeyGlazed Pumpkin with Savory Brown Butter Crust

Embrace the warm, inviting flavors of fall with a unique take on pumpkin: the WhiskeyGlazed Pumpkin with Savory Brown Butter Crust. This delectable dish combines the sweetness of pumpkin with a rich whiskey glaze, all enveloped in a crispy, savory brown butter crust. Perfect for gatherings or as a centerpiece for a cozy dinner, this recipe will surely impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup whiskey (bourbon preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Savory Brown Butter Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup cold water (adjust as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter Crust

1. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns a light golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
3. Combine: Add the browned butter to the flour mixture and mix until crumbly. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the WhiskeyGlazed Pumpkin Filling

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, whiskey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour Filling: Set aside while rolling out the crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Roll Out the Crust: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your pie dish. Transfer the crust to the dish and trim any excess.
2. Add Filling: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing, which helps the filling set further.
2. Garnish: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish.

Cooking Tips

• Pumpkin Selection: If using fresh pumpkin, select a sugar pumpkin for the best flavor. Roast it until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it for this recipe.
• Whiskey Choices: Experiment with different whiskeys to find your favorite flavor profile. A spiced whiskey can add an interesting twist.
• Crust Variations: For a sweet twist, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to the crust mixture for a sweeter base.

Pairing Suggestions

This WhiskeyGlazed Pumpkin works wonderfully with a glass of spiced cider or a rich red wine. Pair it with a simple salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Further Exploration

For those looking to expand their culinary repertoire, consider trying variations like substituting butternut squash for pumpkin or adding pecans for a crunchy texture.

Tools You Might Need

• Food processor for quick dough mixing
• Whisk and mixing bowls for easy preparation
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Pie dish or tart pan for baking

Creating this WhiskeyGlazed Pumpkin with Savory Brown Butter Crust will not only fill your kitchen with enticing aromas but also leave you with a dish that embodies the essence of fall. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures, and don’t hesitate to share your delicious results!

For more recipes and cooking tips, check out this article on seasonal ingredients or explore easy pie crust techniques. Happy cooking!