Smoked Pumpkin Pie Recipe with Graham Cracker Crust

Directions

• Pumpkin Pie Filling
• Cut a circle around the stem of the pumpkin and remove it. Then cut the pumpkin in half from top to bottom. Scoop out all seeds and fibrous membrane.
• Lay the pumpkin halves, insides facing down, in a parchment lined baking sheet. Roast in a smoker or oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
• Allow the pumpkin halves to cool enough that you can handle them. Peel and scrape to separate the softened flesh from the skin. Discard the skin.
• Place the flesh into a food processor and blend until completely smooth. Transfer the puree into a large bowl.
• To the puree, add all other pie filling ingredients. Whisk and/or stir everything together very thoroughly until completely incorporated. Place bowl in refrigerator until needed.
• Graham Cracker Crust
• Blend up most of a box of graham crackers in a food processor, or crush them in a zip-lock bag. They should be turned into very small crumbs.
• Mix the sugar, salt, and melted butter into the crumbs. Stir together until very well incorporated.
• Put the mixture into a pie pan, and press it down firmly to shape against the bottom and sides of pan. Use a flat spoon or similar to compact it as tightly as possible over the surfaces of the pan.
• Bake (or smoke) the pie crust in the pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes.
• Whipped Cream
• Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, mix on medium speed for a few minutes until the cream has turned into a thick whipped consistency.
• The Pie
• Ladle or pour the pie filling mixture into the pie crust. Fill it almost to the top, leaving less than 1/2 inch of crust exposed. Bake it in the oven or smoker, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 90-120 minutes (the exact time will vary based on pan size, oven/smoker, and temperature of pie filling when you start). Cook until the internal temperature at the center of the pie is 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the pie on a counter and allow to cool to room temperature. Then place in refrigerator and allow to completely chill before serving.
• Slice and serve. Spoon some whipped cream on top, and sprinkle some leftover graham cracker crumbs over top.