Can You Use Squash to Make Pumpkin Pies?

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Are you a fan of pumpkin pies, but perhaps a bit unsure about substituting squash?

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Squash vs Pumpkin: What's the Difference?

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Squash and pumpkin are often compared due to their similar appearances and uses in recipes, but they are distinct. Pumpkins can grow to considerable sizes and are commonly associated with Halloween, particularly in America. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, just like squash.

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Ingredients for a Pumpkin Pie: A Different Approach

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While traditional pumpkin pie recipes often call for real pumpkin, you can still create an unforgettable pie using butternut squash. Here's how you can achieve a delicious and equally aromatic pie:

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Ingredients

r r 1 cup butternut squashr 1/2 cup coconut oilr 1 tsp cinnamonr 1/2 tsp nutmegr 1/4 tsp gingerr 1/4 tsp saltr 1/4 tsp vanilla extractr 1/2 cup cane sugarr 1 pre-made pie crustr 1/2 cup heavy creamr 1/2 tsp cornstarchr 1 egg, beatenr r r

Recipe Steps

r r Cook the Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Cook it in a small amount of water until soft. Mash the cooked squash.r Prepare the Pie Filling: In a large bowl, mix the mashed squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir in the sugar and coconut oil until well combined.r Thicken the Filling: Sift the cornstarch in a small bowl, then whisk it into the squash mixture until smooth. Let it thicken slightly.r Pour the Filling: Pour the mixture into a pre-made pie crust. If desired, beat the egg and brush it on the edges of the crust for a golden, glossy finish.r Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.r r r

Alternative Canned Pumpkin and Other Winter Squash

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Most canned pumpkin is made from other varieties of winter squash, such as butternut, Hubbard, Boston Marrow, and Golden Delicious. Some canning companies use a mix of squash types. One of the most popular brands, Libby's, makes its canned pumpkin using a specially developed varietal called Dickinson squash. While Libby's markets Dickinson as a pumpkin, it resembles a butternut squash more than a traditional pumpkin.

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Winter squashes are chosen for their smooth consistency, superior sweetness, richer flavor, and their vibrant orange color. They provide a more robust and delicious taste compared to regular pumpkins.

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Conclusion

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Whether you prefer using real pumpkin or substituting with winter squash like butternut, the end result is a heavenly pumpkin pie. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and let your imagination guide you to a perfect holiday treat.