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1
Freeze 1 cup butter 10 minutes.
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2
Pulse flour, 1/4 cup superfine sugar, and salt in a food processor 2 or 3 times or until blended. Add butter; pulse 15 times or until mixture is crumbly. With processor running, add 1/4 cup ice water through food chute. Process 10 seconds or just until blended.
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3
Turn dough out onto a sheet of aluminum foil; shape into a 7-inch round. Cover tightly, and chill at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
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4
Place pumpkin halves, cut side down, in a large, shallow pan.
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5
Bake at 500u00b0 for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven, and cool to touch.
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6
Scoop out pulp, reserving 6 cups.
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7
Melt 1/4 cup butter in a heavy skillet; add 2 cups sugar, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and turns a deep-golden color. Carefully stir in pumpkin pulp (mixture will lump but become smooth with further cooking); cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Spoon mixture into a bowl; chill 1 hour or until thoroughly chilled.
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8
Roll dough into an 18-by-15-inch oval on a floured surface; carefully transfer to a baking sheet (dough is very tender). Spoon pumpkin mixture over dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Gently lift border, and fold over filling, pleating dough as necessary.
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9
Bake at 450u00b0 for 18 to 22 minutes or until crust is golden.
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10
Sprinkle warm tart with powdered sugar. Serve with Caramel Sauce, Nanci Courtney's Creme Anglaise, and whipped cream.
