Kate'S Spiced & Spirited Eggnog Pie (No Gelatin Or Cream)

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   SPICED CRUMB CRUST: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Mix all ingredients. Press mixture firmly against bottom and side of 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 350F degrees for 10 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack. Allow the crust to cool completely before filling. Yields 1 pie crust.

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   SPICED & SPIRITED EGGNOG PIE: Beat egg yolks with fork in medium bowl. Set aside.

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   In a large saucepan, sift cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps because they will cause lumps later. Gradually stir in eggnog, 2 tablespoons of dark rum, and 2 tablespoons of brandy. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to boil. Boil and stir 1 minute.

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   Immediately stir at least half of the hot mixture into egg yolks, then stir back into hot mixture in saucepan. Boil and simmer 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour into one fully baked Spiced Crumb Crust. Press plastic wrap on filling to prevent a tough layer from forming on top, but do not cover edges of crust tightly with plastic wrap because crust will get soggy. Refrigerate at least 3 hours until set and chilled. Store in the refrigerator.

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   SPIRITED WHIPPED TOPPING: Whip heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of dark rum, 3/4 teaspoon of brandy, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla together until stiff. Dollop on top of pie when serving.

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   NOTE: It is worth spending a little more money on good quality rum and brandy for a big improvement in flavor. I use Bacardi Select Dark Rum. Since good brandy is very expensive, I buy one 50 ml mini bottle of Remy Martin Fine Champagne Cognac VSOP. (Champagne Cognac is another name for brandy from the Cognac region of France).

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.