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1
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Start with the pumpkin layer.
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Combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a small bowl; then set aside.
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In a medium-size bowl, beat eggs then stir in pumpkin, vanilla and sugar-spice mixture.
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Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
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Prick the bottom of the pie shells several times before pouring about 1 cup (up to 1-1/4 cups) of pumpkin mixture into each of two 9-inch deep dish pie shells.
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(If the crust edge starts getting too brown, I cover the edge with a bit of aluminum foil.
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Please be careful that you don't get burned.)
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You'll probably have a lot of pumpkin mix left over -- I've decreased the amount in the pies because it expands as it bakes and doesn't leave much room for the custard layer.
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Place pies on a foil-lined baking sheet and position on a shelf in the center of the oven.
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Bake for 15 minutes.
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Prepare the custard layer while the pumpkin layer is in the oven.
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In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, salt, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla.
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At the 15 minute mark, pull the oven shelf out a bit and gently ladle the custard mixture onto the pumpkin layer -- be careful not to burn yourself.
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Bake for another 10 minutes.
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Reduce temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake for another 40-50 minutes (high altitude: 55-60 minutes) or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
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Cool on wire rack for 2 hours.
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Refrigerate if not serving immediately.
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Top with whipped cream.
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(Flavor is best after refrigeration -- my opinion :).
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Note1: Do not freeze pies.
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Freezing may cause crust to separate from filling.
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Note2: For the pumpkin layer, 3-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice may be substituted for the cinnamon, ginger and cloves.
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Keep in mind that this change will affect the taste.
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Note3: STORAGE.
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Pumpkin may be stored in a sealed plastic container in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
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When freezing, leave space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
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Air bubbles may cause the pumpkin to separate when thawed; this will not affect the pumpkin quality or performance.
