Tuesdays with Dorie: Caramel Pumpkin Pie

October 19, 2010



Is there anything that the assertive, toffee-like flavour of caramel can't fix? Honestly, I don't think there is. Take, for example, this recipe. I've never been a huge pumpkin pie fan, yet every year I give it another chance in the hope that my taste buds have matured enough to find the secret pleasure that other people seem to find within it's soft, squashy confines. My palette never reached that milestone, and I worried about what doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, meant for my well-being. Then along comes Dorie Greenspan's version of a pumpkin pie, and everything changes.



In this recipe, you literally get to take caramel to the dark side...cool smokiness, bubbling cream and all! I have a love/hate relationship with caramel. It all depends on whether or not it becomes a smooth, silky sauce or a sticky, black, sponge-shredding clump. The caramel was kind to me in this round, so we're BFs again. Because it had to be cooked until it turned a deep amber, the caramel had a rich, deep flavour.

This pie was outstanding. Not too sweet, not too 'pumpkin(y)' and with the smokey strength of dark caramel. If pumpkin pie was a comely yet lonely librarian, caramel was the Tango instructor who showed her how to let down her hair. Please believe me when I say that this will be loved by everyone, especially by those who can't quite understand the lure of the traditional pumpkin pie...yet try anyway.



If you would like the recipe, please visit Janell, of the blog Mortensen Family Memoirs. Thank you, Janell! I think this will be quite popular for the upcoming holidays. Also, please don't forget to visit all the other Tuesdays with Dorie bakers.

26 comments:

  1. Great post! I love the librarian/ tango instructor reference. Cute. And your pie looks teriffic.

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  2. It's wonderful you've finally found your version of a pumpkin pie that your palette can enjoy!

    Also, have you changed your blog heading? The image, I mean. If so, it looks beautiful! I like the colours and design.

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  3. Sounds dark & divine! Love the tango instructor bit.

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  4. Your pie looks so cute with the acorns on top - and so delectable!

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  5. I love your pie - it looks gorgeous! I hope to try the recipe as soon as it gets a little cooler here and pumpkins come into season.

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  6. looks so good, it would make a pumpkin pie convert out of anyone!

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  7. Lovely pie!! Great analogy, too :-)

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  8. Love the acorns on top! I totally stealing that idea when I make this on Thanksgiving! If that's okay with you... :)

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  9. Yes I agree--the Tango Pumpkin Pie. What a catchy title. We were very happy with the results.

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  10. Thanks, Brittany! I did recently change it.

    Absolutely, Jessica. :~)

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  11. I love pumpkin pie, but I've never found a recipe that's quite worthy of that love. I have a good recipe, but I've never stopped searching for that one perfect pumpkin pie. Maybe this is the one I've been searching for!

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  12. what cute little acorns! they really add to the fall theme.

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  13. Lovely pie, Valerie! I've never been the biggest fan of pumpkin pie either, but this was amazing! :)

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  14. You not only have a way with baked goods, you have a way with words. I love reading your posts and looking at your baked goods.

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  15. Super combination, Valerie. Caramel and pumpkin! In confess I really AM a pumpkin pie fan so I'm ahead of the game, but I may try this combo in my pumpkin bars....

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  16. Yum, Valerie! You made this pie sound so perfect. I might have to try it. I love pumpkin pie anyway, so I'm sure we would love this! The color is so rich.
    I'm going to look at the recipe more closely. I have a love/hate relationship with caramel too. It scares me a bit. We'll see...
    XO, Stella

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  17. Ooh, I just saw your new header-that's too cute, Valerie!

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  18. have I told you I love the new look on your blog? awesome

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  19. Awesome! Pie looks divine. Love the bit about the librarian!
    I'm not the biggest pumpkin pie fan either. But I tend to taste it every year because I just want to remember what everyone is always so ga-ga about, but always turn back to my apple or cherry pie. ;)
    But I did really like this one.

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  20. I'm so glad you finally found a pumpkin pie that you like! Thanks for baking along with me this week!

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  21. That's a great looking pumpkin pie. Now that you're on the pumpkin bandwagon, spring, and rhubarb await..
    :)
    I love to tango with caramel!

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  22. Valerie, I love pumpkin pie and never tire of trying new recipes. Thanks for this -- I'll definitely be making it!

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  23. Love your blog! This looks like a great recipe :)

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  24. Your pictures are so pretty! The pie looks amazing. It was my first taste of pumpkin pie and it has definitely converted me :-)

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  25. That has to be the coolest decor on a pie - I love it. Wasn't that caramel the best? I love making caramel - and always take it to the extreme - there's nothing better than "smokey" flavor in my opinion. What a beautiful creation - your filling is perfection! Nicely done!

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Thanks for visiting, and for taking the time to read through my ramblings!
If you have a recipe comment or question, I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Baking!
♥ Valerie

 

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