Do you like pumpkin pie?

The association is simple:
Pumpkin = Squash
Squash = Pinakbet
Pinakbet = Ulam (viand)
Therefore, pumpkin = ulam… and not dessert!

My apprehension to try Pumpkin Pie for the first time could then be understandable I suppose. I grew up associating pumpkin puree as baby food or a delicious soup starter. But dessert? Not quite, not quite.

My Aunt is a Pumpkin Pie addict though, and she told me Bakers Square had the best. So off we went to the restaurant, where I decided to give this pie a try! (This was during my L.A. vacation, by the way.)

Surprisingly, no visions of sauteed vegetables danced in my head when I bit into a forkful of Pumpkin Pie. While I’m open to new food experiences, I was finding it extremely hard to reconcile pumpkin with dessert. Call me weird!

I couldn’t quite explain the flavor at first. But with each forkful, I started to appreciate the sweetness of the pumpkin mixed with the “zing” of the pie’s spices (cinnamon? cloves? ginger?). I found myself nodding more and more with each forkful. I was getting to know Pumpkin Pie. It wasn’t so so bad after all.

The cold pie topped with whipped cream was perfect with a cup of hot brewed coffee. Yummy! I started to appreciate pumpkin pie more and more, and by the time I realized that I did like it — there wasn’t a morself left on my plate.

My immediate apprehension to associate pumpin with dessert can be likened to my cousin-in-law’s aversion to avocados as dessert. He grew up in the States identifying avocado more as a vegetable, liking it in his sandwiches and salads. But when mixed with milk and sugar, and served over ice? Nah. He tried it once and didn’t like it very much. Avocado ice candy probably grosses him out!

The associations are different for me now. While “pumpkin” still immediately brings a pot of hot-cooked pinakbet to mind, I already can picture pumpkins as dessert too. Thanks to my Aunt for introducing me to it. I just wish so badly that I can find a bakeshop here in Manila that serves good pumpkin pie! (Do you guys have any leads? 😉 )

How about you? Do you like Pumpkin Pie? 😀 Are you serving it for Halloween and Thanksgiving? Tell me about your Pumpkin Pie please! I am suddenly a convert.

Hi! I'm Toni Tiu, and I've been blogging at at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.

0 comment on Do you like pumpkin pie?

Rach (Heart of Rachel)
October 18, 2007 at 3:09 pm (17 years ago)

I love pumpkin soup but never had pumpkin pie before. Many blog friends from other countries mentioned their fondness for this particular pie especially during Halloween when there is an abundance of pumpkins around. The pies on the photos surely look delicious. I’d love to give it a try some time.

Me too! No worries, if I come across pumpkin pie or cake I’ll blog about it or drop you a note. 😉
Reply
Junnie
October 18, 2007 at 4:18 pm (17 years ago)

My quick answer is NO.

We still have some from the last Thanksgiving Dinner…you want…? Sungit ba?

Yes I want to taste! =D
Reply
elit
October 18, 2007 at 5:27 pm (17 years ago)

Hay naku Toni you are correct, when I saw those pies on the counters I thought they looked yummy thinking that they were egg pies ha ha only to find out that they were pumpkin pies pala. I didn’t find them appealing when I learned that it was made from pumpkin so I didn’t taste it. Sayang masarap din pala? Tapos when I saw some avocados in the supermarket, I immediately thought of using them for avocado shakes and my mexican companion gave me a look that would mean “how weird can you be!” because they naman associate avocados in guacamoles. kakatawa no?

Ganyan talaga ang kultura ‘no? Nakakatuwa. Sana masubukan ng companion mo ang avocado shakes, tapos ikaw naman try mo yun pumpkin pie. 😉
Reply
spanx!
October 18, 2007 at 6:30 pm (17 years ago)

yummmmmm!!

saan ba meron nito sa ating minamahal na metromanila?!?!?!??!

Yun nga tanong ko eh! 😀 Kapag ako’y nakahanap, sasabihan kita!
Reply
bea
October 18, 2007 at 8:24 pm (17 years ago)

i dont like pumpkin pie. but oohh lalala i LURVE WHIPPED CREAM 😉

hahaha whipped cream can make ANYTHING taste gooooooooooood!
Reply
thess
October 18, 2007 at 9:26 pm (17 years ago)

Hi Toni. Thanks for reminding me that I still have a pumpkin to use for a pie.

Oh you’re very welcome Thess!
Reply
kat
October 18, 2007 at 10:05 pm (17 years ago)

pumpkin (and sweet potato) pie are staples during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season here in the U.S. I didn’t like it at first, but now I dig it served exactly the way you pictured it (with delicious whipped cream). i also make a pumpkin gingerbread trifle during the holidays that my family loves (courtesy of paula dean). i think you’d like it because it so darn light and looks pretty when served in goblets! Here’s link if you want to check it out: http://search.foodnetwork.com/food/recipe/pumpkin+gingerbread+trifle/search.do?searchString=pumpkin+gingerbread+trifle&site=food&searchType=Recipe

I think I’ve seen this in one of your entries. I remember gushing because it looked so good! The layers make it look extra rich.

Thanks for the link! I was taken aback by the 9.5 hour preparation time. I was like WHAT?!?! And then I saw it was because you had to chill it overnight.

Oh.

*LOL*
Reply
MarysMom
October 18, 2007 at 11:08 pm (17 years ago)

Hello, writing from Colorado. Surprised you got pumpkin pie in Manila (or do you?) It took me a few Thanksgiving dinners to begin liking pumpkin pie. Then, again, there are good ones and there are bad ones. Libby’s canned pumpkin comes with a very easy to follow recipe using evaporated milk— not bad. I made it once. Now, if my family (my American husband, tisay daughter and me) wants some, we just get it from either Sams Club or Safeway— I’ve tried them from a few other grocery stores, I like the ones from these places. Drop by sometime at my blog: http://sweetlifewithmary.com/

Hi MarysMom! I got to taste the pumpkin pie from Bakers Square, when I went to L.A. to visit relatives. You are right — there are good pumpkin pies and good pumpkin pies. I tried the one at Denny’s and eeeewww! I didn’t like it! I guess it would be perfect for someone who likes a lot of spices in their pumpkin pies. Thanks for leaving a link to your blog! I’ll visit soon!
Reply
kayni
October 19, 2007 at 12:27 am (17 years ago)

Pumpkin pie is okay especially during Thanksgiving, but I love Sweet Potato or Custard Pie better. Hmm…I’m hungry.

Oooh sweet potato pie! Now that sounds interesting too.
Reply
Rachel
October 19, 2007 at 12:52 am (17 years ago)

hi ate toni, welcome back, dito ka na pla ulit. im sorry ha di ako updated medyo busy kasi. anyway never tried pa to eat a pumpkin cake, if may nakikita akong pumpkin laging pumapasok sa isip ko halloween. hehe. TC

Korek! Ang pumpkin ay para sa pinakbet, o kaya naman ay ang mga dinedecorate para sa mga Halloween party. Pero pie? Nyek. Pero surprisingly, masarap nga siya! Kapag ako ay nakakita nito sa Pilipinas eh sasabihan kita.
Reply
bh
October 19, 2007 at 2:36 am (17 years ago)

pumpkin pie and coffee…
almost better than beer and hot wings…
almost.
still…
it’s my favorite pie
bar none
or bar, what the heck
anytime of the year
pumpkin pie and beer
coors or MGD

(now I’m getting it. how to do a circuitous song-and-dance before you get to the point, which, somehow to me is always – beer)

I only had ONE slice! One slice and it had such a great impact on me.

I tried a bite at Denny’s and it wasn’t good. Uh-uh. This one at Baker’s Square was yummmmmy.
Reply
cyberpunk
October 19, 2007 at 2:47 am (17 years ago)

i’ve never tasted pumpkin pie…yeah it sounds kinda weird…the same way i feel about carrot cake, which i also haven’t tried…

but i tried ginger snaps and loved them…so i’ll take a bite out of a pumpkin pie or carrot cake if i see one…

Mmmm ginger snaps are great with tea! If I do find pumpkin pie here in Manila, I’ll write about it. Perhaps you can get to taste it too!
Reply
dhey
October 19, 2007 at 8:22 am (17 years ago)

i remember having squash added to rice cake for color, not flavor. imagine the horror on my face when they answered that the grated squash was meant for <em>kakanin</em>! but my tastebuds were smiling after tasting the treat. i’m definitely going to try pumpkin pie when i see it. feeling even more Potter-ish, wondering how pumpkin juice is… hmmm…

Pumpkin juice! *makes a face* I’m willing to give it a try though!
Reply
jojo
October 19, 2007 at 3:05 pm (17 years ago)

those cups of coffee look great!

obvious bang deprived? 😛

Mama Jo! You are so cute. Oo nga, pumpkin pie ang topic pero nagfocus sa supporting actor — ang kape! Malapit ka na mag-Starbucks diba? 😉
Reply
barbara
October 19, 2007 at 9:57 pm (17 years ago)

oh Toni! this is one of the things I miss about the US the pumpkin pie…ohhhh I’d like to know a really good recipe. hmmmmm we don’t have it here in Oz.. I’d have to try and experiment baking this

–Miss B xox

Yes yes! Then please let me know how it goes. As much as I would love to experiment, I am CERTAIN it will be a flop. I don’t want to waste perfectly good pumpkins for something that’s sure not to work out. But YOU! Let me know how you do it!
Reply
Marvin
October 20, 2007 at 12:36 am (17 years ago)

How funny Toni, I would never associate pumpkin pie with pinakbet! I do like pumpkin pie, and I love pinakbet, but they’ve never occupied my thoughts at the same time until now.

Now they do, now they do!

And hmmm… I’m REALLY interested in how you’d create a pumpkin pie. I’m sure you’ll do more than just the basic recipe.
Reply
Kathy
October 20, 2007 at 1:33 am (17 years ago)

I don’t even eat squash but thinking it as a dessert makes it seem yummy. From your entry and the comments here, it seems pumpkin maybe edible for people like me who are not veggie lovers. Haha. Sana meron nga dito sa Manila so that I can try it as well (hoping for upadate..hehe)… or maybe I can start with the pumpkin soup in the meantime (for pinakbet… hopefully in the future).

Hi Kathy! When I do find pumpkin cake or pie available here, I’ll write about it! That way you’ll know. Hehehe. That makes two of us who’re interested now!
Reply
munchkin mommy
October 20, 2007 at 3:35 am (17 years ago)

Hi Toni! I love pumpkin soup and a long long time ago, I’ve also tasted pumpkin pie. I’m actually toying with the idea of making pumpkin pie. Pumpkin are everywhere right now! Perhaps when I get crazy enough? Hahaha! Happy weekend! 😀

Hi Munchkin Mommy! So are you crazy enough yet? Heehee. When you decide to lose a little of those marbles and get to baking pumpkin pie, let me know how it turns out ok?!
Reply
la dy cess
October 20, 2007 at 8:19 am (17 years ago)

hi toni! i have tried pumpkin soup, but have never even seen a pumpkin pie hehehe. that one looks delicious and i wont hesitate getting a slice.
avocados – maybe your relative would change his mind about avocado when he gets to try an avocado cake. there’s this bakeshop – lia’s – in commonwealth qc known for its avocado cakes. alanganin din ako nung una, pero when i tried it, sarap pala! bagay rin sa kape!

I KNOW LIA’S!!! (Na-excite daw bigla?) I think I’ve tried their avocado cake. It tasted fantaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaastic. Naku at masarap nga siya kapag may kasamang kape. Makabalik nga. 😀 Salamat sa reminder!
Reply
Pao
October 20, 2007 at 4:15 pm (17 years ago)

for me basta pagkain, esp. trying out new dishes… bring it on! 😆

dito kaya sa desert land merong ganyan? dami ding pumpkin & squash dito. sana may ma-discover akong bakeshop or cafe selling pumpkin pie.

Bring it on pala ha! Edi magkasundong-magkasundo pala tayo pagdating sa kainan. Palaging adventure. 😉

Kung wala kang makitang pumpkin pie dyan, gawa ka nalang!
Reply
delish
October 20, 2007 at 5:51 pm (17 years ago)

lolz, natawa ako sobra sa associations mo… may mga ganyan din ako that’s why i don’t eat a lot of things 😀

You should try this!!! Acquired taste nga lang siguro pero at least na-try mo na kahit isang beses diba? 😉
Reply
pinayhekmi
October 21, 2007 at 12:40 am (17 years ago)

I do! i make a mean Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake. It’s got 8 sticks of butter!

YOWZA! That sounds realllly rich. Do you have any plans of preparing that for Thanksgiving?
Reply
auee
October 21, 2007 at 4:20 am (17 years ago)

I love pumpkin pie! I had those years ago in the US but it’s not common here in London. I tried baking my own last year, it was okay, edible but not superb & I couldn’t be bothered with the cream topping. Since my toddler and my hubby didn’t “appreciate” it, I never tried since.

My sister tried baking one here in Manila too but it didn’t turn out quite as she expected! I suppose Pumpkin Pie is one of those desserts or dishes that takes some getting used to, or it’s not just for everyone!
Reply
aleth
October 22, 2007 at 1:45 am (17 years ago)

aha.. so you two have been introduced !!! buti pa kayo ! hehehe… bet i will be seeing the “two” of you more often together??? pero meron bang pumpkin pie sa pinas???

haven’t tried the pumpkin pie yet – like you – my connotation of pumpkin is squash is pinakbet! hahaha.. pinoy nga naman….

‘musta na?

Aleth!!! Long time no hear!!! For a time I couldn’t access your blog and thought you had stopped blogging altogether. It’s so great to hear from you.

Wala pa akong nakikitang Pumpkin Pie sa Pilipinas! Kaya ako nagtatanong, baka sakaling may nakakaalam kung saan ako pwedeng makabili!
Reply
jayvee f.
October 22, 2007 at 5:33 pm (17 years ago)

parang hindi ko ata kaya yung pumpkin pie! carrot cake nga, hindi ko type eh

nyak! then mukhang di mo nga mata-type-an ‘tong pumpkin pie. carrot cake’s tame na. this one’s… i don’t know. too… exotic? hehe.
Reply
ajay
October 23, 2007 at 8:38 am (17 years ago)

I like pumpkin! And making pumpkin soup is so easy…. food for the soul. Thanks for reminding me:)

Hi Ajay! I’m sure masarap ka gumawa ng pumpkin soup. I wonder if kids like it though? It seems like such a grown-up dish, don’t you think? Or baka dito lang sa Pilipinas. 😉
Reply
juliana
October 26, 2007 at 1:54 pm (16 years ago)

hi! bloghopping from new york. I do understand your apprehension of tasting pumpkin pie, as I did feel the same way may years ago. Been living here for almost 9 years and all I can say is I now have a love affair with pumpkin pies. I actually bought my first pie for the season a couple of weeks ago and it was so delish. Italian bakers make ’em really good.

Pumpkins, although they’re in the family of squash, I think the taste is different from our usual kalabasa because they’re overgrown. I don’t know,theory ko lang yun.

Oh yum! A love affair with pumpkin pies — are you my aunt in disguise? 😀 I guess when the pumpkin pie’s really good you can’t help but fall in love with it.
Reply

0 comment on Do you like pumpkin pie?

elit

bea

bh

jojo

Leave a Reply Cancel reply