Thanksgiving Served American Style

My American folk art house and Paradise Pumpkin Pie.
I am so authentic!

Since I was young I have wanted to experience an American Thanksgiving. The big Family get together, the football games, the Macy's parade and what would Thanksgiving in the States be like without the Black Friday shopping, I want it all. Well this year that dream almost came true, you see my big sister lives in Philly and invited my family to come down for the Thanksgiving holiday. Unfortunately things didn't work out but believe me this dream is still alive and my sister and I have it all planned out for when it does happen. The turkey, the shopping, the family photos, the cocktails we will drink too many of. Let's just say we will being doing it up super sized, American Style! 

I often wondered about why Canada and the States don't celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time. I sort of knew why but I didn't have all the details. For a few hundred years Canada would celebrate Thanksgiving in either late October or early November before it was declared a National Holiday. In 1879 November 6th was declared and set aside as the official Thanksgiving Day . Then January 31, 1957 the Canadian Parliament announced that the second Monday in October would become the new official Thanksgiving holiday. The reason for their decision to changes the holiday date was after the first and second World Wars Remembrance Day was observed on November 11th and thus these two holidays would fall on the same week.

Although Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in pretty much the same way with turkey, stuffing, cranberries and of course pumpkin pie there is a difference.  For Canadians it is a celebration of giving thanks for the harvest season and for the Americans it is a celebration of the arrival of the Pilgrims. Another good reason for Thanksgiving being in October, Canada is located very north and it makes sense to celebrate when the harvest is finished which usually happens in early October. ( But don't quote me on that because I ain't no farmer!!)

As most Americans are getting ready for their Thanksgiving celebrations and family fights, I mean feasts, I would like to share one of the traditional dishes I serve at every Thanksgiving meal I prepare.  It is call Paradise Pumpkin Pie and my kids can't get enough of this pie. My son reminds me that it doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to make pumpkin pie.  I would encourage you to use this link to Martha Stewart for the crust but if you don't have time or just don't want to bother you could use store bought crust.
Pie Crust http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/perfect-pie-and-crust

This pie is like Costco big but taste a whole lot better!

Paradise Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

• 1 8oz pkg. cream cheese regular or light softened
• 1/4 cup sugar (organic is best)
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 egg
• **************************************
• 1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
• 1 cup/can evaporated milk 2% or fat free
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground/grated nutmeg
• Dash of salt
• Maple Syrup

On lightly floured surface, roll pastry to 12" circle place in 9" pie plate ( you can use a large plate like mine if you like the filling is generous and I use 12" deep dish plate) Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla, mix at medium speed until well blended, blend in egg. Spread mixture onto bottom of pastry shell.

Combine all the remaining ingredients except syrup, mix well. Carefully pour over cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350 for around 60 minutes remove from oven and brush with syrup over the entire pie and crust. Cool and serve with a dollop of whip cream.

Look Martha I am serving my pie with a dollop of whip cream on a antique milk glass plate!!
Well you have taught me pie Jedi Master!

I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life. I hope you enjoy this pie and although it is very filling somehow you find away to eat one if not two pieces of it. May all of my American Friends and Family have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and I look forward to experiencing it for myself one day, sweet potatoes and all!

My Little Pumpkin Eaters!