Nothing says the holiday season like a warm slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. While many families and foodservice operators have their personal favorites -- apple, mincemeat, pecan -- there's one pie type that stands out to the team here at Pace Reps...

The History of Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie has its roots in early American history, with Native Americans introducing pumpkins to European settlers. The first versions of pumpkin pie were quite different from today's, often made by hollowing out pumpkins and filling them with spiced milk before baking.

By the 18th century, pumpkin pie gained popularity in New England and became a symbol of harvest and home. In the mid-19th century, it also became politically significant when New England abolitionists used the pie to represent northern virtues during the Civil War. Today, it remains a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations, cemented by its long association with the holiday. For many, though, it's also an acceptable pie to be served over the winter holidays, as well.

The Basics of Pumpkin Pie

Today's pumpkin pie consists of a pumpkin custard filling flavor infused with various spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. The different ingredients create a creamy custard that forms the ideal texture after it has baked and rested. It’s often served topped with whipped cream or ice cream to cut the dish's richness.

As important as a great filling is, it's equally important to have the perfect pie crust. A crust that is too dry or not flavorful enough can ruin the pie, no matter how tasty the rest of it is. Ensure that the pie crust is flaky and well-cooked for the best results, and consider this great pie crust recipe from our own Tina Palumbo:

While ingredients and a great recipe are important, they're not the only factor in creating great pumpkin pie. Consider a great oven, too. Using an iCombi Pro from RATIONAL allows operators to make great pie easily and efficiently, all while delivering the great quality that diners expect.

No matter what your foodservice business is making, the team at Pace Reps is always ready to assist you. To learn more,  get your FREE equipment assessment today.