Cast Iron Winter Squash Pie with a honey whole wheat crust
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10minutes
Cook Time 1hour10minutes
Total Time 1hour20minutes
Servings 8slices
Ingredients
For the crust
1 1/4cupswhole wheat pastry flourI’m a big fan of the bob’s red mill, you could probably use regular whole wheat for a more toothsome version, or a blend of all purpose and regular whole wheat
1 1/2teaspoonsbrown sugar
4tablespoonsone stick butter, cut into 1/2 inch or so pieces- very cold
1/4teaspoonsalt if using unsalted butter
1 1/2teaspoonshoney dissolved into
1/3cupmilk
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
For the filling
1cupof squash or pumpkin pureethe rest can be frozen for later use
3/4cupheavy or whipping cream
3egg yolks
1/4-1/3cupbrown sugar
1/4-1/3cupsugarvanilla sugar if you have it
3/4teaspoonground ginger
1 1/2teaspoonspumpkin pie spiceI had some penzeys pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own or substitute 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground clove, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg and/or allspice
a few grinds of black pepper
1/4teaspoonsalt
Instructions
for the crust in a food processor
combine milk, honey, and vanilla. stir until the honey has dissolved into the milk
combine flour, sugar, and salt (if applicable) in the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and either pulse in one second burst until the butter bits are the size of petite peas.
add the liquid portion and pulse until the mixture resembles large crumbs that are just coming together- they should form a cohesive dough if squeezed together.
remove from food processor, shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 days
for the crust by hand
combine flour sugar and salt in a large bowl, mix thoroughly then add the butter and either cur in with a pasty cutter or use your fingertips to mix in- once combined refrigerate or chill for about ten minutes
while this is chilling combine the milk, honey, and vanilla, stirring until the honey is dissolved.
add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and combine with a fork until it all just comes together
shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 days
roll and par bake the crust
roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. I like to fold and roll to create more layers and blend the butter in croissant style. so if the dough is still a little crumbly or sticky fear not just roll out and then use a bench scraper to fold up the dough envelope style, lightly flouring as needed to prevent sticking.
Place the dough in the 8” cast iron skillet. Trip the rough overhangs and set those bits aside to form into decorative bits or snacks.
re-chill the dough if necessary. line with foil and baking weights
preheat oven to 350F
par bake the crust for about 15 minutes and another 5 uncovered. this is when I also bake my decorative dough bits.
take the crust out, lower the oven heat to 300F and allow the crust to cool whilst you prepare the filling
for the filling
whisk together the cream and the squash puree until no lumps remain
add the remaining ingredients (egg yolks, sugars, spices) and whisk until completely combined
pour into par baked crust
bake and serve
bake at 300F until custard is set about 50 minutes (you may need to tent tin foil over the top to prevent the edges of the crust from burning
allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing from cast iron. completely cool before serving