Perfect Gourmet Pumpkin Pie: Easy Recipe

This is the ultimate Perfect Gourmet Pumpkin Pie. Easy to make and SO delicious with the addition of a secret, healthy ingredient.

You may have a few little sugar pumpkins left over from Halloween so now's the time to practice making that Perfect Gourmet Pumpkin Pie that's going to WOW everyone for Thanksgiving. In fact, I never grow or purchase ornamental pumpkins for decorating. I use decorations that I can EAT! Save time and money by getting a fat, squat sugar pumpkin or even a cheese pumpkin will do. Whatever you do, please don't use canned pumpkin!  Fresh pumpkin is superior in flavor and if you play your cards right, available in great supply around holiday time.

My little sugar pumpkin came right from this patch!

Perfect Gourmet Pumpkin Pie

2-3 cups of steamed fresh pumpkin meat
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3-4 whole cloves, crushed or 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon Long Life Coconut Oil
2 eggs
1 14oz can of sweetened, condensed milk (I like Eagle Brand)
1 rolled pie shell

Steam 1 small sugar pumpkin and use an ice cream scoop to separate the meat from the outer shell when done. Next puree the pumpkin meat with the 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a power blender, (I use a VitaMix) or food processor until smooth. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Next pour your pumpkin puree, (2-3 cups for a 9" deep dish pie), into a mixing bowl with your salt, spices, eggs and sweetened condensed milk and mix. I use my Kitchen Aid stand mixer and whip it up!
Pour into your pie crust and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 350 for 30-40 minutes more or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

When done, the filling should set up like firm custard. Let cool before slicing. Add a dollop of whipped cream & enjoy.

The gourmet secret is out. Add some coconut oil to your pumpkin pie filling! PHOTO: Long Life Coconut Oil with added Beta Carotene from Nature's Approved.

1 gallon container of Nature's Approved Longlife Coconut Oil will keep for 2-3 years.

25 Cool Uses for Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a healthy and nutritious addition to nearly every area of your life.

Coconut oil has so many uses!  It is much healthier than hydrogenated oils like Crisco but can be used in many recipes as a replacement for butter.  Here are more cool ideas for coconut oil:

COOKING

Popcorn - Use for popping corn like the movie theaters of old. So good!

Pancakes - Use to top your pancakes instead of butter.

Oatmeal - Add a dollop to your oatmeal in place of butter or margarine

Grilling - Coat, fish, chicken or shrimp with coconut oil before placing on the grill.

Deep Frying-Coconut oil can take higher temperatures in a deep fryer. Try it for shrimp and chicken.

Bread Recipes-Use coconut oil to replace the oil in your yeast bread recipes for a light, moist loaf.

As A Spread - Instead of butter, try using a bit of coconut butter on your toast.

Stir-Frying - Add coconut oil for Asian Wok recipes that require quick cooking at high temperatures.

Smoothies - Add a tablespoon of coconut oil in your favorite smoothie.

BEAUTY

Eye Makeup Remover - Apply to eyelids and skin to dissolve eye makeup. Remove with tissues.

Body Balm - Apply over your favorite body moisturizer after taking a bath for the best results.

Facial Moisturizer - After cleansing, apply your favorite moisturizer and a layer of coconut oil on top.

Lip Balm - Save those Burt's Bees tins & add coconut oil mixed with cocoa butter for your own gloss pots.

Cuticle Care - Use coconut oil to push back and moisturize cuticles to keep them healthy.

Cracked Heels - After moisturizing, apply coconut oil to your feet and cover with socks.

Exfoliant - Mix coconut oil with equal parts sea salt for a natural body scrub.

Hair Conditioner - Add to hair and cover with a turban over-night.  In the morning shampoo out.

Longer Eyelashes - Apply to eye lashes at night to moisturize and keep them growing long & strong.

HEALTH

Personal Lubricant - Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and anti fungal. Will not effect latex products.

Belly Fat Reducer - Replace your other oils with 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day.

Anti-inflammatory - Adding coconut oil to your daily diet helps reduce inflammation & joint pain.

Anti-Chafe - Apply to any area where skin rubs to reduce friction and chaffing.

Tooth & Gum Care - Coconut oil effectively removed plaque and heals gums. Add it to your toothbrush.

Warmer Hands & Feet - Apply to feet and hands in cold weather to help keep the heat in.

Shaving Balm -Apply coconut oil to the skin as a shaving oil.

I recommend purchasing coconut oil in bulk for the best results. I like to use Nature's Approved Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil

BEST Chicken a La Orange

Try something new like this sweet and sour twist on Chicken a la Orange!  Skillet: M'Stone Non-Stick Fry Pan by Mauviel of France

Chicken breasts can be your best friend, (in the kitchen anyway)!  I keep a bag of frozen, boneless-skinless chicken breasts in my deep freezer as they can be prepared and added to so many dishes at a moment's notice.  Simply take what you need and set the defrost button on your microwave to soften them up a bit.  

No need to thaw them out completely though.  They actually slice better if they are a bit firm and for this dish, you'll want something like one inch cubes of chicken.  This is SO fast.  Grab an orange and let's go:


BEST Chicken A La Orange Recipe

2 boneless-skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Large Orange
3 tbsps of flour plus 1 teaspoon of Organic Grape Seed Flour for dredging
1 teaspoon Sazon Goya
2 tbsps of Orange Marmalade for finishing glaze
2 tbsps of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for sauteeing 

Cut the partially frozen chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes and season with Sazon Goya. Next dredge the chicken chunks in your flour mixture and set aside.
Start heating your skillet and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil.
Section your fresh orange and cut into chunks.
Once the oil is hot (coconut oil remains stable at high temperatures) add in your floured chicken cubes, sautee and turn when one side is golden brown.
Add your fresh orange sections and continue cooking until chicken is thoroughly done, about 15 minutes.
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of Marmalade to the pan.
Cover and set aside for 5 minutes.
Serve over rice or potatoes.  Easy, quick and GOOD!

VARIATION:
Want more of an Asian kick?  Try adding in 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger root and a teaspoon of Kikoman Soy Sauce for that sweet and sour connection.  Delicious over ramen noodles.

Grape Seed flour adds flavor and antioxidants while coconut oil withstands high heat without breaking down

 

Valentine's Day Delights

Start your Valentine's Day beautifully! VS Body Shimmer & Angel Mist. Yves Saint Laurent Golden Lip Gloss

Just anticipating a romantic Valentine's Day can send your endorphins racing!  This year, set the mood for the evening to come with a few sensual fragrances and lip treats:


VS Dream Angels Heavenly Shimmer Mist a deliciously scented musk infused gel/mist that leaves a soft fragrance and light shimmery glow where ever you spray it.

YSL Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss is my absolute favorite.  Rich in vitamin E and botanical oils it gives your lips a 24K shine as it contains pure gold.

VS Dream Angels Desire Angel Mist has more of an alluring spicy scent.  Perfect for behind the knees and the decolletage.

Glossy Tint Lip Sheen and deliciously flavored Shiny Kiss in Manic Pink

Breakfast in Bed!
These are especially easy to make and clean up with these reusable silicone cup liners.  

Cranberry Walnut Breakfast Muffins.

 Cranberry Walnut Muffins Recipe

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cranberries or Craisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Whisk together wet ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside. Combine all the dry ingredients including the cranberries and walnuts in another bowl. Quickly fold the eggs, orange juice and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Batter should be lumpy, not over-mixed. Fill silicone cup liners to almost full and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to rack cool and serve warm with apricot butter.

Hot Cocoa

Have a cup of hot cocoa with a dollop of organic coconut butter!

Get a healthy chocolate fix by adding a teaspoon of Nature's Approved Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil to a cup of Godiva Hot Cocoa. So delicious and much better for you than a box of assorted chocolates.
 
Delicious YOU!

VS Edible Body Icing in Midnight Chocolate. VS Flannel Night Shirt.

Don't forget the most delectable treat of all...you!  VS Edible Body Icing is the icing on the cake for a deliciously memorable Valentine's Day this year.

VS Sleepover Sleep Tee-Perfect for V-Day

Check out this fantastic upcoming Seminar:

Valentine's Day Fitness Makeover
Most of us start with good intentions to get fit but soon find ourselves overwhelmed with the commitment of time and effort.  Gain new and practical inspiration with tips and tricks from a women's health and fitness author and blogger on how to incorporate toning and calorie burning into your daily lifestyle.  Dr. Miczak will also discuss nutrition to help increase your metabolism even when you are not exercising.
Saturday February 16, 10am - noon
Fee & Code: $29 XHEAF
Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738-1543
Info/Registration: 732-224-2315
Online Spring 2013 Business & Community Development Catalog & Registration