Food, Friendship and Pumpkin Pie with Caramelised Pecans

There are few things in life better or more pleasurable than time spent with those you love and a table filled with a selection of good food. I recently had the pleasure of sharing a lovely BBQ with one of the women I love best. We hardly ever talk, and rarely see each other, but when we do, it is as if no time has passed at all, and I could very well have spent the previous afternoon at her kitchen counter, sharing life’s ups and downs and goings on! I just love those kind of friendships: the ones you know you’ll still have when you’re 90 and possibly surrounded by great grandchildren, the ones that take no effort at all, yet are somehow the most cherished. Those rich friendships that nourish the soul and make you feel, quite simply, happy to be alive and to be known to this particular friend. 

I was experiencing these very sentiments while trying to think of something to do with a whole bunch of pumpkin I had in the pantry that needed using. Fluer (the very friend in question) and the fantastic evening we shared with her and her family kept popping into my head, and so I decided to create something reminiscent of her: something warm and welcoming but with a hint of spice, just the kind of thing that makes you feel warm and fuzzy and just a little bit indulgent. And so this pie was born! It’s probably one of the yummiest, while still being healthy, things I’ve ever made. Like a good friendship, a slice of this pie will make your heart happy. It will also fully satisfy any debaucherous cravings, without all the refined sugar that is usually hiding away in sweet pies.

This is a perfect dessert pie. Serve it with some whipped coconut cream that you’ve added a scraped vanilla bean to, and you’re in heaven. But, as I’ve discovered over the past few days, it’s equally as good eaten at breakfast, or afternoon tea or anytime of the day that tickles your fancy for that matter. It’s not a snobbish pie so you can really eat it whenever you want. The only suggestion I’d make is that you share it with those who fill your heart. Otherwise you’ll find you’ve eaten the whole thing yourself and you’ve done nothing but fill your own belly! It’s not hard to do, so don’t feel bad if you actually do it the whole thing. I practically have.

But it’s so damn good! It’s hard to resist, especially when you know the ingredients are good for you. Little by little I have nibbled away at this pie, so all that remains is one solitary slice. I had every intention of saving a slice for my sister in law who is coming around for tea later in the week, but I don’t think it’s going to make it. I’ll just have to make another! Luckily, it’s very easy to put together. You do, however, need a food processor, so it you don’t have one, it might be tricky. But hey, if you’re a lover of pumpkin pie, I wouldn’t let the lack of a processor stop you. Like the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way. And it pumpkin pie is for you, go for it!

For me, this pie contains the very essence of my friendship with Fluer. Now every time I make it, I’ll be reminded of her and hopefully spurred on to actually pick up my phone and press the dail button. For me, food is often inspired by my mood or by the season or what it’s the pantry. This recipe however, was inspired by a very dear friend, and all the more delicious for it!

Love and light!

Susanna xo